Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns vs. Indiana Pacers

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 2:35 PM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	vs.	Indiana Pacers
24-10		16-20
7:00 PM Mountain / 9:00 PM Eastern
TV: My45 HD, NBA League Pass
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Jamaal Tinsley
Raja Bell	SG	Mike Dunleavy
Shawn Marion	SF	Danny Granger
Boris Diaw	PF	Jermaine O'Neal
Amare Stoudemire	C	Troy Murphy

The 2006-07 starting lineup is back as Boris Diaw will fill in for Grant Hill who is out for the next two weeks following an emergency appendectomy. The last time the Suns faced the Pacers, it was a nail-biting affair in which the Suns shot just 3-of-16 from behind the three-point line. Coming off of the 20-of-31 night against Denver, let's hope the Suns saved a few of those long-balls to use tonight. The Suns will miss Grant Hill no doubt, but his absence provides an opportunity for Marcus Banks to keep proving he deserves more playing time. Some 3D-ness from Diaw will be needed as well.

Live blogging starts at tipoff. Visit Indy Cornrows for the scoop from the other side. As for the YouTube, this one is too good not to use again:

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awesome video!!

Anyone read about Jason Kidd and his attempt to get a fourth triple double (10+ pt, 10+ reb, 10+ assists) for 4 games in a row and career wise he has 97 or something! My point is this, he rebounds better than amare!! haha and he's like 3 feet shorter or something

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 5:46 PM MST reply actions

Lineup change

Jermaine O'Neal isn't playing for Indiana; Kareem Rush is starting along with Jeff Foster.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:12 PM MST reply actions

Game on

Suns win the tip. Tried to make an early alley-oop with Boris but didn't work. Indiana gets two on the other end, so early pint-sized lead for the Pacers.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:13 PM MST reply actions

Q1 11:00 - Nice defense from the Pacers

...sets up a three for Kareem Rush. Meanwhile, the Suns have yet to make a shot. 5-0, Pacers.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:14 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:19 - Ugly miss by Marion

Three-point attempt hits the side of the backboard. Suns offense looks out of sync in the early going.

As I say that, Nash gets the Suns on the board with a three, so it's now 5-3, Pacers.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:16 PM MST reply actions

Q1 9:40 - Jamaal Tinsley...

...is trying to prove the theory that if you bounce the ball at least 20 times at the free throw line, you increase your chances of...um...missing one and making the other.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:17 PM MST reply actions

Q1 8:41 - Pacers defending Nash-Amare well

The Pacers are doing a great job with the Nash-Amare play.

Amare picks up his second foul, giving Brian Skinner the early call.

Suns can't buy a basket but at least they're hitting the boards for the second opportunities.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:20 PM MST reply actions

Q1 6:46 - New nickname for LB

He's the "super-sub" according to the Pacers' announcers.

Pacers have opened a five-point lead...make that three after the Marion make. 14-11, Pacers.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:23 PM MST reply actions

Q1 4:39 - Pacers defending the middle well...

...but they leave Nash WIDE open for three to tie it at 19.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:28 PM MST reply actions

Q1 4:00 - Suns on top...

...after the Marion three. If the Suns can keep nailing threes they should be able to run up a lead as Indiana seems content to let them take that shot.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:28 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:40 - Banks is in

Banks gets the call for Nash at the last break. Meanwhile, the Suns re-take the lead on a Boris Diaw and-one, which he follows with another bucket on the next possession. 30-27, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:34 PM MST reply actions

Q1 00:48 - Didn't know Dunleavy had it in him

Gets a questionable charge call, comes up screaming at the refs and gets himself a technical.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:36 PM MST reply actions

Q1 00:03 - Buzzer-beater Brian does it again

It wasn't quiet a three, and it wasn't quiet at the buzzer, but once again Skinner nails the long jumper under pressure.

Bell picks off the inbounds pass but isn't able to make the shot. Suns end the quarter up 35-31.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:40 PM MST reply actions

quiet->quite

I knew something didn't look "quite" right about that comment. :)

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 11:19 PM MST up reply actions

After one...

