Suns Fast Break Offense, Fueled By Stops and Rebounds
by Seth Pollack on Apr 20, 2010 11:54 PM MST
in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage
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The Phoenix Suns certainly got the pace back to where they wanted it and the hot shooting from wings Grant Hill and Jason Richardson helped the Suns to a 52% shooting night.
Both team's coaches, however, were quick to cite the Suns defense as the key.
The obvious big adjustment was putting Grant Hill on Andre Miller which not only freed up Jason to focus on his offense but put the Suns best perimeter defender on the Blazers most important ball handler.
Coach McMillian gave the Suns credit, "They took us out of our offense early. They jammed Miller and denied him the ball. We had some trouble getting into our offense and were kind of a little hesitant running our sets. They forced Rudy to handle the ball and make some plays."
But he also felt his team could have reacted better, "That adjustment shouldn't have been that effective. We can run our sets and it shouldn't really matter which guard has the ball. Andre can work a little harder to get the ball, but Rudy can start the offense also. They were the aggressors right from the start."
According to the Suns Jared Dudley, that was the first time all season that the Suns starters have extended their defense full court. That's how important Coach Gentry felt it was to get the ball out of Miller's hands.
"It was as sense of urgency. They came out and played physical, something they don't do as much but that was a sense of urgency game for them," said Miller. "They were a little bit more aggressive trapping the ball, trapping LaMarcus in the post. We were prepared for it, we just didn't react. The game just went by fast."
Grant for his part talked about his respect for Andre and was humble about his own performance but his teammate Jason Richardson, who had the Miller assignment in Game 1, was effusive in his praise, "It's tough. I don't know how Grant guarded him. He did a good job on him tonight and scored 20. I couldn't do it."
Jason went on to explain his frustration with Game 1, "I couldn't sleep until four or five in the morning, just watching the game over and over and seeing everything I did wrong."
Richardson made up for it tonight, scoring repeatedly both from beyond the arc, in the post, and curling off screens. He lead the team with 29 points on 11 of 16 shooting.
Amare Stoudemire's 18 points don't jump off the page, but he was much more efficient in Game 2 (5/10 and 8/8 FT's) and when he did attack it was decisive and aggressive action. Amare also did a good job passing out when the Blazers brought help. His 3 assists were tied for second on the team and equaled Andre Miller's game total.
The Suns second unit didn't do a great job offensively in the first half, but the defensive effort was still there. They took a 6 point lead going into the second quarter and extended it to 9 points before Nash returned at the 8 minute mark.
Lead by Grant Hill's 8 rebounds, the Suns dominated the glass 43-34 and had 26 second chance points to the Blazers 12. Those power numbers are much more impressive than the 17 fast break points and fueled the Suns win.
A hot shooting Suns team in the past might have won a game like this 120 to 115 in a high scoring but close affair. When you combine the easy buckets, the shot-making, and the 58 points in the paint with solid positional and team defense and excellent rebounding, that's a recipe for a blow out.
The Blazers will have to get much more offensive production from Fernandez or Webster through the rest of this series. Especially if Nic Batum can't play due to his shoulder strain. He will get an MRI tomorrow and will be evaluated then.
Coach McMillan seemed resigned to the fact that the injury is serious (who can blame him after the season he's had) but Batum was confident he would be able to play when the teams meet for Game 3 in Portland on Thursday.
Post Game Audio
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+1
I really liked the look of him on court in the last 5 minutes. He hustles and man can he rebound. Good stuff. He looks a ton better than Collins on the floor. If there is a decent backup to what Lopez does its Jones. Really impressed.
Reading is good...
Despite a few bone-headed decisions every now and then...
…J-Rich is ALL heart. I love his intensity and passion. When he’s playing well, these Suns are da— near unbeatable.
I'm starting the Campaign........
