Open Gameday Thread - Suns vs Thunder
by Phoenix Stan on Dec 29, 2008 3:38 PM MST
in Game Coverage
65 comments
Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder, Dec 29, 2008 6:00 PM MST
 Your Phoenix Suns |
 Oklahoma City Thunder |
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| 16-12 | 3-28 | |
| 6:00PM Mountain / 8:00 PM Eastern | ||
| TV: My45 HD |
||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Steve Nash | PG | Russell Westbrook |
| JRich | SG | Desmond Mason |
| Grant Hill |
SF | Kevin Durant |
| Amare Stoudemire |
PF | Jeff Green |
| The Big Tweet | C | Joe Smith(?) |
The Oklahoma City Thunder are 3 and 28. Dwell on that for a moment. They've played 31 games and lost 28 of them. They are 13 games under .500. On any given night they have less of a chance of getting win then Sarah Palin does of naming the permanent members of the security council. Or spelling U.N.
The funny thing is they shouldn't this bad. Should they? Unless...perhaps....their star franchise player is....wait for it...over rated.
Of course, there's another theory that I advanced on the pregame podcast with Joe the Blogger from Thunderguru.com. The real reason they only have 3 wins is that after a horrible start under the oppresive thumb of P.J. Carlisimoso they earned themselves such a reputation that teams are now afraid to lose to them.
That or perhaps karma. Anyway..
Imagine losing to the Thunder. Even if you are fairly crappy team yourself you might just earn a shoe thrown at your coach by a member of the local media during the post game press conference.
Suffice it to say, this game is a MUST WIN. With Shaq or without Shaq the
(which btw was exactly what Raptors blogger Cuzzy said before his team lost to the Thunder)
Let's just hope it doesn't take another late game Nashiracle (Nash + miracle) to prevent the Suns from becoming the fourth scalp on the Thunder's rather bare trophy wall. That would suck.
In today's post practice audio (provided by Sports 620 KTAR) we hear from
Shaq (still pissed about losing)
Coach Porter (cliche cliche bench ok cliche) and
JRich (we need to beat the crappy teams we are about to play and I am ok not getting as many shots as long as we win but if we are not winning they had better give me the damn ball)
Subscribe to the audio feed at:
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Here's some more notes direct from the intrepid KTAR radio reporter:
Suns practiced for an hour Sunday before heading to the airport for a 2-game, 2-day road trip---
at Oklahoma City Monday
at Memphis Tuesday
Oklahoma City and Memphis are a combined 13-and-48
in fact the Suns play 5 of their next 6 games against sub-500 teams (something Jason Richarson noted)
as of Sunday the Suns sit 8th in the Western Conference....a half-game back of Dallas
the flu is going around the Suns right now---
Goran Dragic missed the last two days of practice
Grant Hill practiced but is battling the flu
Shaquille O'Neal: does he play both games of this back-to-back set
he says "knowing Steve (Kerr) I'll probably go these two games" though Porter played coy saying "gametime decision"
a couple things to note---
1. Shaq sat out the first meeting vs. Oklahoma City (a day ahead of playing vs. Minnesota) and the Suns struggled winning, 99-98
2. the Suns have been off since Christmas and after this back-to-back won't play again until January 2nd so there is plenty of time to rest the Big Cactus
Shaq is still upset about the Spurs game....speaking for the first time about the Christmas Day loss he said the team made too many "mental mistakes" and the team has "got to get that killer instinct"....he feels they've given away 10 games already this season
J-Rich said he is getting more familiar with his role and he is just fine with being the 2nd, 3rd or maybe even the 4th option
before joining the Suns, Richardson had shot fewer than 14 times in only three games with Charlotte....he's already had fewer than 14 field goal attempts three times with the Suns---here are his shot attempts since joining the starting rotation:
vs. Knicks, 5 of 14
vs. Blazkers, 6 of 12
vs. Nuggets, 6 of 12
vs. Spurs, 4 of 9
Porter was asked about the Suns bench---it was non-existent vs. the Spurs (1 of 12 for 2 points)---but he said he isn't worried, "they just didn't make shots" referring to Matt Barnes and Leandro Barbosa....he also noted that the bench prior to Christmas had been playing well, he's right:
vs. Knicks, 19 points
vs. Blazers, 36 points
vs. Nuggets, 16 points
he also discussed Jared Dudley saying "at some point we're probably going to take a look at him"....Porter sees Dudley as a "4"
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SUNS SHOULD WIN THE NEXT 4 GAMES.
