Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets
![]() Phoenix Suns |
|
![]() Denver Nuggets |
| 50-24 | 45-29 | |
| 6:00 PM Pacific / 9:00 PM Eastern | ||
| TV: My45 HD, NBATV | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Steve Nash | PG | Anthony Carter |
| Leandro Barbosa | SG | Allen Iverson |
| Raja Bell | SF | Carmelo Anthony |
| Amare Stoudemire | PF | Kenyon Martin |
| Shaquille O'Neal | C | Marcus Camby |
Same song, second verse. After a thrilling show last night, the Suns play the Nuggets again tonight, this time in the mile-high air of Denver. I'm not going to even try to add to the already-great analysis by ZonaFlash on the matchups between these two teams. I just wanted to give this game its own thread to make it easier to follow the live blogging. Earlier today, Phoenix Stan broke down the minutes played in last night's game, and shared his thoughts on what we can expect to see from the sheer exhaustion side of things. Also, if you're a Nuggets fan or just want a view of the game from the other side of the fence, visit Pick Axe and Roll.
Live blogging begins at tipoff in the comments of this post. In the meantime, since the USAC crowd didn't acknowledge Nash's MVP performance last night (I know, I know, get over it TexSUN!), YouTube of the Game returns with a few highlights (hat tip Phxsuns.net):
0 recs |
146 comments
Comments
Key to the Game
by Phoenix Stan on Apr 1, 2008 5:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Now, here is 20 minutes of Steve Nash shooting. You get a sense of how he shoots and why he's as good as he is.
</param>
by ZonaFlash on Apr 1, 2008 5:30 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Faith Please!!!
by wapsobsidians on Apr 1, 2008 5:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone
Thanks a lot!
by PanamaSun on Apr 1, 2008 6:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I saw it listed in..
Let´s see if it works when the game starts.
by PanamaSun on Apr 1, 2008 7:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
A few thoughts
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 6:59 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Game on
Suns get the tip but come up empty on the first possession, and KMart gets the Nuggets first on the board.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:14 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 10:13 - Shaq with the monster rebound
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:16 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 9:27 - Nice teamwork
...Meanwhile, the Suns get a stop, and Amare gets a jumper, and we're all tied up at five.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:18 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 8:19 - One man show
...meanwhile, a heat check from Nash shows that three-pointer hasn't arrived from the airport just yet.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:20 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 6:51 - Rebound by committee
...but get the turnover on the misconnect between Nash and Shaq. Too many turnovers in the early going, although the Nuggets have a lot to do with that. 14-9, Nuggets.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:22 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 5:29 Nuggets lead 16-11
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 7:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 5:54 - Happy, Stan?
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:26 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 5:04 - Slam by Skinner
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Million thanks again ZonaFlash!!
by wapsobsidians on Apr 1, 2008 7:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 4:36 - Skinner taking advantage...
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 2:54 - Hey, Suns...
Suns leave Najera wide open for the three and the double-digit lead. 28-17, Nuggets.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 2:49 Nuggets lead 28-17
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 7:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 2:28 - Giricek wastes no time
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 1:54 - Too. Many. Turnovers
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 00:58 - Nice standing ovation
...meanwhile, Giricek is playing point guard on this possession. Or was until the foul call. Shaq at the line for another one of two to make it 34-25, Nuggets.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q1 00:5.7 - That helps
Suns shot 57% to the Nuggets' 50%, but gave up five extra shot attempts thanks to seven turnovers and three offensive rebounds allowed.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Not tonight.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was asking for him
to get back in the game.
I agree. POG doesn't need to be the best player, but the one who exceeds expectations.
Could even be Moody Giricek tonight
by ZonaFlash on Apr 1, 2008 7:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Q2 10:26 - Timely three..
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 8:53 - When did...
