Phoenix Suns Drop Another to the Nuggets

by Seth Pollack on Oct 17, 2008 8:41 PM MDT in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

In battle of defensive juggernauts the Denver Nuggets outplayed and outlasted the Phoenix Suns by the score of 94-91. Both teams shot a pre-season worthy 43% and both teams clearly enjoyed their time in Syracuse playing in front of 20,000 orange men.

The box score tells part of the story with the Suns logging an impressive 25 turnovers. Like most stats in a game like this though that's pretty much meaningless.

I was impressed though (statistically speaking) by a balanced line from Dragic starting his first game as a Sun. Check this fantasy owner's dream:

	Min	Pts	Stls	Reb	TO	Blks	Asst	FT
Dragic	30:46	6	3	5	1	2	7	2-2

This kid is nothing if not consistent. That's a pretty high compliment for a rookie and I still think he will lead all rookies in assists.

Rookie Lopez on the other hand had a unimpressive (statistically speaking) night with only 5 rebounds, 1 block and 7 points in 31 minutes.

It certainly looks like we have a trend forming here - Lopez up and down with some impressive nights followed by some ghost performances while Dragic is consistently mediocre, steady and calm. Remind you of anyone?

The best news (statistically speaking) was Barbosa's return with 10 points in fifteen minutes. For all his faults, we should never forget that he's the most explosive bench scorer in the game. Welcome back LB.

Amare still hasn't been cleared to play. Nash was held out to give his mildly sprained ankle a bit more time. And Robert Hite continues to fight for a job (statistically speaking).

Next game Monday against Adam Morrison and the mighty Bobcats.

Almost forgot - check out Pick Axe and Roll for the Mile High perspective.

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I checked in at half time and I was stoked when I saw Dragic's line

A little less so when I saw the final box score and he had maybe an assist and a rebound more but still, awesome for a rookie.

by hcblankscreen on Oct 17, 2008 8:54 PM MDT reply actions

I"m just waiting

for Amare and Lopez on the floor for the first time. I like Lopez he actually should be a good fit. Should be an interesting year, looking forward to it.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Oct 17, 2008 10:26 PM MDT reply actions

The transformation is nearly complete

I listened to quite a bit of the game on the radio, and I kept thinking:

Nash sits out a meaningless game due to a slightly injured ankle, Amundson and Hite get some serious burn, both teams shoot in the low 40s and (according to the Real McCoy) both teams are mugging each other.

This sure is different.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Oct 18, 2008 9:00 AM MDT reply actions

I don't know

I don’t think I am ready to say that. I did have that thought listening to portions of the game and seeing the box score that this was what we are in for (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but OTOH it is pre-season. AI scored like 6. I mean we are talking about practice here. Practice.

Ask me again after about 20 games into the season.

Blogging Suns Basketball

by Seth Pollack on Oct 18, 2008 12:37 PM MDT up reply actions