Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs

by TexSUN on Jan 31, 2008 7:36 PM MST in Game Coverage Comment 117 comments

Phoenix Suns	vs.	San Antonio Spurs
33-13		28-16
8:30 PM Mountain / 10:30 PM Eastern
TV: TNT
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Jacque Vaughn
Raja Bell	SG	Manu Ginobili
Boris Diaw	SF	Bruce Bowen
Shawn Marion	PF	Tim Duncan
Amare Stoudemire	C	Fabricio Oberto

I'm throwing up the game day thread a little early this time for those that are chomping at the bit to start the discussion. It's either a good time or a bad time for the Suns to be meeting the Spurs. On one hand, the Spurs aren't exactly setting the world on fire lately, having gone 7-8 in the month of January. They are also without starting point guard Tony Parker, and are coming off of their own equivalent of the Suns' recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. If that wasn't bad enough for the defending champs, they have the added drama of Eva Longoria outing hubby Tony Parker as a faker (not to mention fans turning on playoff "hero" Robert Horry). So, either we're going to see a Spurs team playing like a wounded tiger with its back against the wall, or else we'll see the "who cares about the regular season" variety. Either way, it's a total bummer that Parker is sitting this one out. This is yet another lose-lose situation for the Suns, and the only way out if it is to obliterate the Spurs like they did to Atlanta. In other words, let's make like it's Game 2 in the 2006-07 playoffs.

According to Paul Coro's blog, it sounds like Boris Diaw will get another starting nod with Grant Hill coming off the bench. The Spurs shook up their starting lineup a little too in the last game, starting Manu Ginobili and bringing Michael Finley off the bench. I haven't seen anything official, but I'll take a wild guess that Manu's 29 points, 7 assists, and 10-of-18 shooting for that game means he'll probably be on the floor to start this one as well. Pounding the Rock has the view from the Spurs side, including an entertaining take on how to fix their recent struggles.

Update: The Suns have a little extra motivation, as if they needed any. They have been officially snubbed by Damon Stoudamire in favor of the Spurs. Also, forgot to mention earlier that Brent Barry is out with injury (thanks for the reminder, Hawk42).

Update #3: Sorry, everyone, but no live blogging from me tonight. Instead, I'm going to lean my coughing, sneezing, sniffling self back in the recliner and just enjoy watching until the game is over or the Nyquil kicks in, whichever happens first. We'll also have a special guest doing the recap tonight. Matt from Hardwood Paroxysm (known around here as sunofa) will be providing the postgame commentary in the Diaries after the game. Apologies for the last minute change of plans. Hopefully the Suns have better luck tonight than I'm having.

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Stomp the Spurs!!

Thanks, Tex. This one should be a win. Not only is Parker gone, but noted pain in the butt Brent Barry is out. If we can avoid Oberto going off like he did for 30 points a few years back, and prevent a monster game by Ginobli or Duncan, we should be in good shape.

I like the fact that this one is in front of the world, so to speak, because not only is it a TNT game, but there are probably going to be a lot of celebs and media at the game, seeing as it is Super Bowl week.

My Extremely Dangerous Prediction: 106-98, Suns.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 30, 2008 7:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Stoudamire

Early reports are that Damon Stoudamire is going to sign with SA, so we might see him tomorrow night.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Jan 30, 2008 7:33 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget Cheap Shot

Cheap Shot Bob is having a sterling year at 18%. Pray he gets his butt off the bench so Phoenix can give him a proper welcome.

Too bad Parker isn't playing so Scum Bag Eva can plead for him to quit faking it and get off the floor.

by OneSunsFan on Jan 30, 2008 8:33 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Scary

Notice Phoenix's record in the Western Conference? They are ranked tenth in wins against Western Conference teams at 14-8. NOH is first with 23-8. Even Houston has more Western Conference wins than the Suns. Looks kind of grim for the playoffs unless they decide to start playing as a team instead of individuals. Marion and Amare gets their noses bent out of shape because they don't score enough and the bottom dwellers of the league tear them a new one.

by OneSunsFan on Jan 30, 2008 9:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

this is all very true...but

The suns have been playing better recently, I think it's all about timing, and as long as our record keeps us in the playoffs, and boris and lb, etc play well we should give ourselves a good shot at winning

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 12:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

wait a minute

That is a misleading statistic. One might say that NO has as many Western Conference losses as the Suns.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 5:34 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Damon

I can't see how Stoudamire would help the Suns, anyway. Is he better than Jacque Vaughn or Marcus Banks?

