Gameday Open Thread: Phoenix Suns at Washington Wizards

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 8:24 AM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	at	Washington Wizards
15-4		9-9
5:00 PM Mountain / 7:00 PM Eastern
TV: My45 HD, NBA League Pass
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Antonio Daniels
Raja Bell	SG	DeShawn Stevenson
Grant Hill	SF	Caron Butler
Shawn Marion	PF	Antawn Jamison
Amare Stoudemire	C	Brendan Haywood

It was almost a year ago that Gilbert Arenas got his revenge against Mike D'Antoni by scoring 54 points to help end the Suns 15-game winning streak. Of course, the Wizards got an assist from a Denver snowstorm, and when the Suns played the Wizards again 14 games into another long winning streak a month later, it was D'Antoni's night for revenge. The Suns ran the Wizards out of their own gym, and "held" Arenas to 31. This time around, the Suns won't have to contend with Agent Zero, who is still recovering from knee surgery, and expected to be out for a few months. But they will have to overcome their own road weariness on the fourth of a five-game trip, and third game in four nights. If Wednesday night was any indication, that shouldn't be a problem. The Wizards have won six of their 10 games since Arenas was last in the lineup, including all of their home games and a solid road win over the Mavericks. For more about the game from a Wizard fan's perspective, see Bullets Forever.

I'm going the positive thinking route and assuming that my internet connectivity issues will be resolved by this evening. Should that turn out to be the case, I will be on for live blogging. Here are the Suns serving up their own special recipe for revenge last January:

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Prediction

Fun times shall abound for the glorious Suns. This could be a let down game, but I have a feeling we should be fine. Look for Nash to drop at least 20 dimes tonight. Along with STAT rocking with 30+ pts. God willing we'll even see a DJ sighting.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 7, 2007 11:53 AM MST reply actions

We're off

Wizards end up with the tip, but not without some fight from the Suns, and the Suns end up first on the scoreboard anyway with a Raja Bell three.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:13 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:40 - Steve for MV3?

The MVP talk for Nash has started with the Wizards' announcers mentioning that he might be in the running again this year. Amare made a good case himself on that last play.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:15 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:01 - Broadcaster's jinx

...gets Amare on the free throws. Suns up 7-2 after two misses from the line.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:16 PM MST reply actions

Q1 9:17 - Nice rebound from Amare leads too...

....um, nothing. But it was still a nice rebound by Amare.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:17 PM MST reply actions

Q1 7:43 - Something from nothing

Aimless looking possession leads to Grant Hill three. A few plays ago Marion missed a wide-open three, which makes me realize I no longer cringe when Hill puts up the three. I do, however, look the other way when Marion hoists one. Of course, he started slow last year too.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:19 PM MST reply actions

Q1 6:35 - Flush!

On the putback by Amare puts the Suns up by 8. The Suns are playing a team that's happy to run with them, and so far so good. Seems we're really making an effort to rebound by committee in the early going. The last break was fueled by one of those "tipped to a teammate" rebounds.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:21 PM MST reply actions

Shocked? I think not

Announcers say the Wizards "shocked" the Suns last year. No mention of the snowstorm.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:22 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:16 - Steve for three

That's usually a good sign.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:24 PM MST reply actions

Q1 3:54 - Everyone's on the board

...except LB who just entered. Amare's jumper looks great tonight.

...and I don't even get this comment typed before LB is on the board too. Suns up 25-18.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:26 PM MST reply actions

Diaw's in too

...missed that.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:27 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:18 - Off night for the Matrix?

1-5 after that latest miss. A minutes ago it looked like a 30-point quarter was a certainty. Now it's looking like a much closer call. Suns up 26-20 with two minutes, though, so they should still get it done.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:31 PM MST reply actions

Q1 1:08 - And there's the 30

With a minute to go. Suns looking pretty good so far with Nash getting his usual rest.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:32 PM MST reply actions

Q1 00:28 - Wow....

Not that we're playing stellar defense, or anything, but that was luck. Too bad the Suns don't get the same bounce on the other end.

