Game Thread: Suns vs Thunder
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 6:29 PM MST
in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage
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PrintOklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns, Dec 23, 2009 7:00 PM MST
Coaches Notes:
- Lots of pregame media attention to James Harden
- Coach Brooks talked about his unselfishness and ability to handle the ball and make plays. "He brings some toughness"
- Eric Maynor showed up about 25 minutes before tip. He hadn't met his coach yet. He had a DVD version of the team's playbook that he's been watching on the plane here. He may or may not play tonight. The Thunder don't have another back up point guard other than Maynor
- Coach Gentry said he's one of the more efficient players he's ever seen. Not flashy but efficient.
- Gentry says Durant is faster with the ball and longer than George Gervin and should end up being one of the best players ever
- Gentry expects Thunder to switch a lot. Suns have been working on post passing so they can quickly take advantage of mismatches in the post
- LB still on track to play on the 25th against the Clippers. Not active tonight
- Suns will try and make Durant a jump shooter. If he's hitting his jump shots, Gentry calls him unguardable
- Kevin Durant is impressed with Hardin: Durant on Harden 122309
- James was at today's ASU game (as was our man Max Simbron)
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Kristic can't cover Amare
I would look for Ibaka to get big minutes
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
yup
just me an a lot of empty seats
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:18 PM MST up reply actions
Hey everybody!
Sorry I’m late to the party.!
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Thanks!
Just doing my part to spread a little Christmas cheer.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Horrible start
defense is attrocious…offense not much better. Gentry forced to call time out
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
wide open jump shots
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:20 PM MST up reply actions
bright side is the suns are only
down 5
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:22 PM MST up reply actions
Yup
These kids took it to the Lakers last night… again.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
awesome stat of the night
per the Suns per-game notes:
Jared Dudley leads the league in three pointers off the bench with 46.
More than Jason Terry. Rasheed Wallace. Jamal Crawford. All of them
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Because they're so young
It’s easy to forget what a good defensive team the Thunder are. 11th in defensive efficiency and 6th in opponents’ eFG.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
I love Durant
This guy is so freakin good. Did anyone see him in the HORSE match during last season’s all star break? Really showcased that he can shoot from anywhere on the floor. Makes me super happy I pulled his rookie auto card
Ok - check out this tweet from Ray Allen
http://twitter.com/sugarray20/status/6984729464
I quote:
I’m getting there. When u masturbate think about my tongue or your clit and switching back and forth from my dick to my tongue
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Uhh... whoops.
Hacked announcement coming in 3…2…1…. now!
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
I am sure that's what
he will say happened….
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:32 PM MST up reply actions
Called it!
I’m sorry my acct was hacked into. I need to changey tweet handle
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
note that tweet
was sent with Echophone just like all his other one’s….that’s not exactly a common twitter client. hmmmm
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:33 PM MST up reply actions
I call bluff
He meant to send that to somebody else and accidentally posted it on twitter
go get ’em, sugar ray
mean to DM it
and forgot to put the DM. I’ve done that several times. Of course it wasn’t a sextweet
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:36 PM MST up reply actions
Is it just me?
Or is Amare’s passing improving as the season goes on?
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
yup
all you – but I will watch more for it
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:38 PM MST up reply actions
Or maybe it's just once a game
He gives a nice feed from the elbowish and I want to make that a trend.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
This might sound stupid
But usually when nash gets him the ball it’s in a good position to shoot. if he’s not he passes. stupid right?
Steve Nash plays D!!
No, I hear you.
But a lot of times that “pass” is more of a hand-ff to someone cutting behind him on the perimeter. But literally, once a game, he fires beautiful bullet underneath to Lou or some other slasher. When I see that happen once, I want to magically expand Amare’s ceiling to include “facilitator” somehow, even though he doesn’t have the handle for it.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Durant
was very amused in the locker room pre-game when Harden had all the media around him and everyone was ignore him (Kevin)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
I was the only one
that asked him a question
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:41 PM MST up reply actions
posted above
the audio. I asked him about Harden :)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:46 PM MST up reply actions
Thunder 9-0 run
to start 2nd qtr. Gentry forced to call another timeout
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Frye's shot looks flat tonight.