...At least Giricek gets it back.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 7:36 Nuggets up 49-38
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 7:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 6:13 - It's easy to get assists
Meanwhile, a hot three-point shooter can get you assists too. Giricek hits again, and the Suns are within four at 51-47.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
one of two things
- lose my voice from my incessent screaming
- my neighbors call the cops from my incessent screaming
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 7:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 5:07 - Sneaky!
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
no kidding
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 8:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Q2 5:07 Nuggets lead down to 51-49
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 7:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
looks like
And howdy folks :D
My 1st post here. Been reading for awhile and was just fair to pay respect to guy to started this blog (tip of the hat sir)
GO SUNS !
by evnara on Apr 1, 2008 7:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
That would be Dan
And welcome!
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Backcourt making plays
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 7:58 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 4:13 - Nuggets on a run now
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:00 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
"Oh ye of little faith"
by Turambar on Apr 1, 2008 8:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 3:48 - Maybe that will wake up Diaw
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 3:01 - Rewind moment
...meanwhile, LB's three puts it back to a four-point game.
...but not for long. I'm really starting to hate JR Smith!
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 1:50 - Three for all!
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 1:08 - Nice save/rebound
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
oh my fuck
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 8:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Nash assists
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 1:01 Nuggets lead 69-62
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 8:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 00:47 - Giricek the pest!
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q2 00:21 - Tech fest
Replay shows he probably had a case. Even the Nuggets announcers agree.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
halftime
by evnara on Apr 1, 2008 8:13 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
At the half
Suns outscored the Nuggets 37-34 in the second quarter. Their shooting is up to over 61% to the Nuggets' 51%. Both teams are shooting well from three. Or I should say two players from each team are shooting well from three. For the Suns it's LB and Giricek who have combined for 6-7. For the Nuggets, it's JR Smith and Najera(?) going 5-7 (seriously, when did Najera learn to shoot threes?). Nash has 13 assists, which equals the entire Nuggets team, and Raja has four.
Turnovers are the main thing to clean up in the second half. The Suns have 12 (4 by Amare, 3 by Nash).
Oh, and here's a stat you don't see every day: Nash with three steals. Of course, that's nothing compared to Anthony Carter's five.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:19 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
At the Half Nuggets are up 70-65
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 8:22 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
FRICK!
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 8:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I don´t know if its my Internet or what..
by PanamaSun on Apr 1, 2008 8:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nop, not working...
by PanamaSun on Apr 1, 2008 8:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
not so bad!!!!
by wapsobsidians on Apr 1, 2008 8:26 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 10:51 - Amare lucks into a dunk
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:30 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 10:00 - Nash's shot
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:30 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 9:31 - But his passing arm...
Meanwhile, Raja and Melo get into it.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 9:21 - Raja ejected
And now the announcers are saying D'Antoni's looking for the momentum tech too. Personally, I'd prefer the Suns get their momentum by putting points on the scoreboard.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 8:36 - Just not working for Nash tonight
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 7:38 - Hey Boris
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 7:13 - Nash, Amare, Slam , Foul
Nash is (I think) five assists away from his regular season high.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 6:34 - Nice defense
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 5:53 Nuggets up 86-80
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 8:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 5:18 - Saw that coming from a mile away
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 4:36 - Suns are baiting Melo
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 3:36 - Uh oh
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:46 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 3:14 - Yet another tech
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
help
that janeironation link isn't workking for me today... yesterday it was ok, bu now I get 'Not Broadcasting' message everytime...
Can I do something to get it working?
by troglodytes on Apr 1, 2008 8:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
still nothing
maybe it's because i'm in brazil.... who knows.
i've tried it on firefox and ie, same result.
by troglodytes on Apr 1, 2008 8:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
More Giricek
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
are you f-ing kidding me?!?!
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 8:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 2:34 - Giricek with the three
Meanwhile, LB hits a three of his own followed by a layup, and all of the sudden the Suns are knocking on the door again at 95-93. Question is, can they finally get over the hump?
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:53 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 1:03 - Interesting lineup
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:54 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Can't remember
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
they have GOT to stop...