After one, the Suns lead by just four (30-36), despite shooting 54%, and 60% from three.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:35 PM MST reply actions

Q2 10:52 - Defense need not apply

...fortunately, the Wizards missed, but if there's a fatigue factor tonight, it's on the defensive end.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:38 PM MST reply actions

Q2 9:38 - Nice block by LB

Unfortunately the Suns can't coral it, but an ugly miss by the Wizards gets the stop done anyway.

The Wizards can block too. Raja Bell annihilated on the other end.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:40 PM MST reply actions

Q2 8:17 - Energy

The Wizards are playing with a lot of energy. The Suns are too so far, but the Wizards are on fire right now. Three ball and the jumper put them back within one, 36-35.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:45 PM MST reply actions

Q2 7:21 - Nice!

Stuff by Amare. More, please.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:45 PM MST reply actions

Q2 7:03 - Ok, that will work too

Amare layup with the foul. Gets the free throw this time. Suns up six, 41-35.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:46 PM MST reply actions

Q2 6:11 - More Amare

Gets the block, then the long feed from Nash for the stuff on the other end.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:48 PM MST reply actions

Going to the break

The Wizard announcers said Nash and Amare look like Stockton and Malone. Yeah, if Stockton ever through length-of-the-court passes to Malone. Not.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 5:51 PM MST up reply actions

Threw

... not "through" ;)

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 5:52 PM MST up reply actions

I was thinking the same thing

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:53 PM MST up reply actions

The Suns are shooting...

...57.6% with Nash tonight and 30% without, so says the announcers.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:51 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:51 - Scratch what I said about boards earlier

Evidentially I jinxed the Suns with my comment about rebounding earlier. Another offensive rebound by the Wizards leads to another second chance score.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:53 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:10 - Ouch

LB gets called for the flagrant on Daniels. Even the announcers thinks he was going for the block, but Wizards get two FT's and the ball.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:54 PM MST reply actions

Q2 3:43 - No time to celebrate

LB gets a bit of redemption on the other end after the Wizards pull to within one after what turned out to be a four-point play following the flagrant. 50-47 Suns.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:56 PM MST reply actions

Just caught up to live on my DVR

So figured I'd come out here and join you. These early games are really hard for me to watch live. "Family time".

Kids plopped in front of the other TV at the moment (great sitter).

Nice job so far, Tex. Score's too close for comfort at the moment though ..

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 5:57 PM MST reply actions

Sure thing!

Hop on in.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:58 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 2:42 - Pulling my hair out

...after another offensive rebound. Luckily the Wizards goal tend on the other end, so lead still three at 52-49.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:57 PM MST reply actions

Q2 1:57 - Timely three

By Grant Hill. We needed that.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 5:59 PM MST reply actions

Never dreamed

He'd be shooting 3's like this. Didn't go back to see if you mentioned the play where he fell and stayed down for a few seconds. I was holding my breath.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:00 PM MST up reply actions

Wasn't time

Another comment-worthy play happened I think before I got to it.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:03 PM MST up reply actions

Well, I was worried

Because I'd made some comment at the zoo that is azc today in response to somebody worrying about the Lakers getting Jason Kidd, and I said well, why worry about hypothetical stuff like that - Grant Hill could just as easily come down on his ankle wrong, and if he really got hurt, I was going to shoot myself for saying it.

And here I am, saying it again. What an idiot. ;)

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:09 PM MST up reply actions

Amare already has 18 pts!

He piles them up quickly, doesn't he. He's had a few really nice lightning-quick stuffs tonight.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:02 PM MST reply actions

Make it 21 now

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:02 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 1:35 - Ugh, free throws...

Crowd is booing while Amare shoots the FT. Turns out it was the Dallas Cowboys they were booing not Amare. Amare missed a FT anyway. Ugh.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:02 PM MST reply actions

Q1 00:11 - That three would have been nice

...oh well.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:03 PM MST reply actions

Steve's shooting

Still just a little off.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:06 PM MST up reply actions

Ummm...