All the Suns do. Everything that misses is hitting short.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
and thats something I've been saying too
He needs to be more aggressive down low. Yeah, you can shoot, great…but you’re the type of player that can do some good things in the paint too.
fans boo'd him
for watching rebound go right past him and to Thunder player on wing
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:51 PM MST up reply actions
I'm torn on that one
It’s a little early for the boo-birds, but at the same time, it means the crowd is at least engaged.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Thunder w/ 50 points already
still 7:20 to go in half….they are one of lowest scoring teams in the L. That’s on us
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Nash starting to make things happen though
sensing a little shift in the energy
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Amare better have been pissed that he was late
Not that the call went against him
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Harden splits the double team on the wing
and takes it right into Amare for and 1…nice play, James
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
nah
if he goes up to block it he’s certainly getting a foul. He was just a tad slow. Close play though.
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 7:56 PM MST up reply actions
Wow...
That no-look was sick. The crowd absolutely should have booed Channing Frye if he missed on that assist.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Question
what do you all think about posting my game notes as part of the recap? Waste of space or worth the read? I’ve done it on the last couple of home games
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
wow...that's
a lot of pressure
and maybe a bit creepy as well :)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 8:05 PM MST up reply actions
Dig it
There’s always a gem or two in there amidst the “regular” notes.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Thunder defensive plan
pack it in and let the Suns miss three’s. Working
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Better effort
Since getting out-rebounded 21-9 early, the Suns have taken back the boards, outrebounding the Thunder 7-1.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Dude won $100
gift certificate to the room store. What do you do with that? Buy a couch pillow?
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Lopez
Did he fall into a black hole, he hasn’t found the court lately.
no one for him to match up against here
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 8:11 PM MST up reply actions
i'm just curious
i’m not saying i miss him
Tom Leander:
The Thunder have been stockpiling talent over the years.
10 of the players on their roster are in their 3rd year or less, so technically he’s correct, if overstating his case a bit.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Totally forgot
that I recorded and uploaded this audio.
Check it out
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/232140/Tessa_-_Defense.mp3
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
my three year old
daughter chanting “Defense. Defense”
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 8:15 PM MST up reply actions
Assuming Tessa's a Suns fan
Where did she learn that word?
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
aww aint that cute
lets hope when she grows up the suns team will be playing some defense
Mercury games
go figure
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 8:27 PM MST up reply actions
I don't want o get into an Amar'e debate but I see it as this..
…I don’t trust his loyalty and I don’t trust his heart. His offensive ability is great and he has shown that if he dedicates himelf to something, he’ll improve at it. His defense is still not good enough though.
So basically, if we can get 75 cents to the dollar for him, I’d do it.
i agree
75 cents would be good enough for me, but will be tough to pull off, however, i think he would stay in PHX if we pay him, however, i question his worth heavily. If he wanted to stay here at his current contract I would have no problem with that.
His value has never been higher!
(This season.)
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
I don’t get what’s just happened…. i have no audio so couldn’t hear the cll. Are they saying a travel?
Yes, total travel
And he didn’t get it off in time anyway.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Yes.
Did anyone catch Goran showing off his move to Amare while they reviewed it? Funny stuff.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
What the bleep was that.
I guess Dragic breathed in the direction of the ref so he had to call something
by Suns Fan For Life on Dec 23, 2009 8:18 PM MST reply actions
jrich and g hill
looks like both are still bothered by thier hand injuries
Am I crazy?
I thought LB was going to try and play tonight.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Yes
crazy.
