Game Preview - Suns vs Cavs

by Seth Pollack on Mar 12, 2009 11:48 AM MDT in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

It feels as if to some degree the Suns season has ended and yet it still drags on.

Lots of other teams' fans (Raptors, Grizz) have been in this place for weeks and in the case of some teams (Wizards, Clippers, Thunder) since November. It is an unusual place for Suns fans to not have something to look forward to but there is evidence that other fans have survived extended periods of non-contention and we will too.

I've seen and heard a lot of talk about tanking so as to get a better draft spot. That's not going to happen (yet) nor should it. The fans that pay to see this team play deserve the best possible effort as do the other teams still in contention.

As Nash said yesterday, "The only thing worse then not making the playoffs is not playing and playing hard."

At least for several more weeks look for the Suns to continue to "give it their all". Anything less is not acceptable.

Here's what I will be looking for specifically:

Effort and energy
Continued work on an offensive game plan that incorporates Shaq and Nash. So far, as I've said, this hasn't worked. With the pressure off lets see if they can come up with something that does. It will be important going into the off-season to know if these two MVP's can share the floor successfully
Defensively continue to work on perimeter defense, rotations, etc. The Suns can only go up from here and they should at least try and do so
Development of the youngsters. Lopez, Dragic, Tucker and Dudley should and can see more game time without going into full tank mode. Again, this will be important for this the summer rebuilding plans to know what's there and to build for the future
Fun. The most important thing is try and find some joy in playing the game. There is no question that if the team is having fun that will translate to the fans

It starts tonight with the Cavs who feature the best player in the game and a solid roster that has been greatly improved this season with the addition of Mo Williams.

The Cavs play good fundemental basketball and if you are fan of the game like I am there is no reason tonight's matchup shouldn't be enjoyable regardless of the meaning or importance of the result.

Check out Fear The Sword for more SBN blogging fun

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The Emperors of the Evil Empire Disagree With You

Here is a piece extolling the virtues of tanking (such as championships).

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 12:24 PM MDT reply actions

Here's an idea....

Why don’t we give Shaq the touches he wants and see where it goes? I know the fans loath a dominant big man, but give him a chance to eat some lithuinian bbq’d chicken tonight. When he starts beating ppl around, that is truly entertaining…..you can have fun without running around like a chicken with your head cut off. Defense can be fun too!

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 12:33 PM MDT reply actions

Defense isn't going to happen

And giving Shaq the touches he wants usually results in 20 points in the first half and then 3 for 10 shooting in the second half.

At least, that’s what the first 60 or so games have shown us (with a few exceptions — like when he plays against subpar teams). “Dominant” is a relative term — relative to who he is playing against and relative to what he is expected to do. Although the most overpaid, he was also the best roleplayer in the leauge last year when he was getting 12 and 12, clogging the paint and disallowing low-post position to dominant big men.

Keep his touches somewhat plentiful (15 shots per game) and highlight him in as few minutes as possible so no one sees his weaknesses (e.g., 11 minutes of playing time during the all-star game) so that he’s marketable during the offseason. That is when he excels. That is how he could’ve/should’ve been used by Porter. That is when he and Amare played best together.

If he’s marketed well, the Cavs don’t win a title and Kobe gets a ring — he’ll be motivated to move to Cleveland and they’d love to get him. Result = $20M in cap space next year!

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 12:45 PM MDT up reply actions

Defense has never happened in the desert.....

You totally pulled those stats out of your @ss, but hey, I guess you have friends on here so accountability and reality are not really factors to your posts. The guy shoots 60%. As much as it apparently BURNS you to hear this, its true.

He was brought in to play against Duncan and whether your pride allows you to admit it or not, he has done a good job on him. Duncan regularly torched Amare (or whatever other “bigs” the Suns had) for years. The Spurs are getting the best of the Suns because of their weak perimeter defense. Mainly, Steve Nash, who if you look at it from an outsider’s view, is truly one of the worst defensive players to ever step on a court. He’s so quick, but other than drawing charges, he can’t seem to get anywhere or stop anyone on defense. Parker absolutely freakin’ kills him and that’s why the Spurs when. Parker has a wide open lane everytime he wants it and because Shaq is on Duncan, he can’t slack too much. I’m off topic but Shaq is doing what Shaq needs to do, what they wanted him to do. Its truly foolish for anyone to look at Shaq as the weaklink on this team of big name scrubs.

