Game Preview - Suns vs Clippers
by Seth Pollack on Feb 17, 2009 5:18 PM MST
in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage
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PrintLos Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns, Feb 17, 2009 7:00 PM MST
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
vs. |  |
| 28-23 | 13-40 | |
| US Airways Center |
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| February 17th, 2009, 7:00 PM MST / 9:00PM EST |
||
| FSN AZ, 620 AM |
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| Probable starters: | ||
| Steve Nash | PG | Baron Davis |
| Leandro Barbosa | SG | Eric Gordon |
| Grant Hill | SF | Al Thornton |
| Amare Stoudemire | PF | Zach Randolph |
| Shaquille O'Neal | C | Brian Skinner |
Game #1: Suns version 4.0 / 08-09
Thirty-one games left in this rocky season and the home stretch starts with this back-to-back set with the Clippers. I know some of us might want to see the hope in that scheduling quirk, but don't think for a second that our fourth version of the 2008-09 Phoenix Suns will have an easy time of it.
The Clippers have played hard and will not roll over and play Wilson Chandler to our Nate Robinson, allowing us to step up off their kneeling backs.
On the other hand, a win against the Clippers won't mean too much. The analogy I used in the Pregame Podcast was a great golf shot that you hit 1 out of every 10 strokes. The Suns will look great on occasion but that doesn't mean that will be a great team with this roster.
It is the ultimate irony that people are excited about going back to a style of play that was heavily criticized both locally and nationally for not being able to win in the playoff's. Only this time, Nash is even older and creakier and the wizard of offense himself is gone.
I just don't see how trying to replicate that old magic will result in anything more than fools gold.
I don't see how Gentry will be able to somehow magically find a way for Shaq, Nash and Amare to sustain success on the same team.
I look for some nice, early energy and wins but within a few weeks we will be bemoaning the same old things. Enjoy the fast pace because it is only going to get you to the same place, but quicker.
Jason Richardson won't play tonight due to his suspension, which will give us a nice look at a Nash / Barbosa backcourt, with some heavy minutes for Tucker, as well. The question will be if Gentry gets Dragic into this game backing up Nash or if he will use a 3-guard rotation and play Nash heavy minutes.
From all Gentry has said so far, we should expect to see some bastardized version of last year's Suns, so expect lots of Nash handling the ball, not a lot of bench, some Shaq but more Amare and all of that great D'Antoni defense we've missed this season (minus, of course, Marion, Bell and Diaw).
Notes from Gentry's First Suns Practice
Courtesy of Sports 620 KTAR
- Following a brief meeting with the players, Gentry held an hour-and-a-half practice Monday --
- Gentry said he wants to try and limit Nash's minutes (hasn't every coach said that?) to about 30 a game, meaning we may see a player like a Goran Dragic, if for only a 4-5 minute stretch
- Gentry said he received a call last night from Mike D'Antoni. He wouldn't say what they talked about, but did say that they talk somewhat on a regular basis
Post practice audio in which we hear...
- Gentry - It's a tough situation to keep Nash sitting and limiting his minutes
- Hill - Gentry is the perfect person to take over. He's been here for a long time and knows the team's strengths and weaknesses
- Nash - We need to look forward, put a lot of what happened behind us. Find energy and swagger and play consistently (you can just put this Nash quote on a loop)
- Nash - It's not a difficult decision to run. Other than Shaq, we have a team of guys that played that way at their most successful points. Shaq proved at the end of last year that he's a great addition to that team
- Nash - You can't expect after 4 or 5 months of playing one way to just go back, especially since there's really only 3 of us played in that old system
I love how Nash contradicts himself with no shame right there. It's a no-brainer to play fast (the way he wants to play) because everyone except Shaq's played that way, BUT don't expect too much too soon because only three of us played in that system.
I am less and less impressed with how Steve has handled this season, but also, of course, fault Sarver and Kerr for not getting the buy-in of his star players before signing off on Porter and his system.
This entire mess has been a gigantic failure of leadership and hopefully will be a meaningful lesson for our General Manager moving forward. There are some basic principles of organizational dynamics and change management that Kerr obviously hasn't had the opportunity to learn while playing with M.J. or broadcasting on TNT.