Pacers shot 68.4% in that first quarter, held the Suns to 46.4% and still trail by four thanks to the Suns going 5-of-7 from three.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:42 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:28 - Amare jumps over a chair

Trying to get a steal. Doesn't work, but nice idea anyway.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:44 PM MST reply actions

Q1 9:31 - This is an unpleasant game to watch

Choppy, too much hesitation, too many fouls (or too many foul calls) in both directions. Score tied at 39.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:46 PM MST reply actions

hey texsun

did you see boston is down by 9 with 3 min left to bobcats

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 7:48 PM MST reply actions

Nope

...I was too busy noticing that Atlanta was beating Cleveland and Lakers were beating the Hornets.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:50 PM MST up reply actions

Oh and...

The Mavs are KILLING Detroit.

BTW, back to the Celtics, they're missing Ray Allen.

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1065330

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:53 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 5:20 - AAAAARRRRGGHHH!!!!!

WAY too many offensive rebounds allowed on that possession allows the Pacers to open up a six-point lead, which is now a nine-point lead after Travis Diener nails a three while I was typing this. 54-45, Pacers.

Was this predictable?

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:55 PM MST reply actions

BRB

Need to step away for a few. (Phone call)

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 7:57 PM MST reply actions

Good finish to the half

But still. Pretty horrid stuff against this team. A few notes from the box score:

Nash has 4 assists and 3 turnovers and is -8 on the game. But that's better than Amare's -14! Boris is -10. The one real bright spot - Raja Bell's 11 points and 5 rebounds. And Matrix is shooting pretty well again. Skinner must be doing something right at +8 when the team is down by 6.

Go Suns! Pick it up in the second half!

by SueB on Jan 9, 2008 8:16 PM MST reply actions

Huh?

So how does amare get called for a foul when Foster falls over Amare's back?

by TwinnerA on Jan 9, 2008 8:48 PM MST reply actions

Still on the phone..

...been popping in and out to check on the game, though. The call is for work, so not taking it isn't an option. Sorry. :(

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 8:52 PM MST reply actions

Bench power!

Looks like the bench + Marion and Diaw are getting it done.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:02 PM MST reply actions

Q4 7:45 - Off the phone

I'm off the phone now, and just turned the volume back up. Nash is gone for the night according to the broadcast. Can someone who was watching when it happened fill me in on the details?

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

Flu?

Someone on phxsuns.net is saying Nash has the flu. So maybe he's not injured, just sick. In any case, from the bits and pieces I've seen, the Suns are playing better with Banks anyway tonight. (I guess because it's not easy to play well when you have the flu!)

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:13 PM MST reply actions

Q4 3:54 - Marion goes down hard

Looked like he landed on his left elbow. He got up and walked to the bench for the timeout. Not sure if he's returning or not. This is turning into one ugly day for the Suns' health. :(

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

I guess he's ok

He's back in the game and grabbed a rebound right away.

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

Q4 3:08 - If the Suns don't win this...

...it won't be for lack of opportunity. Same could be said for the Pacers. This game still kind of has a "close but no cigar" feel to it, but we'll see.

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

nice to see

the suns back within 1

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:24 PM MST reply actions

Q4 2:40 - Case in point

Geez this is painful to watch. Suns give up umpteen offensive rebounds, Pacers make some ridiculous shot attempts so they don't score, then LB takes a wild shot on the other end. I'll admit I've watched about half this game in bits and pieces, but the first quarter and a half, and now the fourth have looked ragged, jagged, and sloppy. Of course, both teams have built-in excuses with Nash, Jermaine O'Neal, and others out.

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

whats the deal with nba.com and listen live

second time I've turned it on and its been something else, this time asu game I think!^%@^%$

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:25 PM MST reply actions

hey

bell 4 for 7 from 3pt line alright!

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:26 PM MST reply actions

I smell overtime

Unless the Suns can make a play with 1.1 seconds to go.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:28 PM MST reply actions

this is ugly

again here at the end suns just
not getting it done

barbosa misses a layup
(becoming a theme with him)

amare misses a shot

bell misses a 3

barbosa turnover

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:29 PM MST reply actions

All tied up

...I forgot to mention. Amare ties it up at 112. Suns have about a second to do a catch and shoot or we go to OT.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:30 PM MST reply actions

nice score by amare

looks like ot

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:30 PM MST reply actions

Good lord

Suns can't inbound and have to call a second timeout.