There's gotta be a reason he is playing behind Conley and Kyle Lowry.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:34 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yup

I don't see how this guy is going to have much of an impact. It makes sense for the Spurs since they have no other options but he's not a guy that's going to make a difference....

I seriously doubt he would get minutes here anyway which I am sure is why he's not coming.

So, I give this one the Scarlet Ohare treatment...."frankly my dear...."

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Phoenix Stan on Jan 31, 2008 8:49 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Kidd to Mavs possibility

Do you think an aging Kidd really helps the Mavs significantly if they have to lose their quick young point guard (Harris) and their only shot blocker (Diop) as well as Stackhouse? those are three pains in the you-know-what to the Suns. Stoudemire would have free reign inside, and Kidd is not quick any more, and can't shoot.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:56 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Kidd

I haven't seen too much on this but this deal doesn't scare me at all. In fact, if the Mavs give up Harris, Stackhouse and Diop for Kidd then I think the Mavs are worse or at least less dangerous against us.

Kidd has never really done a lot of damage against the Suns where all three of those Mavs have. I may regret this, but I kind of hope they make this deal.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Phoenix Stan on Jan 31, 2008 9:26 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Not Worried About Mavs

Agreed. That wouldn't be too dangerous. The Mavs would have to give up some of the role players they need. Stackhouse occassionally comes out and burns the Suns. Diop gives a little something in the paint, and the other guys add some serviceable depth.

All they'd get in exchange is a rebounding guard who cannot shoot. Sure, he could run the offense pretty well, but I'm not so sure that they don't already do a decent job of that.

As I write, one thought is that he'd defintely improve the defense and could hamper Nash.

I had a nightmare last night, though, that he went to Cleveland.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Jan 31, 2008 10:03 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you Kidding?

If Dallas trades Harris and Stackhouse, then they essentially traded Antawn Jamison for nothing. The only thing this gets Dallas is a lot of money under the cap when Kidd's contract is up. Which could translate into Chris Bosh.

Also - If you are the Nets or Blazers, do you trade for Harris while he is hurt?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 10:21 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Kidd to Mavs

Now NJ wants Brandon Bass, and the Mavs are balking.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 5:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Just a friendly reminder

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba-articles/is-mtv-david-stern-s-greatest-ally-don-t-give-him-a-free-p ass-to-destroy-the-integrity-of-our-game--ar47106.html

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Jan 31, 2008 9:16 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

It's time for the Suns to send a message

The best way to beat this the Spurs team is to knock Egghead Whinerboy to the floor. Hit him HARD; he becomes tentative in his offense, and ridiculously belligerent in his defense.

As Edward James Olmos' character "Adama" said in the new "Battlestar Galactica":

"If you keep running from a schoolyard bully, he keeps on chasing you. But the moment you turn around and stop and you punch him really hard in a sensitive spot, he'll think twice about coming back again"

Same goes for the rest of the Spurs (even Jerknobli). A little bruisin' goes a long way toward such fragile psyches.

Note I do not mean this to condone on-court violence (or violence in any other capacity). I feel there is no place for it in the game, and it only diminishes the character of both the players and league. I would not like it if a Suns player sent Cheap Shot Bob into the 9th row...

...my cutoff is around the 4th or 5th ;)

****
My predictions:

Horry gets booed whether or not he's even in the state
Skinner plays a solid 26 minutes, guarding Duncan and blocking a few shops.
Nash goes wild (another game with 15+ assists)
I will drink a lot of vodka and yell at the TV, saying "BULLSHIT!" at least 23 times.
Both STAT and El Matrix record double-doubles.
Gregg Poppovich will not fall prey to that "FACE-ON" ("APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE FACE") crapmercial.
This is the coolest video you'll see all day, and forward to all your co-workers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM

(it's safe...no nudity, or nastiness...there's a slight bit of violence, but it's very, very tame...think "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom".