As far as your marketing and All-Star game reference, you are losing even more credibility. His ex-coach, Phil Jackson, decided to play him only 11 minutes. If anything, Phil tried to hold him down and prop up his raping-pupil for the MVP. But Shaq was so good, Phil could not keep him down. Or are you now suggesting Phil is HELPING the Suns “market” Shaq? C’mon, even YOU can’t possibly believe that. The only thing you’re right about is Shaq needing to his 15 shots (or more).

I would love for Shaq to play for Cleveland……for all he has done and continues to do for the game, he deserves to play for a franchise that wants to win and that isn’t cutrate

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 1:47 PM MDT up reply actions

I'm starting to get confused as to your point/anger

As to the stats — watch the first part of the season and it bears out. I’ve been watching for a while.

As to “accountability” — I’ll let the other fans who’ve watched the first 60 games weigh in. Or, better yet, go look at his game stats. Last weekend, against the Spurs, he shot 6-16.

I said he did a good job defensively in the post (or, at least as well as one could hope against Duncan):

he was also the best roleplayer in the leauge last year when he was … clogging the paint and disallowing low-post position to dominant big men.

Parker tends to get in the lane because he’s good at doing it. However, I agree (and I’ve written in the past) that stats like blocked shots (which Amare gets a decent amount of) do not equate to good defense but usually result from a lack of perimeter defense and an athletic weak-side defender that doesn’t like to play post defense.

In regard to Phil Jackson — check out this post. I think Jackson was trying to divide the Suns’ locker room, not market him. How do you come to your conclusions?

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 1:59 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't

loathe anything, as long as it’s successful. I think it won’t hurt to give it a shot, though I don’t think Shaq has the physical ability to carry a team consistently anymore. The defense has been horrible, but that’s partly because Shaq can’t switch on a pick and roll to save his life. This will have to be a team effort, no matter how flawed the team may be.

"I can shoot with my left hand, I can shoot with my right hand, I'm amphibious"

by Diosnomeama on Mar 12, 2009 12:49 PM MDT up reply actions

Before Shaq...

…the defense was any better? The could never defend the pick and roll, but at least now they can defend bigs in the post

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 1:49 PM MDT up reply actions

You are a big Shaq fan

we get that.

"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"

by PanamaSun on Mar 12, 2009 2:48 PM MDT up reply actions

And he is your scapegoat

I get that

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 3:39 PM MDT up reply actions

Get this: we're Suns fans

Not just Shaq fans. We don’t just jump from team to team because of one person.

Now, let me guess, you like the Yankees and Cowboys too!

by hcblankscreen on Mar 12, 2009 5:53 PM MDT up reply actions

I used to like the Cowboys

How could those idiots trade TO?

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 5:57 PM MDT up reply actions

They didn't

They released him

He was too much of a burden for Romo to try and keep him happy

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 6:02 PM MDT up reply actions

Don't you ever call me a Yankee fan

Ever. STL Cardinals! The REAL Cardinals (Suck it, Warner! Let the hate mail continue)

Oh I’m well aware you aren’t Shaq fans. Since most posters on here seem to think Shaq singlehandedly crushed the franchise, despite playing better than he was when their very franchise traded for him, no one every mistook you guys for Shaq fans. I’m definitely a Suns fan, but its honestly harder after seeing some of the blind ignorance of much of the base. And if you’re really a Suns fan, how bout getting some Suns fans in the arena for the games???? When the Lakers came to town, I couldn’t tell who was the home team!

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 6:09 PM MDT up reply actions

I'll go to the arena for games..

will you buy my tickets though?

by brian13 on Mar 12, 2009 6:16 PM MDT up reply actions

Sure, whatever you say.

"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"

by PanamaSun on Mar 12, 2009 7:43 PM MDT up reply actions

I agree

Feed the guy almost all game. I bet he can score 55 on big Z and Varajao. Why not?

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Mar 12, 2009 4:38 PM MDT up reply actions

That would be a feat, wouldn't it?

Let the guy get a career high while the team sets an all-time scoring low

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 4:42 PM MDT up reply actions

Suns should have done that against Dallas.

If you notice Shaq was 9/10 field goals. Granted he was doing horrible on free throws. That is the beauty of Shaq. He gets teams into foul trouble and the high percentage shots. That is one thing that the team misses from Stat. He would draw many many fouls per game and get the plus one being a great finisher. I just wish he could have got the ball maybe 5 more times, never know. Woulda coulda shoulda…

by Gorilla Game on Mar 12, 2009 4:46 PM MDT up reply actions

I agree!

If he’s dominating that much, keep feeding him.