There is a big gap between having great basketball knowledge and being able to successfully navigate a change scenario.
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Wow....
Nothing like setting the expectations low, huh? :)
Here’s the thing. I’m open to any system the players can believe in, get on board with, and are physically capable of executing. What the Suns were trying to do with Porter didn’t seem to fit any of that, and since they apparently weren’t willing to adjust the roster to go “all-in” with the Detroit/Spurs type of system, then it’s best they go back to something they’ve at least shown themselves to be good at in the past. Will it work in the win column? Who knows. 31 games isn’t much time to salvage the season, and my guess is that barring an untimely injury to Utah or Dallas, ultimately, the Suns will end up the odd man out in the tight race for the West’s playoff spots. However, even if the system change leads to nothing more than the Suns playing with confidence and looking like they’re actually enjoying the game of basketball again, that’s still an enormous improvement over what we’ve had for the past four months. At this point, I’ll take it.
Remeber the stretch
after the JRich trade when the Suns were playing with joy and fun and were running and scoring? That was Porter’s system too.
It’s not like we haven’t seen that already this season. What changed? A losing streak and lose of confidence in what they were doing…and each other
Sure – Porter failed to lead this team but the player leaders failed as well. Sure, it is natural for Nash to go back to what he knows and what’s worked best for him just like its natural for Shaq to do the same thing that he knows and that he’s won 4 rings with.
Another flip flop isn’t going to resolve that dynamic. We’ve just gone back to what was before and what happens when another losing streak happens? What happens when this team can’t rebound or stop anybody? What happens when Nash can’t hit a shot b/c his back and shoulder are sore?
This team’s best shot was to play slow and play good enough defense for 3 qtrs and then turn Nash and Amare loose in the fourth. They couldn’t pull that off so we’ve made yet another panic move.
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 17, 2009 1:34 PM MST up reply actions
But I think that was the problem...
…as you have pointed out many times, Nash, Amare, and Shaq cancel out each others’ strengths while sharing the same weakness (defense). I’m not sure it was ever possible for this team to play “good enough defense for three quarters”, which led to them becoming demoralized, which led to the mess we have today. I’m not saying a half-court style system couldn’t be awesome and fun to watch. In fact, if you can get past the franchise-hate, the Spurs are in fact a joy to watch because they are all-out committed to what they do, however “boring” it might appear to the outside world. But the Spurs are built to play that way. The Suns are not.
I think we are closing in on the crux
So, you are saying that it was ok for Nash (and Amare, Bell, Barnes, Diaw) to undermine Porter’s system because he, like you and I, agreed that it wasn’t going to work?
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 17, 2009 2:00 PM MST up reply actions
I'm saying I understand it
…in much the same way I’d find it very difficult to work for a company and keep quiet while its shoddy management was sending the company into bankruptcy. I think it shows the players care. Otherwise, they’d just keep their mouths shut, collect their paychecks, go with the flow, and enjoy their early summer vacation.
That's always a tough call, though
Even if the players/workers are right …
You’re talking about anarchy … Mutiny on the Bounty … all that stuff. It’s dangerous.
Look what happened to the Jedi Order when it considered dethroning the Supreme Chancellor and taking over the Senate. Like Yoda (and Steve Nash) observed, “To a dark place this line of discussion is leading …” or something like that
Mmmmm ... Guinness
True
I’d also argue that Kerr himself undermined Porter’s system by trading Bell and Diaw for Richardson. Even if he was trying to make a point by sending away the malcontents, he created a self-contradiction by bringing in a player that’s even more suited to a “run first, defense later” system than the two players he sent away. What were Nash, Amare, etc. supposed to think when even the GM didn’t seem on board with his own plan?
Yep.
I was thinking this exact same thing. And when you are being told to play defense and you trade away your defensive pieces for more offense. Wouldn’t that make you throw your arms up in confusion? I know I would.
"We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time." - Vince Lombardi
everyone seems to forget
Bell had no more defense. He was terrible this season.
by Funky Flapsack on Feb 17, 2009 2:47 PM MST up reply actions
Same feeling here
It’s kind of like Bob Plant going solo … why? That blimp has flown away
Mmmmm ... Guinness
I'll take fool's gold over no gold.