4 easy ones in a row……..
by cabezonication on Dec 28, 2008 10:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
If we don't go at LEAST 7-3 in our next 10, then we're EPIC FAIL
Steve Nash, the league's MVP, is a longhaired Canadian who spoke out against the war in Iraq and reads The Communist Manifesto. Quentin Richardson declared after a game-winning shot that it "was like Hamlet. It was a suspense thriller, and I killed them at the end." Amare Stoudemire, when asked to comment on a 22-point third quarter against the Kings, said, "I've got a tendency to jump over some guys' heads and throw it down."
by rsavaj on Dec 29, 2008 9:43 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Epic Pwnage wanted plx
Agreed,
We should rip through these next games like a force of nature. Will they? Probably not, but they should at least own these next four games.
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
by Turambar on Dec 29, 2008 3:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Math question...
Doesn’t being 3-28 make you 25 games under .500, not 13? I mean, either way the Thunder suck, but I was told there would be no math involved.
Can’t wait for the inevitable “Thunder Ball” comments…
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 10:19 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Math answer...
As pointed out a game can either be a win or loss so that means there’s a total of 31 games possible. A .500 record would be 15.5 game so I rounded and said that they would need 16 games to be a .500 team. Technically though they would be a 16 and 15 team and therefore an over .500 team but I would hope a bit of mathematical license would be premitted in the interest of making a hypothetical point.
So, if they have 3 wins now and would need 16 to be a “.500 team” then I calculated that they are 13 games under .500. Could be wrong there w/ the math. It’s been known to happen but there’s the “showing of the work”.
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Phoenix Stan on Dec 29, 2008 3:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
rest nash, rest shaq.
let the rest of em try to win this one.
Everything must go.
by ZonaFlash on Dec 29, 2008 4:35 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Slow start
Could it be the days off?
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 6:24 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
One game in the past 8 days?
Sure looks like it.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 6:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Phoenix Suns – Oklahoma City Thunder
LIVE (HD/HQ)
http://www.iddaliyim.tr.gg/Canli-Mac-izle-_-salon-2.htm
www.iddaliyim.tr.gg
by milleniumprince on Dec 29, 2008 6:27 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
STAY GOLDEN PONY BOY
keep the energy up Louie!
by STUCK IN LA on Dec 29, 2008 6:30 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Nice Outsider ref! +1
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Phoenix Stan on Dec 29, 2008 9:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nash Hurt??!!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 6:30 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Nash done for game
Back spasms. At least he gets some rest.
by Mike Lisboa on Dec 29, 2008 6:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Dragic ill also?
I think they said so (flu) and didn’t even make the trip. Not like he’d get any play anyway.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 6:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Good opportunity for Barbosa
To Shine
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 6:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Watson or Wilcox would be welcome additions to this team.
Steve Nash, the league's MVP, is a longhaired Canadian who spoke out against the war in Iraq and reads The Communist Manifesto. Quentin Richardson declared after a game-winning shot that it "was like Hamlet. It was a suspense thriller, and I killed them at the end." Amare Stoudemire, when asked to comment on a 22-point third quarter against the Kings, said, "I've got a tendency to jump over some guys' heads and throw it down."
by rsavaj on Dec 29, 2008 6:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I've seen 3 plays
from the Thunder that will be on tonight’s top ten…
Sigh..
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 6:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Their average age of their starters is about 22 years old, ours about 102 years old with Nash, Shaq and Hill.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 6:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
really really really bad
defense by the suns to open the 2nd.
lots of hasty shots too. what was that about porter’s boys being more deliberate and defensive?
by phxsun on Dec 29, 2008 6:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
More spin by the douchebags who run our FO.