GOOOOOO Suns! Just thought I'd throw that out there.

by whatisboxhappening on Dec 7, 2007 6:08 PM MST reply actions

At the half

A little too close for comfort, but the Suns are up by five, 60-55. Wait, they were up by five in the last game too. With a near-identical score even. So never mind.

As SueB pointed out, Amare is on fire with 9-11 shooting and already has 21 points. He's also got 5 rebounds. Steve Nash already has 11 assists, in part due to Amare's shooting prowess. 2006-07 Diaw has re-appeared in place of the 2005-06 version that showed up last game. I guess something inside of him only lets him play well when the team really needs him, like when Amare has to miss, or when someone has to sit with early fouls like Marion did last time. Oh well. Brian Skinner nailed a sweet jumper, but we're making the Wizards' centers look like All-Stars so far (especially Blatche) by allowing too many untimely offensive rebounds and easy looks around the rim. But enough complaining. We're shooting 53% to their 48%, and we have the lead, so I guess we're at least playing better defense than the Wizards so far. Keys for second half:

Keep feeding Amare.
Raja or Shawn (or both) get hot.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:13 PM MST reply actions

As long as

The Suns have the same type of 3rd quarter they had against the Raptors, then I don't mind the close halftime score.

But guess we'll see.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:14 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 8:06 - Stops? We don't need no skinkin' stops!

This definitely isn't a defensive masterpiece by either team. Fortunately, the Suns are great at the "win by offense" game plan. Another 136+ night for our guys? Not outside the realm of possibility. 73-61 after the three by Bell.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:26 PM MST reply actions

Q3 7:19 - SueB may be onto something

...with Nash's shooting. Just missed another open three. Not like him, especially after that the way that first one at the beginning of the game went through.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:29 PM MST reply actions

Q3 6:30 - In sync

Lest anyone think I'm being overly-negative, the Suns are really in sync tonight. The lead is up to 15 after the latest three by Bell. Suns already have 80 points, and there's still 5:40 to go in the third.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:30 PM MST reply actions

Five Suns in double figures

And Shawn just two points away. Nash with 14 assists already.

Half-way thru the 3rd quarter.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:31 PM MST reply actions

Q3 4:28 - You take two, we'll take three

Raja with the spirit-crushing three. Suns up by 16.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:33 PM MST reply actions

It's raining 3s

Raja and now even Boris with one. Starting to think the third quarter is "our" quarter. Teams are happy to just be close at the half, and then we pick it up another gear and blow them away.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:34 PM MST reply actions

Q3 4:00 - 3D wants three too

Diaw looked pretty calm and confident on that. Suns up by 19 now. The rout is on? We'll see. Nash is probably due his third quarter break after this timeout. 86-67 Suns.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:35 PM MST reply actions

Not so fast...

...on the Nash resting. He stays in. Not sure what I was thinking of there, guess I forgot what quarter we were in. Anyway, Raja and Diaw have really caught fire in the third. Diaw has scored twice more while I was typing this. Raja now has four threes and 16 points after the slow first half.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:38 PM MST reply actions

Now Boris

Suddenly has 7 points. Maybe he can get to doubles as well. Surprised Nash is still in there. 2:32 left. Maybe he'll head out now? Nope.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:38 PM MST reply actions

Q3 1:53 - Three the hard way

After searching for the three around the parameter, they get it to LB for the and-one and three the old-fashioned way. Suns up by 19 again, 93-74.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:39 PM MST reply actions

Bell unconscious

Great to see it.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:40 PM MST reply actions

I meant

SHOOTING like he's unconscious. Not really unconscious. That wouldn't be nice to see at all.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:41 PM MST up reply actions

LOL at this comment

Missed it during the game. That's funny.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 9:12 PM MST up reply actions

haha...

by jasonsuns1 on Dec 7, 2007 9:57 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 1:24 - Wow, just wow

Raja nails another three. This is the Toronto game all over again. Wizards starting to look tired. Or discouraged. Or both. Suns are now up by 24 after Skinner makes one right at the rim.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:40 PM MST reply actions

Q3 00:41 - Marion icing his hand?