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."
The system vs. the style
I’m probably going to get accused of being a Nash apologist again for this, however, I think what he was saying is that most of the players have been at their best in an uptempo style in the past (e.g., JRich with the Warriors), but only three actually played in Mike D’Antoni’s specific system. Still, no argument from me that he could have, and should have, handled the entire situation better (as could just about everyone on the team not named Grant Hill), but I’d still take what Nash did any day over players whining to the media about their own lack of touches, and a management staff that seems to have completely lost its way.
Exactly..
I was gonna comment this same thing. Also, I’m assuming the 3 he meant were Nash, Barbosa, and Amare. Hill also played in D’Antoni’s system (pre-Shaq) and Shaq played under D’Antoni (post-Shaq). You could even say Tucker “played” in the system.. even though he didn’t really play.
So Nash, Barbosa, Amare, Hill, Tucker, and Shaq all played under D’Antoni.
JRich and Barnes played fast paced in GS.
That leaves Amundson, Dragic, Dudley, and Lopez…. and I don’t think they’re the ones we should be worried about.
Why is this blog still called "Bright Side of the Sun"
I swear, no one blog whines and complains more. Yeah, fans are fickle, and said the old system didn’t work.
But there’s something to be said for a broken face (JJ), exploding knees (Amare) bleeding noses (Nash) stupid suspensions (Amare and Boris) and a ridiculous 3 (TD).
I’d trade being a touch of bad luck away from the finals for "defense for three quarters, then turn nash and amare loose " anyday. Let’s have some optimism boys.
by UASun on Feb 17, 2009 1:55 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
I hear ya!
I’m nominating this for comment of the day. We’ve all been a little too negative around here, myself included.
There's always
planetorange.net
or
the Suns’ Twitter representative and her “rad” marketing partners
If you go through the archives you’ll see quite a bit of homerism, enthusiasm, thoughtful discussion, historical revisionism, adult-oriented jokes, sweet reminiscim (I can’t spell — the thing where you look back on the good times), sparring words, unbridled joy, disappointment and cynicism, as well as a discussion of the recent bad breaks — along with a discussion of the Suns’ history of bad breaks.
However, today and this week, things are bad for the Suns. Take it all in or stick to the rah-rah stuff.
Mmmmm ... Guinness
Reminiscing I think is how you spell
You can call it negativity if you like, but I use this to vent frustrations with the team instead of beating the first random person I see. What’s better depends on your view of violent crime I guess.
Well
I think I’ll start feeling better once we commit 100% to going into rebuilding mode. Right now we’re in this underachieving purgatory that makes things hard to watch. In a way I’d rather watch a sub-500 suns team with a lot of young new talent than this team which should be about +10 in the W column from where they are now. It just seems like everyone involved is so unsure of what to do, and theres really nothing worse than that.
by IrrationalAgent on Feb 17, 2009 2:02 PM MST up reply actions
Amen ...
I’ve said it before, but I’d much rather watch a hardworking, young rebuilding team that just doesn’t quite have the tools to get it done than a team with all the tools, but no desire to use them.
you call the ridiculous 3 (TD) luck
I call it bad defense….!!!
you call the stupid suspensions (Amare and Boris) luck…..
I call it stupidity to fall for the bait, and break a rule by stepping onto the court…. its a rule after all….no matter what happens, they have to follow it, or face the consequences….these are professional sportsmen after all…..
Whats up doc?
Finally all "luck" evens out
blaming losses in professional sport on “luck” is just escapism
Whats up doc?
I’ve been reading this blog since the very first post (I am a big aznsakepit reader and was super jazzed to see a suns "equivalent") … this season the folks who run this site have been so amazingly negative that I RARELY ever read this anymore. This blog isn’t owned by the people running it it is run by SBNation so offering criticsm like this is appropriate I think.
I’m not a huge homer, I need and respect criticism and concern for a team from fans. I get seriously annoyed with over the top homers and don’t want anything to do with that. But seriously you guys you have gone over the edge to make this blog next to unreadable.