To remove J. Collins from the Starting Line up and Start Dwayne Jones. Anything is better than Collins who give us nothing except 6 fouls. Is J Collins going to average Double digit points and rebounds in the D-League…..Come on. Zero rebounds in tonight in 10 min. The guy is Garbage…..Jones is way more active, athletic and he is basically the same size…
by cabezonication on Apr 21, 2010 1:39 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
+1
we’re crying all week long about RoLo being injured but we still settle with collins when we got a poor mans Lopez sitting on the bench..rebounding wise jones imo is as good a rebounder as fropez maybe even better and with the short but energetic playing time hes showed tonight i say he deserves some PT..
I don't know about better than RoLo
but he definitely is one of those guys who has a nose for the ball
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
yeah but that's not as fun as saying
“We’ll start Jarron Collins at center and STILL beat you by 30”
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
by Alex Laugan on Apr 21, 2010 6:58 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
You didn't
It was 29. If you’re going to brag, at least get your facts right. :-)
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 7:50 AM MST up reply actions
haha true
but it felt like 50
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
What it felt like is irrelevant
I’m not saying you don’t have a right to brag, it was a pretty convincing win (but not convincing enough to convince me that you’ll win the series). Just remember that “pride goeth before a fall”, and the more you gloat now, the sweeter it will be after the next game.
And I seem to remember a win in Phoenix without Roy when Old Man River was starting at center…
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:05 AM MST up reply actions
you can't think of a good screen name
or a good argument, you got blown away, embarrassed more like it, and if pride goeth before a fall then you guys wrote the book on that topic after game one, and we’re not gloating, we’re the better team, period. We knew it before game one, when we beat OURSELVES, and we knew it after game two, when you got killed. We may not win the series and I’m man enough to say that it’s probably still gonna be a battle, and I hope that batum isn’t out, more of a reason for you guys to blame this series loss on “bad luck”.
by Ceek on Apr 21, 2010 9:20 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I wasn't arguing about anything
I said you had a right to brag/gloat/whatever synonym you want to use. Yes, there was some gloating from Blazer fans after game 1, and now you are returning the favour. It’s part of supporting your team.
You may be the better team, especially when we’re without Roy. But Portland has proved they can beat you, and will do so again. Yes, I’m predicting it, I can’t see you getting two in a row in Portland. If Roy were playing, I really don’t think there would be that much of a gap. Take out the 48-minute garbage time against Golden State, and Portland and Phoenix had very similar records since the All-Star break.
I don’t think most Blazer fans would blame a series loss on bad luck, I certainly won’t. This team doesn’t know what “bad luck” means. After every injury they just keep fighting. This season has been incredible. I didn’t really pay much attention to basketball before this season, though I have a family member who has been a huge Blazer fan for years. This season, the Blazers have won me over completely with their stubborness, heart, determination, and perseverance. I think those qualities that have been learned do a lot to close any gap between the teams. Portland has been playing in “nothing to lose” mode for 3/4 of the season, and any team doing that is going to be dangerous.
I also hope that Nic is able to play in the next game, and you had better hope so too, because Portland always ups their game after an injury. You aren’t going to know what hit you.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:33 AM MST up reply actions
I'm sorry...
I wasn’t listening.
"The Nash abides."
I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that.
It's good to know he's out there, The Nash, taking 'er easy for all us sinners.
Your loss
I’m glad there’s no word limit to comments here.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:37 AM MST up reply actions
Glad you joined the Portland bandwagon
Your life story was touching.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Is that intended as snark, or humour?
As far as the bandwagon, if there was one when Greg went down, then I suppose you could call me a bandwagon fan. I was a slight fan last season, mainly because of my family member. This season I was a little more interested. Then Greg got injured, the team responded with heart, and I was hooked. I’ve never doubted them since then.
As for my life story, I’m glad you enjoyed it, especially since I didn’t tell it… :-)
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 2:29 PM MST up reply actions
Forgot to mention
I can agree that you beat yourselves after all those missed free throws. Portland did their best to hand the game back to you on a silver platter, and you couldn’t/wouldn’t take it.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:45 AM MST up reply actions
good retort,
we’re in agreement, you guys are scrappy to say the least, and talent wise you’ve gotten screwed this year..you say they come back well after an injury, do you think that they’re resilient enough to not let this one make them “give up” so to speak, alot of teams have a breaking point when it comes to things of this nature, in your opinion could this be it?