Suns 104, Spurs 93

flim springfield

by DrStrom on Jan 31, 2008 10:13 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I suppose I should elaborate re: video

I see it as a metaphor of the struggle between the Suns and the Spurs. Sometimes one has to act like an angry drunken sailor... whose fickle anorexic paramour is constantly being forcefully kissed by some disproportionately top-heavy asshole...and just get pissed off and shout

"THAT'S ALL I CAN STANDS, AND I CAN'T STANDS NO MORE!"

P.S. yes, the crocodile DOES symbolize the Lakers.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on Jan 31, 2008 10:29 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

END THEM!!!!

The Purple Palace better be rocking tonight. And I dont mean like some indy-rock concert, I mean like a headbanging, loud, explosive, angry heavy metal concert!!!

See exhibit A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-pN8qAiZhQ

And God help the Suns if they dont show up yearning for the blood of the Spurs!!!!!!!

I only wish Parker was playing. I so want the Suns to beat a full strength Spurs team.

btw
accindently posted this on the previous thread.

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

by Turambar on Jan 31, 2008 4:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

If anyone is going to the arena

read the instructions on how to avoid traffic

by emirem on Jan 31, 2008 5:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Hey thanks!

although I am not sure how the coming from the North take Van B makes sense but oh well. I am taking 7th st and will hope for the best (and leave early!)

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Phoenix Stan on Jan 31, 2008 5:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

getting pumped

I am finishing work listening to the radio and getting more and more pumped...

They are talking about payback Hockey or Baseball style on Horry and who on the Suns should do it.

They make the point that it has to be a Sun that was on the team last year - not Skinner - and that Diaw would really increase is cred if he managed to deal some pain to Cheap Shot Bob. Somehow I don't see that happening.

What I do see is a Suns team come up with playoff intensity and while they might be a bit sloppy early due to nerves, the D should be awesome w/ quick hard doubles on Timmy to start the game (instead of late in the game which has been the norm) and lots of physical play.

The first half score might be on the low side but I expect about an 8 point lead at the half. Maybe 45 - 37.

Then in the second half the offense will start clicking as the Spurs slow down a bit and the Suns will open up the game in the 3rd and take a 12 - 15 point lead into the 4th and win a game that doesn't ever really get close by 10 +.

As for hitting Horry, I am all for it but later in the game and nothing to blatant. Send a mesasge and maybe even get tossed or suspended but don't go overboard. I could see Amare doing that. I would love to see Amare do that actually. He gets how much that would mean to the fans and to the Chuckster in the TNT studio.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Phoenix Stan on Jan 31, 2008 6:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Dal-Bos

Off topic, but while waiting for the game, there is a good one going on in Boston. Garnett is not playing, and it is 71-70 Celts after 3.

This is the first chance I've had to see the C's. I am impressed with Rajon Rondo. I sure wish we didn't trade him.

However, So far I think Boston is a tough team. It is hard to get a read on them with Garnett out.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:06 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Change of plans, folks

In case anyone missed the update I added to this post...

Sorry, everyone, but no live blogging from me tonight. Instead, I'm going to lean my coughing, sneezing, sniffling self back in the recliner and just enjoy watching until the game is over or the Nyquil kicks in, whichever happens first. We'll also have a special guest doing the recap tonight. Matt from Hardwood Paroxysm (known around here as sunofa) will be providing the postgame commentary in the Diaries after the game. Apologies for the last minute change of plans. Hopefully the Suns have better luck tonight than I'm having.

by TexSUN on Jan 31, 2008 8:23 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Feel better

Take it easy, get some sleep.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:28 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

ditto

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 9:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Marion gets it going with a 3

Here we go

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:49 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1Q 10:12

Nash for a layup Suns 5-2

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:50 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Blam!

Steal by STAT and a dunk by Marion 7-2. Amare gave it up instead of going it alone. Nice!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Oh no! 2 fouls on Stoudemire.

Bogus or not?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:55 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1Q 7:20 13-7

Marion steal and slam, Finley a 3 for SA

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 8:59 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Marion

has come out pissed.

Suns employing the immediate double on Duncan. Bad with Amare out because Oberto gets too much advantage there.

