Game Preview - Suns vs Thunder
by Seth Pollack on Feb 20, 2009 4:56 PM MST
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PrintOklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns, Feb 20, 2009 7:00 PM MST
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
vs. |  |
| 30-23 | 13-41 | |
| US Airway Center |
||
| February 20th, 2009, 7:00 PM MST / 9:00PM EST |
||
| FSN AZ HD, 620 AM |
||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Steve Nash | PG | R. Westbrook |
| Leandro Barbosa | SG | K. Weaver |
| Jason Richardson | SF | K. Durant |
| Grant Hill | PF | J. Green |
| Shaquille O'Neal | C | N. Collison |
| Official Suns Game Notes | ||
Wouldn't it be nice to go into a game thinking about the game? The match-ups? The trends on how the two teams are playing?
That would be great. Maybe next year.
For now though we are talking, of course, about the Amare injury and how Gentry reacts. Word is he's going to go even smaller and rely on speed and outside shooting. That sounds like fun times two, doesn't it!?
I can't wait to see the Suns shooting 20 + times for three and taking shots early in the clock. I hope Matt Barnes gets off at least 7 himself!
And when you look at this game, that's certainly an approach that's going to work against the young Thunder. They can't run at all! Let the scoring fest continue!
The last thing Gentry would want to do is use a size advantage against a team with no real center.
Shaq? He can run! Didn't you see him in the All-Star game! Didn't you see his def dance moves! Didn't you see him handle the ball on the break and hit Nash with a bounce pass!!!!
Of course he can run! GO SUNS!!! Yippiee!!!Yeeehaaa!!!
My prediction: 145 - 137 Suns.
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Actually...
I AM kind of hyped about that. Obviously wish it had come about a different way, though.
either that’s scathing sarcasm or you got into the medicine cabinet.
I'm just like you, only ten times better.
What do you think...
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 20, 2009 5:30 PM MST up reply actions
pretty sure it’s scathing sarcasm. but the medicine cabinet option sounds funner at this juncture
I'm just like you, only ten times better.
I keep Crown Royal
in my desk drawer…I am a Mad Man
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 20, 2009 6:14 PM MST up reply actions
WOO!
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."
You know what...
Let me join the party!
Wohooooooooooo! Running and gunning with the smallest lineup ever!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
Score prediction!
You stole mine. This is going to be a crazy high scoring affair. Though I do think Gentry will have the good sense at some point to run ram the ball down the ex-Sonics’ throats via Shaq at some point. I fully expect Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Leandro Barbosa to all go for 40 each tonight.
That score seems entirely possible despite both scores from their previous matchups this year in OKC. When playing teams that push the ball up court and play uptempo basketball, the Thunder tend to oblige and do the same thing. Its going to be an exciting game tonight!
WELCOME TO LOUD CITY!
by Mr Pappagiorgio on Feb 20, 2009 5:47 PM MST up reply actions
On this game and the rest of the season.
I think, we as Suns fans are faced with two options:
1) Get down and depressed and spend the next 8 weeks cutting ourselves on our broken dreams of a late season run; or
2) Embrace the surrealism of trying to compete in the Western Conference with our stand-pat roster in shambles and accept it for the weird-ass Dali painting it’s about to become.
I for one am looking forward to images of melting shot clocks and levitating baguettes.
I've been option 2 ever since we fired Porter, lol
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."
I was thinking something similar...
On the heels of the column that said the SSoL Suns were “critically acclaimed”, I was thinking that this season has now turned into experimental basketball, which makes our team the Velvet Underground of Basketball.
any leads for watching online?
looking forward to seeing this somehow.
thanks!
Damn, can't find any link
atdhe’s link is not working for me for a reason. sigh
My body might be in Greece, but my mind and my heart is in Arizona. When the heck will I visit the Desert?
Live blogging
I’m going to live blog this game tonight, at least until (unless) I have to pick up work. I’ll be a few minutes getting started while I set up my link from computer to TV.
Good start
Suns score on first possession as JRich cuts to the hole, then get a stop on the other end.
Nice recovery
Suns “forget” to defend the three, but get back two in as many seconds thanks to LB’s quick cut to the basket.
Shaq takes out his frustration on the goal
…frustration from either being in trade talks or not actually getting traded to Cleveland, take your pick.
Meanwhile, JRich does a 360 when he finds himself all by himself, thanks to the much bemoaned 7SOL play.
Suns play Porter Ball
…on that possession. Shaq ends up with a bucket. Somewhere Phoenix Stan smiles.
Thanks for live blogging!
I’m not able to watch the game so that helps!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
JRich getting fed tonight
Bronze lining (can’t bring myself to say “silver lining”) of Amare’s absence is that it takes away one of those hungry mouths Nash has to feed. JRich is getting fat tonight.
Got a link
No sound though. http://www.footysports.tv/content/sports/?page=basketball
My body might be in Greece, but my mind and my heart is in Arizona. When the heck will I visit the Desert?
oh my god… did barnes just make 2 free throws? i am in shock
I'm just like you, only ten times better.