Resilient enough?
Are you kidding me? I don’t think this team has a breaking point. This season has been such an emotional rollercoaster that I can’t see any injury that could faze them.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:58 AM MST up reply actions
Really?
OK… It’s just my opinion, I’m not claiming to be an expert, but I was asked for my opinion.
Some of the players have said that they have been “desensitized” (their words, not mine) to injuries after this season, which backs up what I said. I think it would take more than Batum going out again to break them.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:22 PM MST up reply actions
but if Jones was starting
you’d get that extra point. I think that was his point. His point was the point, get it?
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
That was a saaad joke
Nearly as sad as most of mine.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:33 AM MST up reply actions
Its about time we get our fair share of the pie!
Timon: Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase
Pumbaa: Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze
Timon: It means no worries for the rest of your days
Timon: It's our problem-free philosophy
Both: Hakuna Matata!
The Lion King (1994)
According to the Suns Jared Dudley, that was the first time all season that the Suns starters have extended their defense full court.
noticed this as well, I might add it was first time since 04-05 season… this team and their mindset is different… we suns fans know it, blazers fans denied it )despite last reg season game) but now I am sure they see the difference now… just keep it up guys… if we continue outrebounding them and keep defensive effort, we have a good chance of advancing…
great game, great morning to start a day… made my day at some stupid business training much easier unlike monday, which was so tough… especially after 12 hours drive due to no flying in europe…. I guess you locals had a good sleep as well… :-)
greetings to all…
oh yeah that totally sucks over there
with air travel down. Never seen that before.
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
In one day
Mother nature put out more greenhouse gases that humans have in the last century. take that, Al Gore…
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Apr 21, 2010 10:14 AM MST up reply actions 2 recs
Wait what happened?
I’m too busy gloating over the dull butter knife shanking the Suns gave the TrailBabies last night
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Nothing major
Just a volcanic eruption.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 2:30 PM MST up reply actions
all is good again..
thank you Lord!!!
Suns bounce back in a big way. let’s keep the momentum going onto games 3 & 4 and finish them in 5 to rest up… another great game from Steve, and of course, Grant was spectacular on both ends of the court as well as J-Rich.
as for Jones over Collins in the starting line-up, i’d still say no to that since Collins is a much more proven veteran and knows all our plays better. Jones is obviously better in terms of skills and ability, but right now, i’d go with a wider body with good basketball I.Q. that’s what we really need against these Blazers. we should definitely try to get him more minutes though, about 6 to 10 of real game time just to see what he can contribute.
i gotta disagree..
my definition of good bball iq doesnt involve fouling your man the first five seconds and putting your team into penalty sooner than a paul pierce fake injury moan..
jones got collins beat imo
Ouch
No way to make this game sound positive (from a pdx perspective). Our game recap writer wrote the final score made it seem closet than it really was…
Speaking if which, you guys should read the BlazersEdge post game. It will make you chuckle for sure. http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/4/20/1434039/game-2-recap
by Cepstrum on Apr 21, 2010 5:27 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Jones at the start instead of Jarron
Seriously this guy can actually help the team defensively and in rebounding than Jarron.
Amar'e Stoudemire is your resident Bully Ball.
Finally showing the Blazers how we play
Great game last night. I think a lot of Blazers fans haven’t seen what we are capable of, it was good to show them last night. Correct me if I’m wrong, but we haven’t played our game (up tempo but with improved intensity on D) against them all season. I think that was just the confidence boost that we needed. That being said, we can’t let our guard down again.
I completely agree about giving Jones some time over Collins. I know Jones only got a few minutes in a game that was over, but man he looked great! He looks hungry.
