Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 4:13 PM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	vs.	Milwaukee Bucks
25-11		15-21
7:00 PM Mountain / 9:00 PM Eastern
TV: FSN AZ HD, NBA League Pass
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Mo Williams
Raja Bell	SG	Michael Redd
Shawn Marion	SF	Bobby Simmons
Boris Diaw	PF	Yi Jianlian
Amare Stoudemire	C	Andrew Bogut

After getting pummeled in Utah, the Suns are hoping to have two of their three ailing starters back at home tonight to face the Bucks. According to the Arizona Republic, Steve Nash and Shawn Marion are hopeful (Update: It's official, they're back). Grant Hill, of course, is continuing his recovery from last week's emergency appendectomy. The Bucks recently got back an injured starter as well--Michael Redd returned from a four-game absence to play last night against the Lakers.

The Suns have done well against Eastern conference opponents, and the Bucks at 15-21 and four games behind Atlanta for that eight playoff spot are hardly the cream of the crop. But lest anyone get too cocky, know this: The Bucks have two things that the Suns don't have--a win over the Lakers and a win over the Mavericks. For a view from the Bucks' side, check out Brew Hoop.

Here's #16 on last year's franchise-high 17-game win streak:

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SUNS!!!!!

BTW.....drunk now. LMU pre party for LMU v Ganzaga.

Anyhow, Suns should own this game. Knock on wood. With Matrix and Nash back should be fun times. We shall see, but I expect STAT to own and Nash to embarrass our enemies.

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

by Turambar on Jan 12, 2008 5:40 PM MST reply actions

Nash and Marion back

Sounds like Nash is ailing, but is going to give it a go. Matrix back too.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:12 PM MST reply actions

Q1 11:36 - Game on

Amare is already on the board with the wide-open dunk. Bucks don't waste time getting it back and then some with the Michael Redd three-pointer. 3-2, Bucks.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:14 PM MST reply actions

Q1 9:24 - Guess that elbow is OK

Marion picking up where he left off pre-injury, making his first three attempt of the night. Gives the Suns the lead back at 9-6.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:16 PM MST reply actions

Q1 7:02 - Nice pass by Nash...

...around the back to Amare.

Meanwhile, Raja Bell nails a three. 41-12, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:19 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:24 - Three for all

Nash makes a three, to give the Suns the 19-14 lead. He's also already got four assists. Not bad for a guy playing with the stomach flu.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:21 PM MST reply actions

Q1 4:25 - Amare is dialed in tonight

...a couple of nice moves on his last couple of shots to avoid defenders.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:24 PM MST reply actions

Q1 3:36 - The Amare Show continues

...with the highlight dunk off Shawn Marion's assist.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:26 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:10 - Banks is in

Marcus Banks is in, hopefully for a better outing than the other night. Meanwhile, Amare is going for 50 tonight if he has any say in the matter. Suns lead 27-22.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:31 PM MST reply actions

After one

The Bucks have the lead on the buzzer-beater, 31-29. Amare has totally gone off in this game. The Suns have the higher shooting percentage (60% to 58%), they've out-rebounded the Bucks 9-7, out-assisted, and out-blocked. The difference is turnovers. The Suns have four, the Bucks just one.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:37 PM MST reply actions

Q2 10:17 - Can the Sun score without Amare?

Amare and his 16 points are sitting on the bench to open the second. Mike D'Antoni is going with a three-guard lineup with Banks, LB, Raja, Diaw, and Skinner to open the second. Suns up 37-33 after LB's two free throws.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:42 PM MST reply actions

Q2 9:11 - Double whammy

Suns get called for the foul on LB and the goal tend on Skinner. Tough possession brings the Bucks back within one at 37-36.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:43 PM MST reply actions

Q2 7:37 - That's the Boris we need

Makes the follow tip-in.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:49 PM MST reply actions

Q2 5:48 - Grant Hill is already back...

...on the sidelines, that is. Still, nice to see him back, even if it has to be in a suit.

Meanwhile, Amare gets the and-1 slam, and simultaneously getting Bobby Simmons in foul trouble. Bucks lead 47-46.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:52 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:29 - Flattest shot ever

...but it goes in by Villinueva to give the Bucks a 52-48 lead, which grows to 54-48 after the Bucks score again.

At least Diaw is being aggressive, as he looks to score once more to bring it to 54-50.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:53 PM MST reply actions

Q2 3:20 - Nice steal by Amare

Too bad he stepped out of bounds.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:54 PM MST reply actions

Q2 3:05 - No defense whatsoever

...on the Bucks shooters that time. Milwaukee is starting to run away with this. Mike D'Antoni wisely calls a timeout with the Suns down by eight (58-50).