Mood a reflection of the circumstances
Speaking as a (mostly) former blogger myself, I can say firsthand that it is HARD to put on the happy face and write cheerfully when you’ve just essentially wasted three hours of your life watching your team listlessly amble its way through a game. Or when the GM makes a move you are absolutely certain is a mistake. Or when one of the players does or says something foolish and detrimental to both himself and his team. Stan and the other bloggers here have had to deal with all of the above this season far more than anyone else who’s been in charge here since this site began. I, for one, think they’ve done an outstanding job.
Exactly
We bleed purple and orange around these parts. There just hasn’t been a lot to support, from questionable management and coaching decisions to star players dogging it both on and off the court. If things had gotten much worse, it would have been time to register FreeGrantHill.com. Without fail, he’s been the classiest and most consistent thing about the Suns this season.
So, yes, we’ve been negative, and yes, we’re calling a much-needed blowout fool’s gold, but the attitude here is just as much a reflection of the cynicism and negativity emanating from the organization. Once the team, from top to bottom, gives us something to believe in (and sadly and unfairly, firing Terry Porter is a good start), I think you’ll see a jump in the boosterism quotient here as well.
by Mike Lisboa on Feb 17, 2009 11:32 PM MST up reply actions
"Once more into the breach!"
Well here we are again back to the style we love and hate. I cant quite say what I expect from this team now. I’m not even sure the players know what to expect now, do they even care anymore.
This season has turned out to be far more of a rollecoster ride than I could ever have dreamed. Sadly though I fear things are going to come to a dramatic and sad close soon.
Rebuilding is here, does the front office even want to admitt it?
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
Terry Porter
Is that you writting the game preview? : )
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
uhh...no....uhhh
He’s not without blame but he shouldn’t be the scape goat either
He was hung out to dry by his boss and his team
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 17, 2009 3:08 PM MST up reply actions
Wrong guy for wrong job
Your right it isnt all his fault, but from what I’ve heard with his lack of leadership and coaching techniques he didnt help in gradually losing the team.
It really is well and truly a perfect storm of BS that hit this team and Porter is only one part of it.
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
Want some optimism?
The Lakers. The summer before last. We all remember Kobe and his bitching about his weak ass team and wanting to be traded.
I distinctly remember the talk about the Lakers at the time. I believe that we were the 2 seed and they were the 7 seed. We destroyed them in 5 games. Everyone was saying the Lakers needed to blow it up, they needed to rebuild. Because they were stuck in a state of flux. If they continued on that path, they would continue to be a low seed and be eliminated from the playoffs every year. If they traded Kobe, then they would be in a muti-year rebuilding mode.
Of course, neither happened. Kobe called his team out, they played a shit-ton better, and they stole Gasol from Memphis. Now look at them. Our roles are reversed. I guess my point is, even when things look really bad, they can easily be turned around.
Yay optimism
Still waiting for that kind of luck to kick in though. God I hope we’ll catch a break some day.
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
okay
he’s good, but so is Amare. Of course we can get into a long, drawn out debate about how good Amare really is. Sure, he’s not in the same class as Kobe, but it would be hard to argue he’s not better than say, Paul Pierce. So, if we can add another stud to this team in the near future, then i do think we can turn this thing around pretty quick
by Funky Flapsack on Feb 17, 2009 5:07 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah, but
the Lakers team was Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, surrounded by a bunch of young guys. This Suns team is Amar’e Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa surrounded by a bunch of old guys. The Lakers got lucky because they were able to plug an All-Star post player into the middle of their lineup and somehow all of their young guys came of age at the same time. I don’t really see how the equivalent can be done to an aging team.
Can we play Sims
At least a couple of mins while he’s with us this time? The man just won MVP in that D-League All-Star game, give him a chance!
He's back?
I wouldn’t recognize the guy if I saw him (going off to find his pic so if I do see him I’ll know it).
i didn't think i'd like Gentry
just because i figured if he was a good coach, he would of been given the job to begin with. But, after listening to him talk, i think he sounds more intelligent and definitely more articulate than Porter. Not sure if that translates to him being a good motivator or a good x’s and o’s guy
Gentry should've been the man from the get-go
He’s been with the team for years now. He knows the players, he knows the system, and his coaching experience is rather large. I always thought Porter got in cause he was friends with Kerr. We should’ve gone with Gentry (or another insider) from day one.
well, I’m not sure Gentry was the long term answer. But it was abundantly clear that Porter wasn’t the right fit for a group of veterans.