I think there's a reason
That you haven’t played your game against them all season. I think some credit needs to go to Portland for making Phoenix play their game, rather than the one Phoenix wanted to play.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:08 AM MST up reply actions
I totally agree however
Credit to Portland for making the Suns play their game. They are an excellent team. I am just saying it’s good to see the Suns break out of that and now I believe they have the confidence to continue playing their game.
by Forged_In_Gold on Apr 21, 2010 9:13 AM MST up reply actions
They may have the confidence
The question is whether they will be able to continue playing that game against a Portland defense that has stopped them from doing so 4 out of 5 times.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:15 AM MST up reply actions
this 4 out of 5 times doesn't fit so much
this suns team the last 3 months has had the best or second best record in the league. That’s the team we’re expecting to see. Not the team from before that.
dec 17th 2009 suns lose
feb 10th suns lose
march 21st – suns win
As far as game 3 goes, I don’t know what to expect after the last 2 games.
I think the Grant Hill strategy on Miller will continue to pay off. I predict another Suns win this Thursday, but a very very close win.
Portland hasn't been far behind since the All-Star break
Especially if you don’t count the irrelevant loss to Golden State, when our 5th-string center played big minutes. We were 14-5 in March and April, you were 16-4.
As far as the March 31st game, that one finished close, despite Portland shooting under 40%. That was arguably one of their worse games down the stretch, and they kept it close.
I rather expected a Suns victory last night. They got shocked on Sunday, and they were going to come back hard. If they caught Portland off-guard, then it was almost certainly going to go to the Suns. As for the Grant Hill on Miller defense, I think Miller is smart enough to find a way to deal with it. He really wants this series, and he’s going to do whatever is needed to dig it out if it is humanly possible.
I don’t see the Suns winning a very very close game tomorrow, for reasons I gave above. I think the crowd will give what is needed to get Portland over the edge if it is close.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:56 AM MST up reply actions
wow the backpedalling
and attempts to forget last nights debacle is in full force, isn’t it?
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
by Alex Laugan on Apr 21, 2010 10:38 AM MST up reply actions
No, I'm not attempting to forget it
I think it was actually good for Portland to get run out of town like that. It’s a reminder to not take anything for granted. Of course, I didn’t watch the game (middle of the night here, and I’m not insane enough to get up at 3AM to watch basketball), so I don’t know how bad it was. My opinion might be different if I had watched it.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:40 AM MST up reply actions
who knows
2 days makes a big diff. We’ll see in Game 3. I love the playoffs.
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
by Alex Laugan on Apr 21, 2010 10:42 AM MST up reply actions
So do I
And this is really my first playoff series. Last year I was travelling at playoff time, and couldn’t really follow the games at all.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:50 AM MST up reply actions
GO AWAY
I think the crowd will give what is needed to get Portland over the edge if it is close.
Portland had the worst home record out of any WC playoff team.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Do you really want all the Blazer fans to go away?
Most of them will probably be even more annoying than I am.
I don’t know where to get the stats to check your facts, but I do know that there were only five close home losses (less than 10 points) since the start of the year, and one of those was a throw-away game against Golden State. Another was the Dallas game. I’m not going to complain about the refs, Portland still could have won that, but I don’t think it is really representative of the effect the crowd has on the team. Another of those losses was to New Orleans, when Chris Paul made a game winner when the defense lost track of him after he fell down.
While Portland has not been great at home this season, I still think that the playoff crowd will give the boost that is needed in a very very close game.
By the way, thanks for showing up. I was getting a little too much respect in here, and it was starting to get uncomfortable.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 2:45 PM MST up reply actions
Do you really want all the Blazer fans to go away?
Just you.
Most of them will probably be even more annoying than I am.
Debatable.
Since you are new this whole ‘basketball is cool’ thing – here is a site you can use to actually make educated arguments.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
I decided I'm going to be the grumpy BSotS comment defender
because it’s more fun.
btw -
Just read the dude’s comments… he rightly deserves it.
He is in enemy territory.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Grump away all you want
I’ll just stick to my optimism.