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:55 PM MST reply actions

Q2 2:19 - That helps

LB hits a well-timed three. 60-53, Bucks.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 7:58 PM MST reply actions

Q2 00:33 - Nash heating up

Now with nine points after that last one, making him 4-of-6 and also with five assists.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:02 PM MST reply actions

At the half

Great first half by Milwaukee. They lead 68-61 at the half. For the first time in recent memory (well, other than that Utah game), the Suns are trailing in the assists column. The Bucks have made eight of 13 threes, while the Suns have made five of 15. That's the main difference in the game at this point.

Looks like LB is pitching Maytag now. Hadn't seen that commercial yet. "Stop in and tell them 'the Blur sent you'". Cute.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:04 PM MST reply actions

Maybe that explains it

Word is according to the broadcast, one of the baskets is crooked so they're replacing it.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:22 PM MST reply actions

...or just realigning it I guess

Game on.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:22 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 11:00 - Same old, same old

Suns give up a million offensive rebounds on that possession, and the Bucks finally score.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:23 PM MST reply actions

Q3 10:14 - Ditto

Same thing, but this time it's the Suns playing volleyball under the basket. Amare makes one of two to bring the Suns within eight, 72-64.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:25 PM MST reply actions

Q3 9:11 - Nash vs. Yi

Nash wins this round. 72-68, Bucks

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:26 PM MST reply actions

Q3 8:42 - Go Diaw!

Boris is really being aggressive tonight, with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists. We may be looking at the best game of the season from him.

72-70, Bucks. Almost there.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:28 PM MST reply actions

Q3 8:23 - Those threes aren't falling as often

...for the Bucks in the second half so far. Meanwhile, Boris just set his season high they say, with 14 (really?). The Suns have tied it up at 72.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:31 PM MST reply actions

Q3 6:36 - Suns take the lead...

...for the first time in what seems like forever on the Nash three. They don't keep it for long, though, as Michael Redd makes a three of his own. 79-77, Bucks.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:33 PM MST reply actions

Q3 5:39 - Amare teaches the rookie a lesson

Blocks Yi, looked like twice. Nash's three on the other end gives the Suns back the lead at 81-79. (Let's try to keep it this time.

....or not. Yi ties it back at 81, making amends.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:35 PM MST reply actions

Q3 3:52 - Sweet assist by Boris

...to Raja for the three. AGAIN the Suns take the three-point lead...

...and get to keep it this time, thanks to the good defense for the steal and fast-break dunk by Marion off the patented Nash full-court pass on the other end. Suns up 88-83.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:38 PM MST reply actions

Q3 2:43 - Wild shot by LB

Really, really wish he'd learn to use those sparingly. They're amazing when they go in, but more often than not, they do what that one just did.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:41 PM MST reply actions

Q3 2:14 - Diaw's season high

OK, I guess I misunderstood the broadcast earlier (or else they just had it wrong). Diaw just set his season high for real now apparently at 18 points. That sounds more correct. 19 after he makes the free throw.

91-85, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:42 PM MST reply actions

Q3 00:57 - Amare with the circus shot.

...while getting fouled. Misses the free throws, but Marion grabs the offensive rebound, and after Diaw gets one too, Raja cans the three. four-point swing on that, giving the Suns the 96-85 lead.

Now, I'm cheering for the Suns to win for a different reason than usual--I badly want to award the first Boris Diaw Player of the Game of the season.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:46 PM MST reply actions

After three

Tough break at the end of the third. Raja gets called for what looks like a phantom foul on a Royal Ivey wild heave under the basket that had no chance of going in anyway. At least he only made one free throw, so the Suns take a 10-point lead into the fourth at 96-86.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:49 PM MST reply actions

Q4 11:02 - Diaw breaks 20

Now with 21, and also 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:54 PM MST reply actions

Q4 9:59 - If Banks could just make those...

...layups when he gets fouled, he might lead the team in and-1's outside of Amare. Instead, he settles for two free throws to restore the 10 point lead. Suns are first to 100 at 100-90.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:55 PM MST reply actions

Q4 8:59 - That didn't last long

Bucks waste no time getting back within six. 100-94, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 8:57 PM MST reply actions

Q4 8:04 - Nash's shooting

Nash breaks 21 too, making him 9-11 so far.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:01 PM MST reply actions

Q4 7:10 - Don't bring that stuff around here!

Two different Bucks try to flop on that possession, but the refs ain't having it. Amare gets the two.

...meanwhile, Nash makes another three. Suns now at 109-108.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:01 PM MST reply actions

cool to hear about diaw

playing so well

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:03 PM MST reply actions

Blogger's jinx?

