Gameday Open Thread: Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 2:38 PM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	at	Minnesota Timberwolves
16-4		2-15
6:00 PM Mountain / 8:00 PM Eastern
TV: My45 HD, NBA League Pass

Two teams on opposite ends of the standings meet up tonight as the 16-4 Suns close out their five-game road trip against the 2-15 rebuilding Minnesota Timberwolves. The Suns come in with a five-game winning streak, while the Wolves have a five-game losing streak. Sounds like the ideal opponent for the Suns to face on the back of a four-games-in-five-nights stretch.

Need a reason to get up for this game? Minnesota's last win was five games ago on November 26 at New Orleans. Their previous win was five games before that against the Kings on November 14, and they opened the season with five losses before that. So, if their lose five/win one pattern continues, that would mean they're due for one of those miracle, "underdog plays way over its head" shockers. Seems unlikely, but anything can and does happen. For more on the game from the Timberwolves' perspective--including their "Let the Rhino Roam" strategy involving second-year forward/center Craig Smith, see the preview on Timberwolves.com.

Here's what happened when the Suns faced the KG-less Timberwolves last season (barring a major letdown of monumental proportions that final score sounds about right):

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Ok gameplan for tonight

Suns will roll through the Timberwolves like Patton's 3rd Army rolling through Southern France. Expect absolute and total slaughter tonight.
The wolves will keep it interesting though, but in the end all their work will be for naught as the Suns catch on fire by the 3rd quarter.
All I want from this game is meaningful playing time for our bench and to see Diaw assert himself some more.

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

by Turambar on Dec 8, 2007 5:32 PM MST reply actions

Q1 8:30 - Game on

Sorry I'm late. In the early going we're all tied up. I missed the first minute or so, so can't provide insight on how we got there.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:16 PM MST reply actions

Q1 6:37 - Al Jefferson getting it done

...for the Wolves. The emphatic dunk, and now gets fouled as the Suns try to prevent another one. Wolves up 14-12.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:18 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:41 - Rhino?

I guess that really is Craig Smith's nickname. I would think that anything involving rhinos against the Suns would end badly for the rhino-utilizing team. Shawn Marion ties it with the easy one off the Nash feed.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:20 PM MST reply actions

Or maybe not...

...I sure missed the call on that one, didn't I?

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 9:15 PM MST up reply actions

Q1 4:21 - LB and Boris in

...after that last break.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:24 PM MST reply actions

Q1 4:07 - That didn't take long

LB is on the board.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:24 PM MST reply actions

Q1 3:36 - Times two

See above comment. :) Thought it was a three, but I guess just a long two.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:25 PM MST reply actions

Q1 1:47 - Diaw for three

Didn't see that coming. Diaw first on the board with a three.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:27 PM MST reply actions

Q1 1:11 - LB with the "ohh ahh" shot

Calmly gets a three drawing "oohs" from the crowd.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:31 PM MST reply actions

After one...

That may be the quietest 30+ point quarter all season. Suns lead 32-28 after one. LB looks to be the hot hand in the early going. Diaw looks pretty good too with a three and a shot clock-beating jumper so far. Looks like Marion can get to the basket just about anytime he wants tonight, but isn't hitting anything else. (I read he has a chest cold, though, so going to cut him some slack).

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:35 PM MST reply actions

One other stat...

...I should mention: Steve Nash already has seven assists.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:35 PM MST reply actions

Q2 11:21 - I jinxed LB

Missed twice on that last possession.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:36 PM MST reply actions

Woot Woot!!!!!!

perhaps Diaw shall assert himself?

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

by Turambar on Dec 8, 2007 6:37 PM MST reply actions

Q2 10:34 - Offensive rebounds

Nice stop. Too bad we let them get the second attempt. Turns into an and-one to put the Wolves back on top. 33-32.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:38 PM MST reply actions

Q2 - 9:53 - Second chance points are killing us

...right now. Another one. Suns get it back plus one on the other end, tied at 35.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:39 PM MST reply actions

Bleh Jefferson

Put a damn body on Al!!!!!!!!