And yes, I do deserve it to some extent. I came over here rather asking for such stuff. It doesn’t hurt me, and you seem to enjoy it.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:27 PM MST up reply actions
Nice site
But as I pointed out, most of those losses have not been that close. I still maintain that the crowd will give the boost needed if the game is very very close as jasonsuns1 predicted.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:35 PM MST up reply actions
Well you still didn't look close enough to validate your argument
As pointed out in the above table – The Blazers lost 14 games at home.
According to your Standard which is:
A Close Game = Final Score Differential (we’ll call it FSD for short) of 10 Points or Less,
8 of those 14 losses at home had a FSD of 10 points or less.
That means that 57% of the time your home crowd did JACK SQUAT (Chris Farley [RIP] voice)
According to the trend and your theory the ‘home crowd’ will earn your team a total of 1 out of 3 wins.
Since “I only believe in science” I would deem your argument ‘not mathematically sound’ and label it a ‘homeristic-blabber of fan banter’.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
How many of those losses were less than five points?
Another factor to analyze is who played for the Blazers in each game, the opponent’s record at home and away, etc. There’s probably somebody geeky enough either here or on Blazersedge to do a comprehensive analysis and put a number on the crowd factor.
Your argument is also flawed in only looking at losses to say the fans didn’t make a difference. How many of those home wins were close games? That needs to be taken into account as well.
I don’t think you can say the crowd didn’t do anything 57% of the time. The crowd always has an impact, either negative or positive. A loud, hostile crowd can intimidate the road team enough to make a difference. An apathetic crowd can drain some energy from the home team.
Another very important factor you forgot. The Blazers have one of the best free throw defenses in the league at home. Hurrah for Free Throw Guy! :-)
“Science” has been wrong before, is still wrong about a lot of things, and will be wrong again. “Science” is still wrong about how we got here, and probably will still be wrong a thousand years from now.
“Homeristic-blabber”? That might not actually be a bad description.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 2:54 AM MST up reply actions
Wait a second...
You are officially Trolling.
Do you ever sleep? Don’t answer that because I don’t care.
You are calling my observation (which btw is based on your argument) flawed. Haha
How many of those losses were less than five points?
ROFL – from 10 to 5 now?
You obviously don’t realize my ‘observation’ was a bunch of B.S. FYI – it’s only highlighting how ridiculous you are. You cannot measure crowd influence, not even by how close a game is, period.
So any idea that correlates a statement like “I do know that there were only five close home losses” to “I don’t think it is really representative of the effect the crowd has on the team.” makes no sense at all. It is incoherent blabber.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Officially trolling?
How so?
Yes, I sleep. But I’m not in the same time zone as the majority of posters here.
10 was a somewhat random number, and isn’t really representative of a very very close game, which is jasonsuns1 was predicting. I chose that to allow for intentional fouls and free throws increasing the lead.
I agree that crowd influence is not really measurable, but it is undeniable that it exists.
Incoherent blabber? When did I claim to be coherent? And when did I claim that facts were relevant, either?
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 4:02 AM MST up reply actions
Also
The “I don’t think it is really representative of the effect the crowd has on the team” comment was referring to a specific game, not all five losses. So far as I know, everybody agrees that it was not a typical game. You are taking me out of context, and using that as a basis to call me ridiculous. Call me ridiculous if you want (you might even be right), but you’ll be able to make a better case for doing so if you don’t take what I said out of context.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 5:04 AM MST up reply actions
Crowd can only give so much...
Players have to do more work. And frankly, Portland doesn’t have them right now. Besides, all the Blazers fans have been rambling on about how their home record wasn’t very good. Hows the crowd helping them now?
Reading is good...
See my comments above
And since our home record has been one of the worst among playoff teams this year, it follows that our road record was one of the best, which doesn’t bode too well for you guys on your own floor.
I think the OKC game is one where the crowd did play a factor. I don’t know if you watched it, but that was a crowd that was behind their team, and trying to cheer them to the win.