Great hustle so far from the Suns.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:00 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Lovin' it

Great hustle from everyone, especially the Matrix. Looks like he's going to take his All-Star snub out on the Spurs.

by TexSUN on Jan 31, 2008 9:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1Q 4:55

Diaw hits one then Vaughn for a layup. Suns, 15-11

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:02 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1Q 4:00

Shawn for a slam after a Boris free throw. 18-11

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:03 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Marion with another steal

Suns are ready to kill. Their fingers are held on the trigger.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:04 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1Q 3:22

Another Marion steal leads to a GHill fg, 20-14

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:04 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Awesome, Hawk42!

Nice job with the live blogging tonight!

by TexSUN on Jan 31, 2008 9:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

See, I figured out how the Suns can

avoid the rebounding problems.

Just make sure all their shots create long rebounds so the guards can get them!

Easy, right?

Right?

Guys?

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1Q 1:31

Hill with a shot, 22-14. suns playing well

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1Q 1:02

Skinner with a block - 24 sec violation for spurs. they look bad

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Not hard enough

Skinner knocks Bowen down

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Weird lineup.

Barbosa, Hill, Skinner, Diaw. Marion.

Annoying comment from the czar. "Winning puts people in the stands." Really? Is that why the Spurs couldn't sell out the WCF last year? Really?

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Fratello

He hates the up tempo game. He is the Anti-D'Antoni.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Feb 1, 2008 11:06 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oberto

is one ugly dude

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1Q over

Suns, 25-18

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:14 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

The problem

with the Spurs playing this badly is that it won't mean anything for the Suns, obviously. Still early, though. I had doubted the Stoudamire signing, but it's obvious the Spurs need a true point, because Vaughn, Bowen and Finley in the 1,2,3 is unreliable, slow, and ineffective.

Oh, and Grant Hill is superb.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:16 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

End of First Quarter

Great start, the double teams on Duncan are brilliant. Lets hope Stat avoids more foul trouble. Look for Steve to get teammates more involved this quarter. Great defensive effort, no noticeably careless turnovers.

by MichiganSunsFan on Jan 31, 2008 9:16 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

From srp who's at the game

...checking e-mail on his Blackberry apparently:

"It definitely feels like a playoff game in here!"

by TexSUN on Jan 31, 2008 9:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Strange quarter

6 steals, Marion with 9 pts, Amare no points, 1 assist, 2 fouls

Duncan no FG, Vaughn 6 points

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yep, I'd say

...that the Suns playing the first quarter essentially without Amare trumps the Spurs having to go without Parker.

by TexSUN on Jan 31, 2008 9:21 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

2Q 11:30

Amare with 2 from the line, 27-18

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:20 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Mmmm

the bail out foul on Duncan.

A referee special.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:20 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

The mohawk

is very distracting. It looks like a landing strip.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:20 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

2Q 10:51

STAT jumpshot, 29-18

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:20 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

"Hello

My name is Shawn Marion. You snubbed my career. Prepare to die."

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:22 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

2Q 9:54

Shawn with a 3, Duncan tips it home 32-20

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:22 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Fratello

Fratello really hates the wide open game. He stubbornly insists any system that wins is the right system.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:24 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

did marion

not make the asg this year. He seems to be playing like someone's told him J looks ugly and he's got no heart

by jacksonian on Jan 31, 2008 9:28 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Marv Albert

on =/-, "it's so obvious, that it doesn't work."

Thanks, Marv. I never knew statistics were your specialty. I thought that was solicitation of a prostitute.

Sorry. Stat-head coming to defend in me.

Ime Udoka's going to be a problem in the playoffs for the Suns. Write it down.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:28 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

2 Q 7:27

Boris gets a rebound in traffic, gets 1 of 2. Bowen complains

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:29 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

2Q 6:59

Boris hits a 20 footer, Suns 35-25

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:30 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

2Q 6:09

Give and go, Nash to Marion. PHX 37-27

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:31 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

2nd quarter timeout, Suns ahead 37-27

Suns not shooting particularly well, but SA with 8 turnovers, and most of them have led to points

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:34 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Note from next day

I'd have to sy, this timeout is the one that turned it around. Popovich probably threatened to burn their houses down if they didn't play better.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Feb 1, 2008 11:11 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

2Q 5:10

Duncan fouls Amare's dunk attempt, 1 point at the line, 38-27

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:37 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Spurs

had 4 on 2, and had no idea of what to do on the break. That was hilarious.