The missing SVideo cable has been located
…a brief timeout from me to get this thing hopefully connected for real this time.
Amare who?
Suns end the quarter with a near-40 at 30 to the Thunder’s 23. Great start so far. <insert “but it’s the Thunder!” comment of your choice here>.
Dragic in
…with Shaq, Hill, Richardson, and Barnes. Hopefully the presence of veterans will keep him calm.
Meanwhile Shaq shows what happens when a Corvette plows into a Mack truck.
Shaq is ticked
Shaq seems to be playing with a little extra fire tonight. Takes issue with Collison hanging onto him after the foul.
I would have left Nash on the bench
Suns up 50-35, and Shaq having a field day at taking the lead while Dragic was manning the PG spot.
+1
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."
Getting two the hard way
Nash near turnover trying to pass to Hill, save to Shaq, batted around, Shaq ends up with the dunk. 57-37, Suns.
I'm sensing
another 40 point win at this rate. Not that I’m complaining, but that would have to set some kind of record.
OK,so the JRich for WAlly idea wasn't so great
He’s really getting me back for pushing for that deal.
What's up with the live blog?
I’ve never used one. I’m kinda like a younger John McCain when it comes to the internet.
I thought it might be fun to start it up again
By “live blog” we just mean someone watches the game and types in their thoughts and a bit of play-by-play. Basically a way for people who don’t have access to watch the game to get a feel for what’s going on.
...and I guess I'm a little rusty
Just realized I haven’t been including the timestamps on the messages.
Nice ball movement on that one
LB ends up with a three and Suns are up 68-24. I smell another 70 point half.
Good first half
Amazingly fast paced. It’s still the Thunder though :p
My body might be in Greece, but my mind and my heart is in Arizona. When the heck will I visit the Desert?
At the half
A bit of a letup there at the end allowed the Thunder to “close” the lead to 22. Suns up 79-57. So far, Amare-less Suns the Sequel looks similar to the 2005-06 original. Lots of unselfish play leading to good results in an entertaining first half.
Doesn't matter.
Unless we beat the Celtics by somewhere around 80 or 90 points, the jury will still be out.
For clarity's sake
I should point out that this was sarcasm. Personally, I’m in the “enjoy the fun while it lasts” camp, not the “we’re still so damn screwed with this style” camp.
I recognized the sarcasm
I’d settle for a 1 point win over Boston but prefer something more like 20!
BTW
I found a better link WITH sound. http://www.andromedanet.com/tvtuner_ps1d.html
My body might be in Greece, but my mind and my heart is in Arizona. When the heck will I visit the Desert?
Well, one plus here
is that Barbosa should be playing 30-35 a game from here on out, which I think he needs.
If, and it's a HUGE if
they keep playing like this, Boston is doomed. Games like this are beautiful because they’re usually rare. Looks like Nash looks to change that.
This team sucks
the fact that they didn’t score 80 just shows how unprofessional they really are…
Blogging Suns Basketball
With Amare out
I guess there’s a focus on the wing for offense now?
Q3 10:41 - Somebody put a lid on the basket
..during halftime. Thunder finally break the seal. 79-59, Suns.
Q3 9:58 - Nice play by Shaq
Been taking lessons from Nash on that pass. LB gets the Suns finally over the 80 mark.
Q3 9:24 - A little sloppy to start
Grant Hill takes an early trip to the bench at his own request according to the announcers.
Meanwhile, LB hits a three to bring it to 84-65
Q3 6:22 - EJ make Stan's point
..that it’s much easier to impose the pace on weak teams than on teams like Boston.
I guess we can thank Porter for teaching the team how to throw an entry pass.
It comes in handy from time to time.
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."
Yep, and for teaching them how to go to the post
Used as a backup option when the running plan fails works much better with these guys than using it as option 1.
I'd enjoy it if we could have another 140 point game...
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."
Q3 2:21 - As soon as Dudley learns to finish those
…his future in the league will brighten considerably. Heads to the line for two.
Q3 2:00 - Getting nervous
Three by the Thunder makes it 98-84. This is where D’Antoni puts all the starters back in.
Funny thing is..
…when I typed that, I was applauding Gentry for having a bit of patience and giving them a chance to play through it. Guess that backfired a little.
I don't see 140 in our future
Struggled just to break 100 in the third. Lead is 103-93 heading into the fourth. Let. Down.
…although in fairness, the run happened with a healthy dose of Dragic and Dudley on the floor.
Why would people boo? This is classic 7SOL - just what everybody wants
by hcblankscreen on Feb 20, 2009 9:07 PM MST up reply actions
People will always boo
what they perceive to be poor effort, no matter what the style. I’m not even certain it was boos, but sounded like.
Q4 8:10 - Desperately-needed three
Opens it back to nine. 108-99.
..meanwhile JRich tries to do too much and ends up with a turnover.
OK, I'm rescending Matt Barne's PO4Q award
Missing that layup from Shaq’s full court pass was inexcusable.
Q4 - 5:16 - Opening a gap
Lead back up to 14.
…make that 12.