I wonder if that explains why he's off a bit from the field tonight? He's 4-9, though, so not horrible.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:41 PM MST reply actions

Missed it the first time

Think I was typing when they showed him. Yep, rewound and he's definitely icing his right hand. Can't imagine he'll be back in with this lead.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:44 PM MST up reply actions

Well, he's in there for the start of the 4th qtr

So I guess it's nothing serious after all.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:48 PM MST up reply actions

Let's get 100

before the end of the quarter.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:41 PM MST reply actions

Thanks, LB

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:42 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 00:24 - Amazing shot by LB

Arced that one WAY up there. Crowd goes "ooh and ahh". Lead back to 24, and that's how they'll enter the fourth.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:42 PM MST reply actions

Wow

That was a nice quarter of ass-kicking. Nash even had a chance to get plenty of rest as he sat out the rest of the quarter. Even Diaw is lookin pretty good tonight. Now we just need to close it out.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 7, 2007 6:44 PM MST reply actions

Looks like the internet issues are resolved

This is the longest I've been able to live blog without running into that "high-speed behaves like 2400bps dialup" problem all season. By golly, I think they may have got it fixed this time.

Suns already have 100 points. Quest for 136 may be deterred if the Wizards don't get back into it. Might DJ and crew get an early call? With another game tomorrow, that would be awesome.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:45 PM MST reply actions

40-point third quarter

What gives? I was expecting 45 again. ;)

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:45 PM MST reply actions

Slacking off!

I think they still had a bigger lead to start the fourth, though.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:48 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 11:53 - Lid on the basket...

...to start the fourth. At least it is for the Suns. Wizards on a 7-0 run to start the quarter, and now trail by 17. 100-83.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:47 PM MST reply actions

Q4 9:41 - How low will it go...

...before Mike D' calls Nash and Amare back in? Down to 16, and now a steal by the Wizards leads to...

...nothing. And LB makes a three to push the cushion back to 19. A reprieve, at least for now.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:50 PM MST reply actions

Q4 8:21 - Blatche

Who is this guy? 16 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Six of those rebounds are on the offensive end. Skinner with the hard foul sends him to the line.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:53 PM MST reply actions

hi texsun

glad to hear your connection is doing better. Nice to come in and read, go suns!!

by jasonsuns1 on Dec 7, 2007 6:55 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 8:16 - Nash back in

Not sure why all the chatter about DJ from the announcers. Doesn't look like he's in the game. I was a little late getting back to the break due to rewinding the DVR for a play I missed. Anybody want to fill me in?

Nash already has 18 assists. Sets a new record for something (Wizard opponent? I missed that comment too).

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:55 PM MST reply actions

Assist tecord

for the arena.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:56 PM MST up reply actions

RECORD

not tecord. :)

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:56 PM MST up reply actions

Thanks!

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:57 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 7:06 - Poor Marion

Just not his night. Couldn't get the original shot or the putback off the rebound.

That's ok. Grant Hill has his back. Nash to Hill full court for another one of those "Stockton-Malone" plays the announcers like so much.

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:57 PM MST reply actions

DJ played college ball

at Maryland. That's why they're talking about him.

by SueB on Dec 7, 2007 6:57 PM MST reply actions

Ahh ok.

Thanks. Again. That's what I get for rewinding too far and taking too long to get back. :)

by TexSUN on Dec 7, 2007 6:59 PM MST up reply actions

on game

hill 2-3 on threes!!
bell 5-9 on threes!!!!

by jasonsuns1 on Dec 7, 2007 6:58 PM MST reply actions

Victory Cigars

well God willing this timeout will see coach brining in the victory cigars (read scrubs). I cant imagin why he wouldnt but then again he has no trust in the bench so.....

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Dec 7, 2007 6:58 PM MST reply actions