Spurs complaining about officiating. In other news, gravity works.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

2Q 3:53

Shawn fouled by Vaughn and Ginobli on an ally oop. leads to 2 free throws. 40-29

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:39 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

2Q 3:12

Duncan Dunkin'40-31

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:40 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

it sounds weird

but we need diaw back in

by jacksonian on Jan 31, 2008 9:41 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Vaughn

is great as a scorer. He's a counter to Barbosa, almost.

Suns are lazy on the boards again. They look like they're shooting in warmups.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 9:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Half, Suns, 40-34

Suns have gone stone cold and let the Spurs back in the game.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:48 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

absolutely

craptastic shooting by both teams. Until someone finds a jumper, give it to amare evry time and hope he stays away from the off fouls

by jacksonian on Jan 31, 2008 9:48 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Something I never thought I'd hear

"Boris Diaw is doing a good job on Tim Duncan". I still remember Duncan laughing at Diaw's pathetic attempts to guard him during the playoffs. He's definitely holding his own tonight, though.

by TexSUN on Jan 31, 2008 9:48 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Time to go

Have to go to bed, 4:45 comes early. Hope they pull it out.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 31, 2008 9:49 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

That's it for me too

I'm putting the keyboard away for the night as well. Thanks again to Hawk42 and others for the live blogging, and to hardwoodparoxysm for the postgame wrapup. 'Night everyone.

by TexSUN on Jan 31, 2008 9:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Barbosa

0/6. Ugh.

Ginobili 0/5.

It's a barn-burner!

Suns defense has been solid,though. Let's see if they can't keep it up.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

OMG!

Watching Marion tonight has been awesome!!

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 10:10 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Marion

almost broke the rim on an alley oop, and the foul.
43-34 Suns.

Bowen tries so hard, but he is physically not all there anymore.

Ginobili with, you guessed it. Another flop. He's on the floor, writhing. And then, up, fine.Amazing. Almost as if he wasn't really hurt. I hate the man.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I love

Nash's defense tonight.

He's been great tonight. Focused and great energy. Terrific leadership.

The refs are getting whistle happy.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Rebounding

is getting better, Nash is setting the tone. Duncan gets called with the technical. Bwahaha.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Ginobili

just wracked Raja Bell. I mean, just nailed him.

I hate, hate, HATE the man.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

raja gets nailed in the groin by ginobili

and as expected, no foul is called, the refs must be
100yrs old or something, when will the nba wake up and get refs that actually aren't 100yrs old?

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 10:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

ginobli on bell

little bit of payback? I will say i am biased, always thinking the worst of the spurs in general but a shot to groin is nothing to sneeze at. just hope the suns keep their cool and dont do something stupid.

by jacksonian on Jan 31, 2008 10:21 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Bell-ginobli

They should have retaliated right there.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Feb 1, 2008 11:14 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

46-51

They won't die.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:25 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

53-55

I have no idea how they're back in this thing.

Oh, yeah, because the Suns are back to "dribble, dribble, dribble, shoot a jumper when no one's in position" mode.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:36 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

hardwood...

you make a good point, you can normally tell when the suns are struggling, as you put it, dribble, dribble, dribble....

My question, are the spurs that good at slowing us down? Our shooting is just horrible

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 10:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Barbosa

starting to create here. When he slashes and doesn't outrun himself, he's deadly to a slow team. 60-55.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Enough messing around

it's time to put this game away.

by SilverSprings on Jan 31, 2008 10:42 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Spus

have turned on the defensive after-burners. They know they're not getting the offense so they're focusing on defense. Swarming switches.

Stat hits a turnaround. He can put this one away by himself with a burst.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:45 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

yep

I was thinking the same thing

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 10:50 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

65-64

Duncn with the turnaround
Ginobili with the three.

The suns are just not hitting shots. This is terrible offense from the Suns.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:54 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

suns really are playing great d

right now, just spurs have nailed 2 three's

great dunk by amare

up by 2

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 10:57 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

67-All

Finley with a little burst of offense.