He was never going to try and play today. Plan has always been Christmas day. He only practiced for the first time yesterday and that was 3 on 3 and he was pretty sore after
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 8:29 PM MST up reply actions
He was asked that before today's game
He said it will be by feel and based on how he’s doing. Gentry’s not big on set minutes for his rotations
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 8:34 PM MST up reply actions
That's right.
You know, us poets and our flights of fancy.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Memo to Russell Westbrook
You are not Shannon Brown. Nice try, though.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
by Mike Lisboa on Dec 23, 2009 8:38 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
or Inspector Gadget
Go go gadget arm
by bradley281 on Dec 23, 2009 8:39 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
REC'd
That’s more like what I was looking for.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
At the bottom of each comment...
…there’s an action button. You can either REC a comment or FLAG it for inappropriate content. RECing let’s the poster know you appreciate it and after 3 RECs or so a comment turns green.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Steve Nash is the best shooter in the NBA
Crazy angles, off balance, straight up. Whatever…its going in
ok, not critical
but these turnovers really put is in bad posiition
by ArizonaCactus on Dec 23, 2009 8:43 PM MST up reply actions
If you are not on twitter following
@mikelisboa you are missing a massive self-pimp fest.
Well earned though, Mike just keep your sexual adventures out of your tweets
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
There are so many inappropriate responses to this
I don’t even know where to begin.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Memo to Amare:
You are not Shannon Brown. Nice try though….
by keify34 on Dec 23, 2009 8:45 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Every time Tom Leander says "QuickFire Three!"
I think I’m watching Top Chef.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
J-Rich
It’s easy to hate on him for the $$$, but he never ever quits on plays.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
I would never fault the mans heart...
…but I will happily crucify him for his erratic shooting.
Also, since when did ’I’m having an offshooting night, so I’ll drive to the whole and either get a couple of layups to get me going or get fouled and go to the line to kick start me’ not apply to players?
hand is still sore
he HAS to take those open three’s though. It’s on Gentry to pull him. And Gentry pulled him after that last miss
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 8:51 PM MST up reply actions
me too
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 8:52 PM MST up reply actions
My man Brett
from AOL had a great point about Durant’s low three point % which wasw just illustrated right there…
His teammates often chuck him the ball with 2 seconds left on the shot clock when he’s in bad position and he’s toast
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Amare is rounding into shape.
Fo’ reals. Way more active in the paint the last several games.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Uhhhh... flop?
No, really, I know that Nash takes so many charges, he’s earned a flop or two, but he sold that one.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Channing with the Kobe move there for 3 FTs
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Harden's beard
anyone know that story here? Any Sun Devil fans?
It is a religious thing?
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
True
At least, that was the story in college.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Lou and Goran
With some nice PnR defense there.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
It's like the refs
at half time had a huddle and decided they were going to call charges. A lot of charges
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
I was just gonna ask if there was a blocking call in this game
i think amare got called for one
Steve Nash plays D!!
Just looked at the floor and thought the exact same thing.
But it’s only Nash and Amar’e who are currently sitting who can.
not without Barbosa
and I was just staying that if Clark can’t get the point where he’s like a 10 and 5 guy this team is going to be very limited.
I love Grant Hill but you can see him wear down as games go on. By spring I just don’t know what he will have left.
And Dudley is great but…not great enough
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:07 PM MST up reply actions
holy crap
Ben must be going nuts over at Blazers Edge
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:08 PM MST up reply actions
it's the wounded tiger bounce
without Joel and Oden they are going to be in a world of hurt. They can’t keep this up for the rest of the season…even if Rudy and Outlaw come back
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:09 PM MST up reply actions
Juwan Howard held it down
12 and 12 i believe.
by azmanian_devil on Dec 23, 2009 9:21 PM MST up reply actions
I am sure that will last
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:22 PM MST up reply actions
Oooh! Oooh!
I wonder if the boys at HP back off their “Chill out, Juwan Howard.” movement for a day.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
I don't like the lack of off-ball movement
when Nash isn’t in the game. Not as much cutting and screening.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Eddie Johnson
Nash knows I was a great defender when I played the game.