More on Nash, apparently it is stomach flu. In which case, he gets a total pass for anything he didn't do well tonight.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:32 PM MST reply actions

thx TexSun for the update

did you catch my comment on the nba.com radio broadcast not being the nba game again but something else?

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:33 PM MST up reply actions

Not sure...

I've never used the NBA audio league pass.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:34 PM MST up reply actions

its free

it used to be reliable, not anymore

also the online ktar (phx suns radio in Phx) doesn't play game either

I'm really left out in the cold

tomorrow's game is on tv though (utah)

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:37 PM MST up reply actions

We have overtime

LB gets his head taken off by Dunleavy, but in the interest of "let the players decide it", the refs don't make a call. So we have OT.

I'm afraid this will push my recap off until tomorrow as I'll no longer have time to go back and re-watch the quarter and a half I mostly missed, write a recap, and get to bed in time not to be a zombie at work tomorrow.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:33 PM MST reply actions

OT 4:30 - Scratching my eyes out

Comedy of errors continues as the Pacers get a turnover and Amare launches a wild airball in attempt to get a foul then catches his own miss. I love overtime games, but this one is just painful.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:37 PM MST reply actions

OT 3:01 - Did that hit the net?

Nice shot by LB to tie it back up at 116.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:37 PM MST reply actions

OT 2:27 - Suns on top

...after the Bell three but don't stay there long as Tinsley again gets it done.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:39 PM MST reply actions

OT 1:24 - Nice to see...

...Raja get his three back. He hits again to put the Suns up 122-120. Suns go to the line where Amare misses. Note to Amare: PLEASE learn to shoot free throws when the game is on the line. PLEASE. PLEASE.

At least he makes the second, so we're up by three.

Back to Raja, he's 6-of-11 from three tonight. I guess the Suns are passing the hot hand around.

I guess I need to give the aesthetic deficiencies of this game a break considering the Suns are getting it done without Nash and the Pacers are missing some guys as well.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:43 PM MST reply actions

OT 00:56 - Chance for redemption

Amare goes to the line again after Jeff Foster fouls out.

...and I agree with the announcer that Amare walked a mile on that, LOL.

Amare gets them both, so back up by three.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:44 PM MST reply actions

haha

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:46 PM MST up reply actions

OT 00:41 - Much-needed stop

Suns get the stop they needed and couldn't get at the end of regulation.

Diaw launches a wild attempt on the other end, but at least the Suns keep possession and burned some valuable time off the clock.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:47 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:24 - Amare gets it done

Amare is making a case for himself here. Gets to the line again.

Somehow, I managed not to jinx him on that as he hits both free throws and gives the Suns the five-point lead at 127-122.

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

nice to pull it out

even if it was ugly, sounds like even if nash plays tomorrow, he'll not be 100%,

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 9:51 PM MST reply actions

That should do it

Tinsley misses one right under the basket, and Pacers have to foul. Bell goes to the line and hits both. That should do it. Suns should feel extremely fortunate, though. They basically stole one at home.

Final score 129-122. Very impressive win with Nash missing a good chunk of it, and playing with the flu for the rest. But not a great game if you like beautiful basketball, that's for sure.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:52 PM MST reply actions

Not to mention Hill

...Hill was sorely missed as well. So the Suns basically played without one and a half of their starters and still won. Guess I should stop complaining.

by TexSUN on Jan 9, 2008 9:53 PM MST up reply actions

Nash

They said Nash won't travel tonight with the team to Utah, but who knows. Maybe Sarver will fly him over tomorrow on his private jet. Please get well quickly, Captain Fantastic!

Just hearing now that Shawn and Leandro were also sick with the flu. Jeez!

by TwinnerA on Jan 9, 2008 10:14 PM MST reply actions

doesn't surprise me at all

I was just sick these last 2-3 days, my brother in seattle is sick, my boss in dallas is sick (he never gets sick), my kids are now sick, i went to walgreens and they were actually out of things, the guy working there said he'd never seen them run out of some of the stuff they were running out of...

sick huh

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 9, 2008 10:45 PM MST up reply actions