Game Preview: Suns Vs Kings
by Wil Cantrell on Feb 5, 2010 12:01 PM MST
in Game Coverage
70 comments
Tonight our beloved Phoenix Suns test a couple of streaks in Sacramento versus the Kings. First is the three game road winning streak featuring victories over Houston, New Orleans, and Denver. The second, is an overall 4 game winning streak. The Suns have not won 4 in a row since November nor have they won 5 in a row this season.
Stringing together some wins has been vital for the Suns in the wake of their ugly January performances that saw them fall out of the top 8 in the Western Conference. At the moment, the Suns are #5, 1.5 games behind Utah and a half game ahead of San Antonio and Portland.
Check out the numbers from the past four games:
|
OPP |
OPP FG% |
RB DIFF |
OPP OFF RB |
SUNS TO |
|
DALLAS |
50 |
37-34 |
8 |
15 |
|
HOUSTON |
37 |
55-46 |
18 |
16 |
|
NEW ORLEANS |
45 |
44-38 |
11 |
15 |
|
DENVER |
44 |
47-39 |
8 |
12 |
In the last 4 games, the Suns have outrebounded their opponents 183-157 and held them to 44% shooting. Dallas was the only opponent to shoot 50% from the field. The Suns turnovers look unimpressive, however they have been sticking to their season average and rank 19th in the NBA in giving the ball away. Not all that good, but certainly not horrible.
The Suns have had some excellent team performances during this stretch, however it's difficult to ignore the play of Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. Since STAT's 1 rebound performance in Dallas, he's gone for 11, 12, and 17 the past three games, while sticking close to his season ppg average. Kicking in 3, 4, and 9 boards over his season average may not be an extreme increase, but every little bit helps. Nash has been bothered by an abdominal strain, but you'd never know it. In the past 4 games, Steve has totalled 49 assists while committing only 7 turnovers. This includes a 0 (zero ) turnover performance against the Rockets as well as 1 and 3 versus the Hornets and Mavericks respectively.
OK, on to the Kings:
"That's our theme. We let ourselves get down, we're too far out of it, and then we make a late comeback. In the end we come up short."
-Kings Center Spencer Hawes
Works for me, Spencer.
The Kings are on a 4 game slide, losing to the likes of Utah, Denver, Charlotte, and San Antonio. While they haven't been getting obliterated, they've had trouble putting the ball through the hoop. In the past 11 games, the Kings of scored 100 points ot more only twice.
Kevin Martin is healthy but Jason Thompson is out attending a funeral. Expect the infamous Omri Casspi to take his spot in the starting lineup. You may recall Casspi scored a career-high 24 points in the last meeting between the two squads.
Worthy of Bullet Points
- Steve Nash is averaging 30.5 ppg in the last four match ups verus the Kings and shooting 12-21 from beyond the 3 pt arc.
- In the last match up vs. the Kings, the Suns bench was outscored 38-16 as Andres Nocioni dropped in 19 off the pine.
- Tyreke Evans has averaged 24/8/7 against the Suns in two games this season.
- The Kings have lost 17 of their last 20 games
Couch Commentary
It would be easy for the Suns to take the Kings lightly tonight. But losing this one would hurt after playing so well the past four games. The Suns tendency to lose leads plays right into the Kings tendency of getting down early and the making late game comebacks. Of late they haven't been able to turn those comebacks into victories, but they are certainly able with the likes of Evans and Martin.
Heres to hoping Amare continues to bring his gorilla game and Frye, Dudley, Dragic and Co. continue their resurgence off the bench. It would be nice to see Jason Richardson make some early hoops and establish some confidence. If the Suns show up tonight, it shouldn't be difficult to drub these down and out Kings. See y'all on the game thread.
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5 in a row would cap off a great road trip!
I love the defensive and rebounding effort. That is what has turned the Suns confidence around in my opinion. Go Suns!
by SunsDynastyXcom on Feb 5, 2010 12:06 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Worried about the Suns intesity level
I for one agree that the possiblity of the Suns not being up for this game is there. Especially when we consider that the Suns have a tendency to let down against lower teams and they have handled the Kings pretty well recently. Gentry needs to quickly let all the starters know that there is a hungry second unit sitting on the bench if they bring the lethargy game tonight…
"I especially liked the part where I dunked on the McDonalds All-American dude..."