Steve Nash, the league's MVP, is a longhaired Canadian who spoke out against the war in Iraq and reads The Communist Manifesto. Quentin Richardson declared after a game-winning shot that it "was like Hamlet. It was a suspense thriller, and I killed them at the end." Amare Stoudemire, when asked to comment on a 22-point third quarter against the Kings, said, "I've got a tendency to jump over some guys' heads and throw it down."
by rsavaj on Dec 29, 2008 6:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
go barnes go!
put back bucket, assists, keep them coming…
by STUCK IN LA on Dec 29, 2008 7:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
need to learn how to play without Nash
Good to see that we can do so against the Thunder. Even without Nash, we better win
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 7:22 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Damn
Shaq and Barnes are really playing well
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 7:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Holy JSUN!!! (Yes, he's back to JSun now)
360 Dunk….I can’t even picture Raja Bell do that in my wildest dreams!
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 7:43 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Yay!
That makes up for the Mason three! I kid I kid!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 7:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
hope he's not too hurt now...
this team is one injury away from the lottery
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 7:50 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Dee Brown on the floor..
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 7:45 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I just got home and turned te game on
No Nash!?! Damn! But we’re winning, I must’ve missed since good ball.
by KnowGood on Dec 29, 2008 7:51 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Jesus!
Everyone is going down! Scary things happening on the floor!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 7:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Can a team be too agressive?
We got all our bench players trying a little too hard…
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 7:57 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I totally jinxed this game
I get home, turn the game on, and we start losing our lead.
by KnowGood on Dec 29, 2008 7:58 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks a lot!
The lead was 12 now down to 5.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 7:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I say is Dee Brown fault
He is like -10 or something..
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 7:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Dee & Dudley getting it done!
Nice to see the new guys getting some playing time.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 8:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
it's the thunder, plus nash is out.
good chance to try some new things out, loosen up the rotation.
by phxsun on Dec 29, 2008 8:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Amare
5 fouls to go with his 1 rebound, 4 assists and 12 pts.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 8:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
That last foul was crap though...
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 8:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The Thunder are really really really bad
one really for each win
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 8:15 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Great defensive play by Duds!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 8:15 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I like what i’m seeing from Dudley…even if it’s against the Thunder
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 8:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Doing good with Shaq and Amare sitting
Now they’re back in and our 15 point lead is down to 8. Oopha.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 8:25 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
i know, right?
i was just about to comment on that, too.
by phxsun on Dec 29, 2008 8:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
How About LB?
Leading the team with +17 and 5 steals. Not much scoring but doing the job. Really active on D.
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 8:25 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
6 steals now!
Nice job of picking their pocket.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 8:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Feed the Beast!!
Amare with the Dunk!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 8:27 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Good win
Physical game..We’ll see what the boys have tomorrow
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 29, 2008 8:31 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
westbrook with 31 points?
wade, harris, mayo, roy, and now westbrook.
add tony parker and chris paul to that list.
the suns have a serious problem with containing guards.
by phxsun on Dec 29, 2008 8:32 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
and this one was not steve's fault!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
by PanamaSun on Dec 29, 2008 8:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say partly
He got it rolling quickly when Nash was still in the game in the 1st quarter.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 8:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
And the Thunder roll (not)
Always an iffy thing with Nash out, but they got it done. Nice to see Dee and Dudley out there contributing.
by TwinnerA on Dec 29, 2008 8:32 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
More good news
Hawks beat Nugs and get this..the Wiz beat the Rox in Houston!
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Phoenix Stan on Dec 29, 2008 9:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
shaq opening his mouth again
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=281229025
so the big guy wants the team to play through him more. i dunno about u guys but im getting pretty sick of hearing about all these different styles and strategies. weve been hearing it all season long. can’t we just make up our damn minds already?? the thing is, shaq has been stepping up, playing like a monster, and even making free throws lately
good win, liked seeing dee and dudley in there. lets keep it goin strong.
by yanyanman2 on Dec 29, 2008 9:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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