Yes, the players need to do most of the work. You say they don’t have the players right now, but Portland was nearly .500 in the stretch when Roy was out, and that was before the trade for Camby. Even if Batum doesn’t play, this team can still beat just about anyone.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:40 PM MST up reply actions
Totally inane.
Seriously. Do you think about this stuff before you write it?
Portland was nearly .500 in the stretch when Roy was out
Nearly? HA! Nearly isn’t good my man. Not even close. And yes, Camby adds something to your team, but Camby is not a superstar. He is a solid defender and rebounder. Thats it.
this team can still beat just about anyone
Bwahahahahahaha
Reading is good...
Nearly means one game short
And it’s good enough to compete for a playoff spot out east…
We didn’t need a rebounder, we needed a solid defender and rebounder. We needed another veteran player. Camby brought all that plus some.
And if Portland can beat LA without Roy, I think that it is safe to say that they can still beat just about anyone. After all, that was the defending champions.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 9:17 AM MST up reply actions
Hahahahahaha
My point is not that you guys weren’t “nearly” to .500, my point is that .500 is NOT a good record! To be “nearly” .500 is the same as saying “I nearly got a C on a chemistry exam” or “I nearly got out on parole.” Its totally ridiculous.
As for beating LA, LA has been having rough times recently. I wouldn’t count beating them with or without Roy as being worth much especially is your overall record during that time period was only “nearly .500.”
Reading is good...
Nearly .500
Is not that bad considering everyone else who was out at the time. Batum was out, along with Oden and Przybilla. 10 out of the 15 games were against teams that made the playoffs. Had everyone else been healthy, or had Camby been playing, I would not have been too happy with nearly .500.
And, for the record, I’ve never had a C on a chemistry exam, or been in jail, just in case you were wondering. :-)
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 9:54 AM MST up reply actions
Staying humble and confident is everything for this team. Humbled in game 1, regained confidence in game 2. They are not overconfident as they were before game 1, they know that the Blazers are a good team but are also a team that they can beat.
meant that as a reply to the last post
by Forged_In_Gold on Apr 21, 2010 9:25 AM MST up reply actions
I think both teams have confidence
Hopefully Phoenix is a little too confident, and the Blazers are just right. :-) One thing that is really in Portland’s favour for the game Thursday is that Phoenix hasn’t been in the playoff atmosphere in the Rose Garden. I wish the game were at a decent time for me so that I could watch it, because that is going to be really good. Portland is going to let their team know that they are solidly behind them, win or lose, and that could be the mental and emotional lift that Portland needs to win this game. I don’t see Phoenix winning a close one either of the next two games, if they win, it will be a blowout, and I think Portland is not going to allow that after this game.
Another potential factor that I haven’t seen mentioned, Marcus Camby just signed a nice deal to stay with Portland. He’s going to want to justify that contract, and I expect at least one big game from him this series.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:43 AM MST up reply actions
Well, I am pretty sure that the Suns won’t be overconfident against the Blazers now, just as I am not as a fan. The conditions might favor the Blazers going into the game, but the Suns thrive as underdogs. The Suns have been counted out all season long. They were considered a fringe playoffs team and some people predicted them as low as 12th in the West.
Using the contract logic, Amare has been showing he is worth a max the second half of season. Expect him to continue.
Definitely an exciting series and may the more confident team win.
by Forged_In_Gold on Apr 21, 2010 9:51 AM MST up reply actions
The Blazers thrive as underdogs as well
They’ve been the underdogs since Oden went down. They’ve been counted out with every new injury. They seem to delight in proving the “experts” wrong. It should be an enjoyable series the rest of the way.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:01 AM MST up reply actions
Camby is a real professional
He’s not going to say, “Oh, I’ve got my contract now, it doesn’t matter.” The fans have won his heart, he credited them as one of the biggest reasons for staying. He doesn’t want to disappoint them.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:03 AM MST up reply actions
Ok, so I know we "lost home court advantage"
Which is playoff cliche #571, but consider:
We played awful in game 1 while they did everything they wanted to do, and we still almost tied it in the final minute.