…make that 14. Geez this game moves fast.
Yeah, me and my negativity saved the day
…maybe my “won’t make the playoffs” prediction will work the same?
Q4 4:00 - The "back off and maybe he'll miss" defense...
…leads to the miss but the followup three.
Meanwhile, the Suns approach the 130 mark at 126 to the Thunder’s 108.
140!!!
Great!
My body might be in Greece, but my mind and my heart is in Arizona. When the heck will I visit the Desert?
Not a bad way to end the day
…considering how it started.
It. Was. The. Thunder.
There, caveat over.
Friggin’ awesome. Wish I’d taped these three games.
Nash and LB hugging
walking towards the locker room Priceless ***Tear*** lol!
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
My tears would be flowing
if Barbs had been traded. He’s had off nights, but never because of a lack of effort.
Nice!
I thought they were letting up, but the last 4 1/2 minutes brought 18 points. Sounds like classic 7SOL. Too bad Amare got hurt. However, if they just sweep the under 500 games and win a third of the games against playoff teams, I think they can make the playoffs and maybe play the Spurs instead of LA when Amare comes back.
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
Buzzkill added to buzzkill
Amare’s eye may need more work:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2009/02/20/20090220spt-amarebox.html
Man oh man does it seem like this team can’t catch a break.
Anyone else get the feeling something might be up with Grant Hill? Only 16 minutes tonight and he had a day off for rest.
i noticed that too. i hope there’s nothing wrong with him. or at least nothing serious. we really need him
I'm just like you, only ten times better.
They said he asked to be replaced
That’s always a bad sign
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
Maybe it’s just because he’s winded. He is older and maybe just not yet used to the frenetic style they’ve gone back to (crossing fingers).
I want to believe that
but I don’t think so, he’s in good shape
"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"
I think he might have tweaked something :(
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."
From Coro:
“The Suns will have Grant Hill for Sunday after he left Friday’s game early with a neuroma in his left foot.” Couldn’t find much on how serious a neuroma is, but he says he’ll be playing Sunday, so can’t be too bad.
A what?
Time to ask Mrs Dr. Stan…
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 21, 2009 10:15 AM MST up reply actions
In the meantime, maybe Dr. Coro can help
On other health fronts, the Suns are not overly concerned about the neuroma that is near the ball of Grant Hill’s left foot. It does explain the scoreless effort in Los Angeles on Wednesday, when the pain began to bother him. It’s been described as nerves bundling and that there are a couple different ways to eradicate the problem. The team will have a light workout today and Hill, the team’s new power forward and ironman, is expected to be able to play Sunday against Boston. Really, could you have imagined Hill being the only Sun to play every game by this time? Hill’s minutes average is at a career-low 28.4, which is 3.3 fewer than last season.
And yes, Shaq was ticked about the trade talks
From that same Coro blog post:
There is another wound. Shaquille O’Neal’s wounded pride. So he’s unhappy that the Suns talked about him in prospective trades, particularly when things heated up near the deadline with Cleveland after talks with Portland. O’Neal talks infrequently with the media anyway, picking his spots. After shootaround Friday, he told me, “Never again,” when asked if he was talking. He told another reporter that he wasn’t part of this team. And after the game, he told KTAR-AM’s Craig Grialou, “I’m not supposed to be here,” when he saw him in a hallway. O’Neal does not change in the locker room after games but occasionally comes back to talk to the media. But on Friday, his locker was cleared out. But say this for Shaq. The strike didn’t carry over to his play. He played hard and well, particularly down the stretch with the three alleyoops on the 30-15 closing run. And he offered his fun, doing the stare into the left hand all the way downcourt (even avoiding Steve Nash’s extended hand) to accentuate how he had flushed one home with his weak hand.
He did seem to be playing with a little extra fire last night, so I’m going to allow the childish reaction to the trade talks to pass. At least he channeled his frustrations out on the Thunder.
Dr Stan
says its more like a cyst or benign tumor that is often removed surgically but can come and go…pretty painful.
hmmm
Blogging Suns Basketball
by Seth Pollack on Feb 21, 2009 11:22 AM MST up reply actions
420 points in 3 games….i’ll smoke to that…….Barbosa is a stud and should be starting in this league….41 points 7 assist 7 rebounds 6 steals and only 1 turnover….insane. Barnes looked good….Please stop shooting the three. I like are chances against a Garnettless boston team….shall we make it 4 in a row.
barbosa!
omg in my fantasy league….im on a 12 game winning streak and the guy who im facin has barbosa! and im like noooo please anyone other than barbosa can take over!
guess my streak now is L1…. =(
by azmanian_devil on Feb 20, 2009 10:25 PM MST reply actions
lol wtf?
haha, i guess this should teach me not to leave my accounts logged in always. that comment was from my younger brother who’s so rooted into fantasy, he doesn’t see where his loyalties lie.
i would never ask leandro to stop scoring! GO SUNS :P
the more i read this post, the funnier it sounds.
by azmanian_devil on Feb 21, 2009 3:25 AM MST up reply actions
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