Anonymous high-school player after a Virginia basketball state championship game...
by Sun God on Feb 5, 2010 12:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I’m not worried. I tentatively believe that the team has decided to stop fooling around. Even if the starters have not, Coach Gentry can do what you suggest—well, actually send the bench in, not just threaten to. He’s done it already now, benching Jason Richardson, Amare Stoudemire and now Channing Frye (permanently). I am more worried about the next few games. Look at them: Memphis, Portland, a probably angry Dallas, Atlanta. I would not expect to beat the Hawks.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 1:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Have faith grasshopper...
True, Memphis always gives the Suns problems (The fat behemoth at power forward is a definite issue), but the Suns play well against Portland and Dallas. The Hawks were a couple of lucky breaks away from going down at home last time to the Suns (While, they weren’t playing that great…) I think the Suns knock em around this time….. That stretch, I’m thinking 3-1….
"I especially liked the part where I dunked on the McDonalds All-American dude..."
Anonymous high-school player after a Virginia basketball state championship game...
by Sun God on Feb 5, 2010 1:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Sactown Royalty
predicts a win for their Kings again. What makes other teams so confident against the Suns???
Steve Nash plays D!!
by phxsuns on Feb 5, 2010 12:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
The audacity...!
The Suns propensity for giving up big leads has even D-League teams think they can get it done…
"I especially liked the part where I dunked on the McDonalds All-American dude..."
Anonymous high-school player after a Virginia basketball state championship game...
by Sun God on Feb 5, 2010 12:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Last time we played them
their writer said Kings by 14!!
Steve Nash plays D!!
by phxsuns on Feb 5, 2010 12:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The Queens huh. Well, they always put up a fight against us just like the Rockets, but also like the Rockets they will go 0-3 against us after tonight.
We have momentum on our side and will win this game. This situation is different than our 14-3 start where we couldn’t win more than 4 in a row. We’re trying to make the playoffs now in a tight western conference which means every game counts.
by Beavis 25 on Feb 5, 2010 1:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
wanna see my list of team nicknames?
Los Angeles Fakers
Los Angeles Clinkers
Golden State Pacifists
(yes) Sacramento Queens
Utah Spazz
Houston Rocks
San Antonio Squirts
Chicago Fools
Oklahoma City Blunder
New Jersey Nerds
New York Hicks
Atlanta Sparrows
Memphis Pandas
New Orleans Mosquitoes
Miami Cold
Denver Nougats
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 1:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
cute
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on Feb 5, 2010 1:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably the fact that this winning streak is only four games so far, and has not caught other teams’ attention.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 1:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if they'll lose...again.
Never good to so confidently predict a win against a team that has beaten you pretty well so far this season.
Bright Side of the Sun, where Suns basketball never looked so good.
by iamtrevorpaxton on Feb 5, 2010 2:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Please No Letdown Tonite!!!
I’m hoping the recent trend of hustle, rebounding and defense becomes habit and carries over to tonight’s game and beyond!
I need a ring, DAMMIT!!
by Sunny_N_DC on Feb 5, 2010 12:43 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Wil this for you
“I just figure I’m a shooter,” Frye said today. “I’d probably have more 3s if my big feet weren’t on the line so it’s actually a deterrence (to be 6 feet 11). I’m just excited that they honored me with the opportunity. I’m going to have fun.”
Steve Nash plays D!!
by phxsuns on Feb 5, 2010 12:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Any doctors or pediatrists in the house? We’ve got to help Channing get past this. Show your love people.
Blogging Suns Basketball. Twitter: @willcantrellphx
by Wil Cantrell on Feb 5, 2010 1:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
that makes Frye look good...
Frye seems to be humble and to know his limitations. He’s like an anti-Stoudemire.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 1:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Give him a Chinese foot binding we can turn those 15’s into 6’s
by SSOHOWARD on Feb 5, 2010 1:29 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Good God, Almighty!!!
Is that a foot or a horse hoof???