If he gets 20 shots, he’s probably not shooting 90…..but 75 on 20 shots is still pretty damn good

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 5:02 PM MDT up reply actions

Wrong again

His career high is 61 :)

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 5:01 PM MDT up reply actions

If Shaq gets 55

I doubt very seriously the rest of the team scores only 9. That’s what it would take to beat the all time low of 65 points for the Suns. Is this one of those sarcasm things?

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Mar 12, 2009 5:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Didn't do my research

I’m not aware of the Suns’ all-time low (correction: I was not aware). I was just kind of hoping it could be done.

I also wasn’t sure of Shaq’s career high (55, 56, whatever). I was just wondering if we could get a microcosm in one game of what the season has been like.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 5:37 PM MDT up reply actions

Feeding Shaq? That makes too much sense

The hatred for Shaq throughout the Suns fanbase runs too deep to allow him to thrive, especially as the rest of the team sucks it up. However, the coaching staff is (or should be) smart enough to acknowledge the advantages that Shaq has. Its just like some of the times with Kobe and the Lakers tho….Phil would repeatedly tell them to feed it to Shaq and play off him, and Kobe just wouldn’t want to. Its the classic quandry that lead Phil to write in his book that Kobe was “uncoachable”, ya know, before he came before he came back for a second stint with the Lakers at $10million plus per year.

But I digress…..feed shaq! :)

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 5:08 PM MDT up reply actions

Is it just me

or does a comment above click. It is all heresy but hear me out. I think Gentry is smart enough to know that we need to feed Shaq in certain situations i.e. the Dallas game. Perhaps it is Nash who is not following the strategy. Nash of course would always get the benefit of the doubt but just maybe trying to feed Shaq does not work with him for whatever reason. I have not really thought about it this way, but at first glance it seems the Nash Shaq chemistry on the court may just not work.

by Gorilla Game on Mar 12, 2009 5:27 PM MDT up reply actions

Be careful....

Making sense and acknowleding a post-game can be important to success seems to get people on this blog pretty riled up against ya

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 5:34 PM MDT up reply actions

If I am not making somebody mad

then I am not doing something right :^)

by Gorilla Game on Mar 12, 2009 5:42 PM MDT up reply actions

i wonder

to what degree its even possible to continue playing hard at this point. it just seems like the reality of the situation would be ever present in the back of your head throughout the game. then again i dont play in the nba

by IrrationalAgent on Mar 12, 2009 1:23 PM MDT reply actions

from Hollinger on espns daily dime

Phoenix’s loss to Dallas on Tuesday night was a killer, cutting the Suns’ Playoff Odds nearly in half. On the other hand, some may wonder how the Suns’ odds can stand at 28.8 percent despite being five games down for the eighth spot in the West with only 18 left to play. So I’ll remind you once again that after Wednesday’s game against Cleveland, the Suns’ schedule is cake-ola the rest of the way.

Clearly, the Suns would have to win the rematch in Dallas on April 5 — which could cut the margin to a still-daunting four games. But if they do that, they project to go 11-6 in the other 17 games, while the Mavs’ projected record is 8-9. That makes up three of the four games; even a one-game deviation from this projection would put Phoenix in the playoffs, as they’ll almost certainly own the conference record tiebreaker.

Phoenix also maintains a sliver of a chance of passing Portland or Denver, though both teams would have to collapse for that to happen. Again, tiebreaks would be key — the Suns have one game left against each team, and in each case would gain both a game and the tiebreaker edge with a win.

Don’t lose hope yet…… I know there’s that dreaded word hope again, but thats why we are fans…… Don’t quit on our beloved Suns just yet!!!

Whats up doc?

by RottPhiler on Mar 12, 2009 2:04 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

This is a crazy world, crazy things tend to happen

"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"

by PanamaSun on Mar 12, 2009 3:34 PM MDT up reply actions

He's right, the Mavs still have to earn it.

Thing is, even though the most likely spot for the Suns to finish is #9 in the West (#14 draft pick), there is a better chance Phoenix will pass Dallas than we can fall below Milwaukee/Chicago, earning the next lower (#13) draft spot.

What I am saying, is that it would be harder to get a better draft position than to catch Dallas.

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Mar 12, 2009 5:21 PM MDT up reply actions

i dont care if the suns dont get into the playoffs. its exiting to watch the games and one of the best offense team in the nba. even if their defense sucks xD
they rock the house and you can always expect a nice game ;-)

suns ftw, lets kick some asses tonight!!!!!!!

by Hongi on Mar 12, 2009 3:17 PM MDT reply actions