Perhaps let Gentry coach for 2 years until Nash expired and then change systems.
I’ve always liked Gentry. He’s smart, been a coach for a long time, and I always found him absolutely hilarious in “Seven Seconds or Less”
If it’s one thing, this team plays better when they are having fun. So, hopefully we can start having fun.
by ArizonaCactus on Feb 17, 2009 8:15 PM MST up reply actions
Out of the things we'd get from gentry...
all of that great D’Antoni defense we’ve missed this season (minus, of course, Marion, Bell and Diaw).
We’ve missed that this season???? 19th ranked team defensively with a slower pace. Could’ve fooled me.
I know its the first game and its against the clippers,
BUT… How about Gentry playing 10 players in the 1st quarter including a lineup of Dragic, Tucker, Barnes, Dudley, and Amundson!!!
Wow
Talk about night & day coaching styles. Its also nice when a bunch of geezers get 5 days off
by IrrationalAgent on Feb 17, 2009 7:45 PM MST reply actions
This is it
This is the team I expected to see starting back in Nov. Everything is going perfect. I dont want to jinx it, but whatever, its almost flawless.
Gentry’s rotations are good and smart too. This is just….awesome!
Is it me?
Or are they having fun again? Not fake smiles and frustration but actual fun. I know its the Clips but when was the last time it looked like they enjoyed playing?
Man
This is just fun to watch. NO TRADES
by IrrationalAgent on Feb 17, 2009 8:09 PM MST reply actions
WOW!
Ok, it’s the clippers. It’s the first game with the new coach. [Insert buzz kill of your choice here]. This is just friggin’ awesome. Lou with play of the night.
WOOOOOOOOO!!!!
We’re beating the CLIPPERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol
by whatisboxhappening on Feb 17, 2009 8:12 PM MST reply actions
no matter what
as much rest as you want to give your starters, you cant keepyour bench in for that long either. So I’d expect good player rotation with limited starter minutes, but still having starter minutes (mostly going to the likes of Hill and, in this case, LB).
seriously!?!
I know its the Clips, but 81 at the half is nothing short of amazing no matter who you’re playing. And its not the “old” Suns that would have, say, 81 at the half with the opposition at 76 or whatever. We’re getting the job done on both ends of the floor. Great rotations, we’re communicating, grabbing rebounds, and getting steals.
I havent been this fired up watching the Suns in at least 2-3 seasons.
Everyone’s playing with so much energy and having so much fun. So far, I just really like that we’ve seen so many players enter the game. I feel bad for Robin Lopez and Courtney Sims, though.
they’ll get theirs in the second half
by Funky Flapsack on Feb 17, 2009 8:20 PM MST up reply actions
not to shit on anyone's parade
but let’s see if we bring it like this tomorrow, before we get too excited
although, this is pretty damn entertaining
by Funky Flapsack on Feb 17, 2009 8:22 PM MST up reply actions
you're absolutely right
but it’ll be much easier to play one of the elite team after we get a few wins like this under our belt. This is the game we need to build confidence and bring that swagger back.
just something to point out
I know we have 81 at the half. But do you find it weird or funny that we’ve only shot seven 3s, making only 2? We’re shooting over 70% from the field, which is unbelievable, but I find the lack of 3s odd, especially when we’re leading by that much.
I LOVE FOOL'S GOLD!
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."
Enjoy it
I mean seriously…take the top three big men off any team and what happens. We could beat the Celtics without Garnett, Perkins and Pierce too.
Sure. It was a nice win. The Suns played well early. Lots of energy. But the Clippers stunk. Really really bad.
Not all blow out loses are the end of the world and certainly not all blow out wins are a sign of things to come.
Let’s see how things look a week from now. k?
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 17, 2009 9:49 PM MST up reply actions
true story
Too soon by far to tell but still a fun win
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
All about enjoying the journey, right?