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

by Turambar on Dec 8, 2007 6:40 PM MST reply actions

Q2 6:40 - LB with the luck shot

Gets a friendly roll off the front rim to move the Suns back in front. 42-41.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:46 PM MST reply actions

Twolves broadcast not in sync

That's the second time they've bungled the cut back to the game after a commercial. League Pass is so much fun. :)

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:49 PM MST reply actions

Q2 5:37 - Speaking of not in sync

Little miscommunication leads to a turnover. Telfair goes down hard on the break. Looks like Nash clipped him in the face as he was running by.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:51 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:48 - Stuffed

...by Amare on the defensive end leads to Marion make on the other end.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:54 PM MST reply actions

BRB

Need to step away for a sec. Will resume once I've caught back up to the game.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:55 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:26 - Annihilated!

...by Amare. Nice try, Telfair. Too bad he blocked it out of bounds, though. Wolves score anyway on the second chance.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 6:58 PM MST reply actions

Q2 1:15 - Ugh

I could do without seeing Kevin McHale pick his nose. I could also do without Amare missing two free throws. I could really do without the Wolves taking the lead again on the Telfair make. Turnover on the other end makes a third consecutive 60 point+ first half very unlikely.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:02 PM MST reply actions

Meh......

Sounds like a largely uninspired game so far. Hopefully they'll get things going after the half.

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

by Turambar on Dec 8, 2007 7:02 PM MST reply actions

At the half

Suns up 56-55 after the and-one from Nash.

It doesn't take much to figure out why it's so close, despite the Suns out-shooting the TWolves 58%-50%, and out-blocking them 7-0. The TWolves outrebounded the Suns by nine in the first half. 10 of those were of the infuriating offensive variety, and it seemed like just about all of them led to a second chance score for the Wolves. The good news is, this game isn't all that different from what we've seen in the last two. Let's see if the Suns can break out the hammer again in the third quarter.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:08 PM MST reply actions

Q3 10:46 - Nash and Amare show

Amare with two dunks already off Nash feeds. He also just had a really nice steal where he basically just took it out of Al Jefferson's hand. Suns have their 60 now, leading 61-55.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:24 PM MST reply actions

Q3 10:00 - That was ugly

Airball by Raja. Maybe he was fouled? That was a pretty bad miss.

Nash and Amare show has become the Marko Jaric show. Back-to-back threes ties the score again at 61.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:25 PM MST reply actions

Or not...

...guess that last one wasn't a three. Back-to-back scores in any case.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:27 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 6:46 - Wolves hanging tough

So far, the third quarter hammer isn't working. The Wolves are leading at 72-69.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:29 PM MST reply actions

Q3 6:22 - Amare in foul trouble

Picks up his fourth. So far, the Wolves are playing with a lot more energy than the Suns.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:32 PM MST reply actions

Q3 5:01 - Tonight's something from nothing play?

Near turnover by Nash leads to Bell three. Suns go back up by three (79-73). Nash picks up his 15th assist. If this stays close, he's going for 20+ tonight.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:34 PM MST reply actions

Q3 3:05 - Downright offensive!

Suns look tired right now. Kind of like they're on their fourth game in five nights, and on their last game of a road trip. Way, way too many offensive rebounds.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:39 PM MST reply actions

After three

The Suns find themselves in unfamiliar territory, down by seven going into the fourth. Wolves lead 87-80. Are we in for an upset? Amare might have something to say about that. He looks mighty unhappy sitting on the bench in foul trouble.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:52 PM MST reply actions

Q4 10:28 - No rest for the weary

Steve Nash is in to start the fourth. So far, it's not helping as the Wolves have extended their lead to nine, and the Suns continue to miss shots.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:54 PM MST reply actions

Gahhhhhhhh

GO SUNS >_<

by whatisboxhappening on Dec 8, 2007 7:56 PM MST reply actions

Q4 - 9:00 - That's better

Steve Nash for three. We're going to need those to get back in this. Wolves lead had grown to 10 before that shot.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 7:56 PM MST reply actions

Sorry I'm so late

This has been ugly. Two straight 3's by Steve is a good sign though!