"I especially liked the part where I dunked on the McDonalds All-American dude..."
Anonymous high-school player after a Virginia basketball state championship game...
by Sun God on Feb 5, 2010 1:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Would you....
suck on that foot for 10 minutes, licking every square inch of it clean, for $2,000?
by Superelkman on Feb 5, 2010 1:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
He’d do it if she promised to be his girlfriend afterward
by SSOHOWARD on Feb 5, 2010 2:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The better question is would Channing Fry's wife?
She will be the one who has to deal with it, us the fans will only get to reap the benefits of this surgery.
by SSOHOWARD on Feb 5, 2010 2:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
SSHOWARD
It was a joke bro…But I admire your dedication for Suns basketball
Blogging Suns Basketball. Twitter: @willcantrellphx
by Wil Cantrell on Feb 5, 2010 4:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
after that surgery frye won’t step on the line for half of his 3’s anymore. Why can’t the guys just setup a few inches back…
"Stop denying the inevitable, the time has come to rebuild"
rgreyslak@gmail.com twitter @rgreyslak
by RGreyslak on Feb 5, 2010 1:49 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Kings' problem
most of us watching the Kings said that they would have trouble playing Evans and MArtin. The return of Martin coincides with the Kings coming back to earth. It is funny how certain combinations of good players simply do not work.
Other combos which do not work
Josh Howard and Shawn Marion
Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis
Allen Iverson and anyone
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Feb 5, 2010 2:04 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
If Josh Howard and Marion don’t work than I don’t think Iggy and Marion will work. I don’t know why the Mavs want Iggy.
I don’t know why the 76ers even bothered with AI.
I don’t know why the Warriors thought Curry and Ellis would work out.
by Beavis 25 on Feb 5, 2010 2:07 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
JHow
The big deal over here in Big D is what to do with Howard. They know having two guys who don’t create their own shot doesn’t work. The diff is that Marion seems to have a good attitude, whereas Howard is pouting because they gave his starting spot to Terry. Can Iguodala create his own shot?
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Feb 5, 2010 7:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone on the 76er’s team and Elton Brand.
Bright Side of the Sun, where Suns basketball never looked so good.
by iamtrevorpaxton on Feb 5, 2010 3:01 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
True dat but thats why I love Cuban yo he’s willin to spend those dollas
by SSOHOWARD on Feb 5, 2010 2:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Hasn't gotten him anywhere
No titles, one lucky Finals appearance where a full strength Suns team would have blown him out in the WCF.
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Feb 5, 2010 7:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
ehh he hasn't been there that long to say he hasn't had success,
if you remember he bought that franchise when they were at rock bottom…
Id sure like to have an owner like Cuban running the show in Phx I don’t care if he makes dumb decisions sometimes, he’s willing to spend to fix them
by SSOHOWARD on Feb 5, 2010 7:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
What is this 'basketball' nonsense?
I fail to see what this so-called ‘basket-ball’ game has to do with trading players and contract extensions and salary caps.
If you want to talk sports, go find a sports blog.
Now that that’s out of the way, I’ve just run this trade through the ESPN trade machine and I’m feeling pretty good about it: Let’s trade the entire team for the remaining backstreet boys and the rights to the ‘pants on the ground’ video.
And that takes care of that…
by Fritzy on Feb 5, 2010 2:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I'll give you Joey Fatone for Ginger Spice...
PSN ID- presbot
by presbot on Feb 5, 2010 4:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I want to see JRich do this to someone in tonight's game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoEJ8qwdxeA
Please? Just…please.
Bright Side of the Sun, where Suns basketball never looked so good.
by iamtrevorpaxton on Feb 5, 2010 3:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
From the title, I thought that was going to show Jason Richardson acting like Danny Ainge in 1995.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 3:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
you guys remember when amare use to do this …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmEQlJZBCBo
"Stop denying the inevitable, the time has come to rebuild"
rgreyslak@gmail.com twitter @rgreyslak
by RGreyslak on Feb 5, 2010 3:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Nothing to do with tonight's game specifically
Who decides which jerseys we rock for the games? I would like to see the retro black from time to time.
by KnowGood on Feb 5, 2010 4:06 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
we need new uniforms. new design maybe change the color scheme up a little
"Stop denying the inevitable, the time has come to rebuild"
rgreyslak@gmail.com twitter @rgreyslak
by RGreyslak on Feb 5, 2010 4:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
+1
I’m not gonna lie….I have no Suns gear at all. Never have. Can’t get with the colors or whatever.