Winner for my LOL of the night. The only think EJ defended was his shot selection.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Suns actually out-shooting Thunder
But OKC has 3 more makes on 12(!) additional attempts. TO/O-Reb Fail.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
theme of the season
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:18 PM MST up reply actions
Anyone remember
but I think Serge Ibaka was a Suns draft pick sent to the Sonics as part of the KT deal
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Hell's Bells
S. Ibaka = L. Amundson, OKC-style!
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
34 points on 15 shots?
Paired with 13 boards, that is indeed a Max night.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
who?
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:29 PM MST up reply actions
ok - thanks
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:29 PM MST up reply actions
WOW.
OKC has no answer for Amare in the paint. None whatsoever. He is swallowing souls down there.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
he's fouled out
Collison and Ibaka and he’s OWNED Kristic like a red headed Serbian (no offense to any red headed Serbians)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:30 PM MST up reply actions
Of course
On his next offensive possession, he’s smothered.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Hmmmm
3 consecutive possessions for the Suns net them 1 point.
OKC gets 3 on their next possession. Not gonna win this game that way.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Gentry talked about
young Thunder team not knowing how to close out tight games….lets see some of that now
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Oh, MAN!
Dudley with great D on Durant but Suns can’t get the rebound. Durant gets it back and sinks the dagger.
Ball game.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
Dudley is too short
to contest Durant’s shot
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:37 PM MST up reply actions
Durant is too good
I dont think anybody could’ve stopped his shot. The only way to stopping him is through his head. He’s such a great player, and not even close to his potential.
Got the stop
missed the rebound. Not sure why they didn’t trap the ball out of Durant’s hands!
Cold blooded J.
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
Final 14 seconds
could last 37 minutes in real time if the Suns get a bucket of course
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
no bucket
game over
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 9:39 PM MST up reply actions
Amare is about the only one improving.
All in all, though, I think the team is horrible at making adjustments.
Measuring stick.
Thunder gave the Lakers run for their money last night, and the last game before that. so yea. Suns need to gain their confidence back, step it up another notch. this is going to be a long cold december.
gentry
needs to get other players more half court sets other than steve and amare
I'll accept this loss
If it means we get pissed and go on a killing spree and do like we did starting the season. I’ll tell ya, players looked angry leaving the floor.
I’d hate to be the Clippers on Friday.
but
wasn’t the loss to the Cavs going to do that?
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
Agree...
…Nash looked PISSED leaving the floor. Anyone else think Durant has the potential to turn into a Kobe-type player in a few years? He was unstoppable tonight, even with the defense of Hill and Dudley. Not much the Suns can do when Durant is that hot.
Our 3 wings...
combined to go 6-23 from the field. The rest of the team was a scorching 33-55 from the field.
If you’re looking for a place to start pointing fingers, that is.
Contributor: Bright Side of the Sun Twitter: @MikeLisboa
yup
Hill was….not so good. And he knew it too btw in the locker room
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Seth Pollack on Dec 23, 2009 10:38 PM MST up reply actions
Why did the Suns lose? Rebounding.
Why did the Suns lose?
Second chance points: Thunder, 23; Suns 9.
Also, see this post:
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2009/12/20/1209614/good-offense-cant-overcome
Post title, “Good Offense Can’t Overcome Rebounding, Turnover Problems”
Why did the Suns lose? Rebounding.
“What’s newwwww…”
- Linda Ronstadt, with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra
"I don’t know why people feel the need to come up with reasons 'why' for everything..." - Missing Barry
by victor frankenstein on Dec 23, 2009 10:22 PM MST up reply actions
Anyone else really impressed with Amare's maturity this year?
He’s tied for the lead with the most flagrants and he’s up there in technicals, but his after-game comments are so much more thought out and team oriented and just captain-esque. Really impressed. That, and his monster double-doubles lately.
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