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 8:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q3 00:9.9 - First team to 100 wins?
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 8:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Shaq's end of quarter layup...
by hcblankscreen on Apr 1, 2008 8:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 11:40 - Uh oh II ?
...I guess he's fine. Takes the rebound off of Giricek's missed three and puts it in to make it a four-point game again, 101-97.
Suns just can't get over the hump tonight for some reason.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 10:24 - Najera finally misses
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
steve's got to get hit
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 9:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 9:24 - Nash's jumper has arrived?
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 8:30 - Suns are getting Kleiza'ed
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:05 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 7:52 - Nice block/steal by Shaq
...But apparently the Suns are immune to getting a stop tonight.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:10 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 6:53 - Shaq picked a heck of a time
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 6:32 - How does he do that?
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Replay wasn't quite as impressive
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
ugh
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 9:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 4:46 - Very untimely turnover
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:18 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 3:55 - This game is like...
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:20 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
amare
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 9:20 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
so sick of jr smith
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 9:23 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Homers homer homers...
by hcblankscreen on Apr 1, 2008 9:23 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 3:11 - Steve gives the Suns the lead...
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:24 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 2:27 - Wow. Just wow...
...but you gotta get a stop. Ugh.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 1:47 - Nice free throws by Amare
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
must... stop... fouling!!!
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 9:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 1:35 - Back to a tied game
...but Diaw's fouling out is not a good thing. Except it brings Giricek in, who's had a nice night so far. Melo's two makes at the line ties it up again at 120.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 00:37 - Dagger?
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:30 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Q4 00:27 - Of all the times...
...Melo leaves the door open with a miss at the line, but LB misses the three on the other end. Not looking good, folks unless he can miss both of these.
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Nuggest enjoying a 43-24 free throw advantage
by RealTangiblesGuy on Apr 1, 2008 9:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
its like getting sea sick
by noonoo on Apr 1, 2008 9:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Q4 00:6.5 - Crazy
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Not that hard a loss to swallow...
by hcblankscreen on Apr 1, 2008 9:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
About as expected
I'm glad we had our chances at the end of the game.
It wasn't like we were blown out, although we came out flat, again.
If this were the POs, we would expect this kind of split.
by ZonaFlash on Apr 1, 2008 9:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
And that's the game
by TexSUN on Apr 1, 2008 9:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Makes Me Sick
by MichiganSunsFan on Apr 1, 2008 9:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Still
All the techs have gotten annoying.
I think we can say that Shaq's FT have not improved as much as we would hope for.
At least skinner go some burn and we ran some lineup experiments.
by ZonaFlash on Apr 1, 2008 9:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Just caught the 4th qtr
When I turned on the TV it seemed both teams were playing w/ lead boots. Both teams. Slow. Uninterested. Unmotivated.
If I were a Nuggets fan and the Suns had lost that game I would have slit my wrists. For the Nuggets to have almost lost this game after the Suns lost Bell, had no Grant Hill and were playing against both the Nuggets and whistles all night...boy that would have really really sucked.
As it is, maybe if Denver ends up making the playoffs and either GSW or Dallas doesn't whomever the first seed is will end up thanking us. Your welcome.
by Phoenix Stan on Apr 1, 2008 10:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
STAT -- Again
He needs to take more shots. I don't know why they weren't going to him more. It's not as if the Nuggs were denying him the ball.
Everyone looked tired. They had energy in spurts, but neither side could sustain it. Give it up to AI and Melo, though, for pulling it out at the end of the game.
I'm glad the Nuggs fans got their money's worth, though, and got to see a lot of action from Kevin Fehr.
by JSun on Apr 1, 2008 10:18 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey, Amare, shoot the ball
Like I said in the recap thread, we should have won this game, and it would have broken Denver's back.
by Hawk42 on Apr 2, 2008 7:13 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

by 


