In the early 90’s we broke out some black road gear. I’ll trade that in a second over the ORNG.
I would probably wear an 80’s logo T just because it’s old and all that.
Blogging Suns Basketball. Twitter: @willcantrellphx
by Wil Cantrell on Feb 5, 2010 4:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked the 80’s stuff except for the short shorts.
by Beavis 25 on Feb 5, 2010 4:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t like short shorts, but I don’t like baggy shorts either.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 4:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
You could always hunt down the Nash rookie year in black
Might cost you a lot though.
by hcblankscreen on Feb 5, 2010 5:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually like the orange ones. They've grown on me.
I don’t really like the purple ones, though. I don’t like the purple/grey combo. Though, I do think that we have some of the better looking jerseys in the league.
The Hawks jerseys look the best, in my opinion.
Bright Side of the Sun, where Suns basketball never looked so good.
by iamtrevorpaxton on Feb 5, 2010 6:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, this is our 10th year in these Jersey’s. It think we should get new jerseys next season, but for some reason I believe Sarver will stick with these uni’s until Nash retires.
by Beavis 25 on Feb 5, 2010 4:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I would like the Suns to go back to their original uniforms—the pre—1992 ones with Old West-style lettering.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 4:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t remember what they look like. I know the 70’s and 80’s ones were very similar, but had their differences.
by Beavis 25 on Feb 5, 2010 4:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
That, I didn’t know. The pictures I have seen of the old uniforms are from 1992. I might scan one and post a link.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 4:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Those are my favorite -
Purple with orange letters and copper trim
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Feb 5, 2010 7:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Dont ever EVER touch the color scheme
by KnowGood on Feb 5, 2010 4:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Purple, Orange and white. However, I don’t like the Gray.
by Beavis 25 on Feb 5, 2010 4:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
What I don’t like is the separate purple, orange (and black) uniforms. Unless only the Suns did it, that was a sleazy stunt by a sleazy league.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 4:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t mind the Orange uni’s right now. I think they should just give it white trim instead of Gray. The Black uni’s were ok, but it didn’t mesh with the rest of the colors and its just not our style.
by Beavis 25 on Feb 5, 2010 4:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I too would love to see the old uni's back
I loved that sunburst that went across the chest of the jersey.
Also the black road jerseys were badass
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
by Turambar on Feb 5, 2010 4:41 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Were talking about the 80-92 jersey’s. The era with pictures on the front of your jerseys is over. We need to blend our 80’s look with a modern style while keeping away from the black and gray. Our team needs to look cool out there. I mean isn’t that what the NBA is all about?
by Beavis 25 on Feb 5, 2010 4:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, sadly, the NBA is about looking good and making money.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 6:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
my favorite uniforms
These are the Suns uniforms I was referring to…home white, anyway. 
. I hope that picture isn’t too big for this thread—340K.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 5:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Definitely. The sunburst logo is my personal favorite
I won’t buy suns stuff unles it has that logo. the Current logo looks like bad tattoo art.
PSN ID- presbot
by presbot on Feb 5, 2010 6:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
My suspicion is that the franchise got rid of the original logo and uniforms because it didn’t want to promote Arizona as the Wild West anymore. If so, too bad. It was good for basketball.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 6:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Udrih
I just remembered that the Kings have the player with the funniest name in the NBA—Beano Udrih. His first name doesn’t really have an A, but you can’t tell from pronouncing it.
by species8473 on Feb 5, 2010 7:03 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Actually
If you pronounce it correctly, it’s pronounced Bay-no Oo-drik. (At least I’m pretty sure that final “h” has the same sound of a “k”)
Bright Side of the Sun, where Suns basketball never looked so good.
by iamtrevorpaxton on Feb 5, 2010 7:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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