They played awful in game 2 while we did everything we wanted to do, and we knocked their asses off the planet.
This is still PHX’s series to lose.
"The Nash abides."
I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that.
It's good to know he's out there, The Nash, taking 'er easy for all us sinners.
by RMason on Apr 21, 2010 9:41 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
You perfectly expressed in words what was a mangled mess in my brain.
by Forged_In_Gold on Apr 21, 2010 9:52 AM MST up reply actions
+1
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
by Alex Laugan on Apr 21, 2010 10:39 AM MST up reply actions
From a Blazers' fan
you guys looked all-world tonight. I think you won for two reasons: (1) the Suns came out with great intensity and pride, while the Blazers looked complacent, then shell-shocked (2) Gentry came up with a smart scheme to keep the ball out of Miller’s hands. When Miller doesn’t have the ball in his hands, we lose composure on offense, which allowed the Suns to rebound and play fast.
I don’t expect factor (1) to be an issue for the rest of the series. It’s really game on now, and both teams will play really hard. Factor (2) is perhaps the key tactical point to watch for the rest of the series. In game 3, I expect the Blazers to counter Hill’s full court pressing with some backcourt screens to wear him out, and possible backdoor cuts to keep the Suns honest. I also don’t expect Miller to lose his aggressiveness like he did last night. Will the Suns be able to keep the ball out of Miller’s hands after a round of adjustments? And how will we respond to Gentry’s counteradjustments? I see this as the key to the series.
I also give the slight edge to you guys right now.
Grant Hill is made out of titanium.
He doesn’t wear out.
Good post though.
"The Nash abides."
I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that.
It's good to know he's out there, The Nash, taking 'er easy for all us sinners.
+1
I agree, that matchup with Hill/Miller is the key. I know Hill had help, but something I thing many fans don’t know is that Hill is a very very good/smart defensive player…from wiki -
“Hill won the Henry Iba Corinthian Award as the nation’s top defensive player in 1993”
What I’m saying is it wasn’t a fluke how Hill was able to slow miller down so much, adjustments – also Hill is more motivated than any player on either team! Not sure if Portland fans know that Hill has never been on a team that has won a playoff series….Hill is hungry for that FIRST playoff series win.
Ditto Miller
Who is hungrier?
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:01 AM MST up reply actions
Time will tell a lot of things
And I’m looking forwards to seeing what Time has for us.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:34 AM MST up reply actions
I wish Oden was playing
I’m a Suns fan, but something about seeing such an athletic big man swoop across the lane for a block…fun to watch. You guys have a great base for the future. Any negatives from your point of view on your team regarding the long term future?
health?
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
by Alex Laugan on Apr 21, 2010 10:40 AM MST up reply actions
Injuries
Roy’s knee problems have always been a concern, but now they’re cropping up to the forefront again. And Oden of course—Oden makes or breaks us as a contender.
There is also the possibility of LeBron going on an absolute tear such that nobody else wins a championship the next 5 years.
From me?
I’m an eternal optimist. There are never any negatives.
I wish Oden was playing as well, along with Pryzbilla and Roy. I wish our team was together as a team again. I miss Blake and Outlaw. However, I’m thrilled with Camby, and that he is going to be playing for us for the next two years. I find it amazing that he comes to us at the trade deadline, and a month later the Rose Garden is chanting his name. I don’t know of any other fanbase that would embrace a player like that. I still get goosebumps when I listen to that chant.
I think that assuming everyone stays healthy, our team is in really good shape for a big season next year. With Oden/Camby/Aldridge at the C/PF spots, Batum/Inferno/possibly (and hopefully) Webster at SF, and Roy at SG, the biggest question is the PG. I have high hopes of Bayless, but he still has a long ways to go. Ideally we win next year with Andre, Bayless takes great strides forwards, and after Andre moves on or retires (hopefully as a Blazer), he is ready to take over with Mills as his backup. There is also a question over Roy’s backup. I love Rudy, and I really hope that he is able to find his way out of the inconsistency of this season. Right now I’m still ready to put it down to the back surgery, but if it continues next year, then I think Portland needs to look for someone else to play behind Roy.