Looks like I may have jinxed Marion way back at the start of the game when he made that first three. Either that, or it's the elbow. Unfortunately, it's probably the elbow. He's 2-6 and has just five points. The eight rebounds are helpful, though.

The Suns finally found a team they can hang with on the boards. They're out-rebounding the Bucks 30-24 so far.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:04 PM MST reply actions

Q4 5:24 - Nash, Amare, Diaw

Tonight's big three. Another three for Steve, making him 5-of-6 and 11-13 overall.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:06 PM MST reply actions

boston lost to washington

WASHINGTON IS 18-16 and they beat the celtics, were the celtics missing anyone again...nope, looks like pierce and allen had bad shooting games,

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:06 PM MST reply actions

by looking at stats

amare, nash, and diaw are playing great, if l.b. was shooting better we'd be killing them.

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:08 PM MST reply actions

Q4 3:41 - Wrong Bell

"Bell connects on a three". But not our Bell. Theirs. 116-107, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:09 PM MST reply actions

i know you want to give pog (player of game)

to diaw, but I think nash deserves it, 5 of 6 from 3,

12-14 fga

wow!

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:10 PM MST reply actions

Yeah, I would have to agree

We may have joint POG's tonight. Getting harder to overlook Nash.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:11 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 2:47 - Nash finally misses

On a desperation launch after the Bucks shut everything else down.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:12 PM MST reply actions

Q4 1:55 - Before we can have a POG...

...we have to have a "W". That stop helps though, especially followed by yet another bucket from Nash. Nash now leads the team in scoring with 33. Suns up 118-111.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:15 PM MST reply actions

wow

exciting game, nice to see us score at the end,

not sure whats more impressive on diaw,

the assists (4), the rebounds (11), or the points (21)

co player sounds good

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:15 PM MST reply actions

The rebounds

That's what we need more of. Although tonight, we needed both. Now we need to see if he can do this in consecutive games, though.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:20 PM MST up reply actions

Yi sure was quiet tonight

I thought he was doing better there?

and they hit a three (bucks), not over yet

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:17 PM MST reply actions

cool, steal by amare?

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:17 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:52 - Suns dodge one

Fortunately, Mo Williams (I think that's how it was) didn't realize he could have doubled back for a wide-open layup, dunk, or however he wanted to put it in. Ends up in a turnover for the Bucks, and Raja's two free throws on the other end opens it back up to 120-114.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:18 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:20 - Standing ovation

For the Suns, as they're shutting this one down.

We're down to "Foul Nash" time. Looking good.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:19 PM MST reply actions

Crowd is chanting "MVP"

Ok, guess I need to get on board. Nash it is.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:19 PM MST reply actions

yep

season high for him - 35, but honorable mention for diaw and amare

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:20 PM MST up reply actions

Season high for Diaw too

...by far. Apparently his other season high was 16.

Tough call. I'm still considering the "co" route.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:22 PM MST up reply actions

And that's the game

Final score 122-114. So, since the Lakers beat them by five and we beat them by eight without one of our starters, does that mean we're better than the Lakers? Or does the back-to-back by Milwaukee offset Grant Hill's absence?

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:21 PM MST reply actions

Ugh

League pass cut off the broadcast right before what looked like it was going to be an Amare interview. If anyone local to Phoenix got to see that, please post if there was anything interesting said.

by TexSUN on Jan 12, 2008 9:25 PM MST reply actions

One of the ? was

about Steve Nash, and Amare mentioned he had a great game ....

by emirem on Jan 12, 2008 9:41 PM MST up reply actions

we play lakers here shortly

thats a game I've been waiting for!! Thursday I see...

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 12, 2008 9:27 PM MST reply actions

Shot Clock error

Anyone else found 3:66 funny?

How stupid do you have to be to make a mistake like that?

by emirem on Jan 12, 2008 9:40 PM MST reply actions

Suns win

I went to the game but missed almost the entire 1st quarter due to the horrendous traffic downtown due to the game and motorcross at the BOB, I think.

I kept wondering who that person was that impersonating Boris Diaw all game long! Good for him, finally.

I was following along on ESPN Gamecast the end of the Dallas/Clippers game and it looked like the Clips were going to win it until Stackhouse got a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Jeez.

by TwinnerA on Jan 12, 2008 11:14 PM MST reply actions

Tim Thomas

really blew this one for us. The Clips were up by 2 with the ball and Mav's weren't fouling and TT chucked up a shot w/ 7 seconds left instead of running the clock down more. That gave the Mav's time to get their final last second 3 by Stackhouse to win. Damn Clips! we will have to take that out on them on Tuesday.

by Seth Pollack on Jan 13, 2008 9:29 AM MST up reply actions