Isn’t that what you were telling us not so long ago? Tonight was a good night. Does it mean the Suns are back? Nope. But for one evening they looked fantastic, even if it was against a shorthanded team that was bad to begin with. Allow us to enjoy the moment. We have to take them whenever they come this season.
nice
well said
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 17, 2009 11:16 PM MST up reply actions
Michael Schwartz summed it up best for me, emphasis mine
Yes, I understand the Clippers are one of the worst teams in basketball, and the Suns were almost certain to play a great game and win big off the momentum of the coaching change. I understand nobody should get too excited about beating a team missing its four best interior players after Zach Randolph was ejected for punching Amundson.
But it wasn’t the margin of victory or the ridiculous stats that has me excited today and hoping Steve Kerr gives this team a chance to climb up the Western Conference standings on a day the Hornets traded Tyson Chandler and the Rockets lost Tracy McGrady for the year.
It’s the fact that for the first time all season the Suns looked like the Phoenix Suns, running another team off the floor and having fun in the process.
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."
Nice thought
but I recall seeing a very joyous Suns team after the JRich deal. In fact it was that joy that changed my mind about a trade that I initially reacted poorly too.
Remember that string of games after the came in? Basically from his first game he was here until the road loss to the Nuggets.
That stretch was a fantastic 9-3 and the team looked really good. Then things hit a rough spot and the wheels came off.
That has nothing to do with the system…it worked for 12 games. The group played well and were happy then.
Then the Suns old adversary – adversity – stepped up and once again the team couldn’t over come and we got yet another panic move and came darn close to a panic trade too.
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 18, 2009 12:57 PM MST up reply actions
OK, enough....
I get it. You think the team has taken a step backwards in firing Porter and reverting to run-and-gun, rather than telling the players to “get over it” and find a way to make it work. So what would have been your solution to make that happen? There’s no winding the clock back to start the season over again with Terry Porter. Nor can we wind it back to a year ago and change the Shaq trade for something that fits the rest of the team better. Nor can we make Steve Nash 20 again, where it would be reasonable to expect him to remake his entire game to become a top-notch defensive roleplayer who tosses the ball into the post and patiently waits for the catch and shoot opportunity, all while smiling about it and being content with his place in the world (even when the team is losing). Nor can we make Amare and Shaq elevate their games on both ends of the floor to the level of their egos, whether or not they’re getting “the touches”.
So, with that in mind, what would you suggest Steve Ker try to do with this roster? What would be your dream makeover for the Suns so that by this time next season, they’re playing the Phoenix Stan System with ease?
Called on the carpet
There is no answer and that’s the problem….
but as I’ve said the first step is to stop doing anything and just let this season play out. I think they are doing that now.
But Kerr, Sarver, Griffin, etc really need to sit down and clear their heads and think about the next five years and what kind of team they want to be. You have to establish a vision that builds on your strengths and then create a plan around that. And then stick to it!
The most frustrating part has been the inconsistency. I can buy into anything just about as long as they are committed to it.
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 18, 2009 1:15 PM MST up reply actions
Seeing as how I maintain that Porter's hiring was a huge mistake, I'd say that we made the correct move, not a 'panic' move.
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."
True
But here’s the difference between this blowout win and the blowouts from earlier in the season.
81-point first half
140 points total in the game. No drop off
We kept moving. We kept attacking. And you can tell it was in everyone’s head. Move. Look up court for the fastbreak Man. Score quick. I think we would of beat anybody tonight.
by Funky Flapsack on Feb 17, 2009 10:03 PM MST up reply actions
I'm in a dilemma
whether to give Kerr a Moron Point, for hiring Porter in the first place, or give him a Genius Point for firing him…… :D
Thats one, I’ll offload to the rest of you all :D
Whats up doc?
Five moron points for hiring him.
One for firing him.
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."
Wow…….Barnes needs to quit throwing up threes.
Nice game…At one point in the 1st quarter the whole bench was in.
Where is Sims?
by cabezonication on Feb 17, 2009 11:46 PM MST reply actions
not in uniform
Suns can only dress out 11 players. He’s 12 or 13.
Until the Suns send Robin to Iowa he won’t get into a game.
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 18, 2009 12:58 PM MST up reply actions
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