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:00 PM MST reply actions

Q4 8:22 - MVP time?

Steve is trying to take over. Hits his second three, cutting the lead down to four. 91-87 Wolves.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:00 PM MST reply actions

Hill looks tired tonight

Shots not falling. He's good at drawing charges though. That Duke training.

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:03 PM MST reply actions

Q4 6:25 - Shots just aren't falling

If the Suns win this, it will have to just be because the have the edge in experience, and on the defensive end of the floor. Shots aren't falling in the late going as both Hill and Marion miss fairly easy ones on consecutive possessions.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:04 PM MST reply actions

If the Suns lose ...

I'll be really frustrated. Not that it's unforgivable to have an off game now and then, and it's been a long trip. But friggin' Minnesota.

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:06 PM MST reply actions

If the Suns lose...

...it will be because they've allowed 17 friggin' offensive rebounds so far.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:10 PM MST up reply actions

This is where

we really could use Nash's missing J. Yeah, he made a couple, but we know when he's on, he hits them all. Oh, for crying out loud, another offensive rebound.

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:08 PM MST reply actions

and another and another and another

And Amare travels. sigh.

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:10 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 3:32 - Mark that play

While I was typing a comment about offensive rebounds, the Wolves grab another one, leading to yet another second-chance point. The announcers are talking about the possibility that David might beat Golliath tonight. If that happens, it will be because Golliath seems to be nailed to the floor while David jumps over him 18 times to grab the rock for a second shot.

Ah well... You know what they say. "Any given night"

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:12 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:45 - I will almost feel bad if we win this

The Wolves deserve to win this. They're taking advantage of what they have.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:14 PM MST reply actions

Totally agree

If Minnesota manages to lose this, then they are completely snakebit.

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:15 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 1:53 - Nice "D" by Hill

...but Suns can't capitalize on the other end as Nash picks up the offensive foul after the inbounds.

We've seen the Suns pull these out before, but somehow this one just doesn't have that "feel" to it.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:16 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:55 - And that's why they're 2-15

Really bad shot by Brewer. Still looking good for the Wolves though, unless the Suns score on their next possession.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:18 PM MST reply actions

Suns have 9 points in the quarter

That is a bad thing.

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:18 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:41 - And that should do it

Layup by the Wolves and turnover by the Suns. I don't think we're going to pull this one out, down by eight with 15 to go.

And for extra fun, one more offensive rebound by the Wolves. Yup, that should be the ballgame.

Ah well, 4-1 ain't bad, and the Wolves really deserved it. Hats off to 'em.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:21 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:11 - Kinda hard to feel bad about this one

Seeing how happy those guys are.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:23 PM MST reply actions

Hard to be a target

Minnesota's going nowhere, so games like this are their "playoffs".

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:24 PM MST reply actions

I'm sure

It'll be nice to get home. Bring on Shaq.

by SueB on Dec 8, 2007 8:26 PM MST reply actions

And that's the game

Congrats to the Timberwolves. They are celebrating like they just won the Finals. LOL. Seriously, great win for the Wolves.

Recap coming up shortly.

by TexSUN on Dec 8, 2007 8:26 PM MST reply actions

Arg...friggen letdown games!!!

It always seems that the last game of a road trip or the second game of a back to backer can always be a letdown. Lo and behold it sure was. Seemed like listening on the radio that the Suns just were tired and werent making a big effort. Not to mention that the wolves were just playing well. I can live with these loses but arg they are frustrating!!!!!!

Well if we come through this month beating the Spurs I could care less about this game

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

by Turambar on Dec 8, 2007 8:30 PM MST reply actions