Nash. Put this away.

STAT with the slam!

That's what they have to do. STAT has to take this game over.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 10:57 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Stat

With authority. Let's see more of that

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 31, 2008 10:58 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

hate to admit this

but what barkley said at the break was right on, until amare can play w/o worrying about fouling out, we're always going to have problems with the spurs

nice to see bell finally hit a 3

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 11:02 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Bowen

has turned on the "grab nash by the wrist" defense. He's pulled it out late so he won't get called for it.

73-72 Spurs.

I have NO idea how they're leading. None.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:03 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

it's criminal

that the refs won't call bowen on this.

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 11:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Great defensive sequence

Immediate double from the key instead of the perimeter defending Marion, Duncan passes to Udoka, who's not in his comfort range.

77-73. Nash doing his thing.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Spurs

going into that constant slap defense that never gets called.

2:33 remaining, 4 point lead.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

GINOBILI

flops again.

I swear to God, the man has no integrity. WHATSOEVER.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Stoudemire

misses both free throws 77-75 Suns. I have a bad feeling about this.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Beautiful pick and roll

and Marion was ready to knock it down

Finley answers with a three

79-78 one minute.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

80-79

pick and roll, no back side help, Duncan banks it in.

Bad offensive possession by the suns, turnover. foul

going to be 82-79 with 15 seconds. I feel ill.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:15 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

wow

what a gift, nice to get the call for amare for a change

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 11:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

STAT AND THE FOUL!

Nash drives, they commit, pass to Stat, Duncan with the foul!

Amare, please hit this damn free throw.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

STAT MISSED

Unforgivable.

You get the foul call, and you don't hit that?

6.5 left.

Spurs going to be up 3 again. Gotta hit the three.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

how many free throws has amare missed in

last few minutes 3 I think!

Dam! WE WERE RIGHT THERE

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 31, 2008 11:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to go

vomit this recap now.

by hardwoodparoxysm on Jan 31, 2008 11:21 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

ARRRRRGGGGG!!!!!!

What a damned ugly game!!! Both teams played so poorly that if there was to be any true outcome both would lose.

I'm just friggen sick that the Suns could even think of playing that baddly at there house!!!!!

Almost makes me wanna commit ritual suicide.
Where's my samurai sword???!?!?!!?!

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

by Turambar on Jan 31, 2008 11:32 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yes.....

Damn that feels good! Spurs playing like crap but manage to win, maybe the start of somethinig good.

by spursfan0829 on Jan 31, 2008 11:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Don't have time for the recap so...

I'm just going to say the "c" word here, we choked. Despite both teams playing bad, the game was there! IT WAS THERE!!!!!!! Yes shots were missed, yes passes were intercepted, yes we didn't continue to run the floor like we want, BUT THE GAME WAS THERE! STAT (no he wasn't standing Tall or Talented so I'm just going to call him amare)amare had a BIG hand in dropping it in the final minutes but I'm so mad and too tired to chew him today. Till next time, everyone have a good night, because Cheap Shot Rob and the rest of the Squirts are!

"Act well your part: there all the honor lies"-Alexander Pope

by PurplePinoy on Jan 31, 2008 11:50 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Sure, both teams played badly...

but the Spurs had two key players out [and Parker was also out in the first game between the teams]. The Suns simply won't be able to beat the Spurs when it counts, at least with their current roster. Something isn't quite right with the Suns' team chemistry, and I think they need to make a move...

by Key on Feb 1, 2008 12:09 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

i agree

but I doubt they will make that move...but I hope they do...any players in your thoughts that you want to get or send?

by jasonsuns1 on Feb 1, 2008 1:27 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Changes

How about someone with a heart? I made the comment earlier that Rajon Rondo looked great. Oh, we traded him for a side of beef and Brian Grant...

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Feb 1, 2008 11:20 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

I went to the game and as the final minutes ticked away I started having flashbacks to Game 5 of last season's series with the Spurs and that sick feeling came right back. Two Nash turnovers, 3 missed free throws by Amare and more and the game was lost. I swear I hate the Spurs more than ever and the refs for some of the calls for the Spurs. Makes me sick.

by TwinnerA on Feb 1, 2008 12:42 PM MST reply actions 0 recs