No excuse zone

by Seth Pollack on Feb 24, 2009 12:39 PM MST in Phoenix Suns Commentary

This has been a rough season for the Phoenix Suns and their fans. Steve Nash called it the hardest of his career.

I've jokingly called this version of the Suns "v. 4.0 - 2008/09" but there is no doubt this season has been a roller coaster ride. At some point, I am going to chart or otherwise document the ups and downs with lots of stats and quotes. The raw material is there ... trust me.

In the meantime, in the spirit of looking forward and not backward, I've come to really only hope for one simple thing for the rest of the season:

No. More. Excuses.

No players blaming the system and talking about more touches
No coaches blaming consistency
No blaming the refs
No blaming injury
No pining for Boris

At this point, I really don't care if Alvin Gentry thinks that he can have the smallest line-up in the league on the floor (when Shaq rests) and still rebound and run instead of at least trying to use Lopez or Sims (who is no longer with the team after being released at the end of his 10-day contract).

Alvin wants to run the ball at breakneck pace. Go for it.

All I ask of this team for the next 8 weeks is they stop the excuses. Stop blaming everyone around them and, as Shaq said after the loss to the Bulls on January 31st ...

"M - A - N Mother F-king U - P . Excuse time is over"

I've been a part of a lot of groups in situations a lot more "real" than sports. While the blaming and whining is a natural thing, it really is the teams that can pull together and focus on what they can control that overcome. Any time you are blaming outside forces, you are setting yourself up for failure.

As Panama Sun says - Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it. Lets see what kind of character this team has over the stretch run.

Audio provided by Sports 620 KTAR

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 1 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

The Suns have always been full of exuses, so I won’t be surprised if it continues.

by jburning on Feb 24, 2009 12:52 PM MST reply actions

Are these excuses, or heart-wrenching searches by proud winning vets for the Way of Win?

Stan, these guys have won way more than you have, give them some flippin credit.

In Nash we trust - for better and for worse...

by ZonaFlash on Feb 24, 2009 6:03 PM MST up reply actions

They're excuses

by Worthy J. on Feb 24, 2009 11:04 PM MST up reply actions

I can agree here.

No more excuses. But we both know that will not happen. Especially with the Suns fan base. I think we have more conspiracy theorist than New Mexico. We have more ‘IF’ people than the Government.

So I have to say Fat chance of any of those ‘no’ points happening. But It would be nice wouldn’t it? I just want to enjoy the SSOL while it is available even if it can’t work and they lose.

" I'm going to root for the Suns when they are winning or losing, but when losing I will point and blame the failing economy on the Referees."- Me.

by antiw0rm on Feb 24, 2009 12:53 PM MST reply actions

But I Heart Boris

No matter what you say, I’m going to pine away:

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Feb 24, 2009 12:53 PM MST reply actions

Suns "v. 4.0 - 2008/09"

v. 1.0 – before j-rich with porter
v 2.0 – after j-rich with porter
v 3.0 – gentry with amare?
v 4.0 – gentry without amare?

i think i got the first 2.. but are the 3rd and 4th right?

by brian13 on Feb 24, 2009 4:20 PM MST reply actions

Do not forget

the potential for Suns v. 5.0, they leave there monthly pads at home, shut up and play. This is an upgrade in the works with no estimated completion date.

by Gorilla Game on Feb 24, 2009 4:41 PM MST up reply actions