And despite all the injuries this season, I wouldn’t trade it. These players have become tight as a team, adversity does that to you. They aren’t going to back down to anyone now (not even you).
But then, why am I writing about next year, when we’re going to win it all this year? (I told you I’m an optimist)
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:48 AM MST up reply actions
Bwahahahaha
Again with the overarching statements. Eternal optimist? Totally inconceivable.
Reading is good...
My optimism is not dependent on facts
I would still be saying we would win it all even if Mills, Pendergraph, and Deiner were starting for us.
And for next season, I think that Blazer fans have a lot of reason for optimism.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:41 PM MST up reply actions
You dont get it
Its not the facts things, it the idea that you can even be eternally optimistic. Its not possible. In your comments you consistently reveal your naivete not just about bball but about life in general.
Reading is good...
Naivete isn't always bad
There are some things that I would rather be naive about.
And if you don’t believe that it is possible to be eternally optimistic, I do. You telling me otherwise isn’t going to change my mind. :-)
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 9:20 AM MST up reply actions
Im not trying to change your mind
I am calling you a liar. Or inconsistent. Whichever you prefer. I dont have to know you to know that all humans at some point expect the worst thing to happen. No one can be eternally optimistic buddy. Sorry.
Reading is good...
You can say what you like
I’m going to be eternally optimistic that I can be eternally optimistic.
And I’m not a liar or inconsistent. I may be wrong, but that doesn’t mean I’m either of those.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 9:40 AM MST up reply actions
Sure it does.
You are either one. Either you are lying to yourself that you never get down about anything, or your inconsistent in your analysis of what it means to be “eternally optimistic.”
Be circular all you want. Doesn’t change anything. Have a great day.
Reading is good...
You have a great day too
Mine is almost done. And maybe someday we’ll meet in person, and I can show you what I mean by eternally optimistic.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 10:57 AM MST up reply actions
If you want to know what more knowledgeable fans than me think about the prospects for the future, go ahead and pop over to Blazersedge sometime. I would advise leaving any gloating about last night over here, though. It probably wouldn’t be quite so welcome over there. :-)
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 11:02 AM MST up reply actions
I would advise leaving any gloating about last night over here, though. It probably wouldn’t be quite so welcome over there
GREAT POINT – I never see Blazer fans gloating or trolling or just being annoying with their eternal optimism over here on BSotS.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
I'm not gloating or trolling
And I haven’t been. If eternal optimism is annoying, than what do you want? Eternal pessimism? What kind of a fan would that be?
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 2:32 PM MST up reply actions
Blazer fans are annoying.
Vomit all the eternal Blazer optimism you want… at the BE.
For the record you should watch this video and imagine you are the Doctor and I am the Patient.
Done watching? Now leave.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Actually
It’s properly “Batumshakalaka”, but we don’t expect PHX fans to know that without being told.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 11:50 PM MST up reply actions
Who are you?
Hi, welcome to the Bright Side of the Sun. A blogging sphere for the Phoenix Suns pro-basketball team. Keep hands and arms inside the comment box at all times, your snide comments to yourself, and your incessant homerism to an absolute minimum.
Also, don’t butt into conversations you are not involved in with inane comments.
Thank you! Come again!
Reading is good...
Retarded?
I’ve heard a lot of insults directed my way before, but that’s a new one. I hope you enjoyed it.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:43 PM MST up reply actions
Oh, and by the way
If you think the insults bother me, don’t worry. It comes with the territory, and I expected it.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 11:49 PM MST up reply actions
yeah, Hill is a pretty good defender
but I though when Miller got the ball, he was able to get past him and get to the rim. The Suns help rotations were sharper, and Miller seemed to be looking for fouls. When he didn’t get calls, he seemed to get frustrated and stop attacking (not complaining about the calls btw, but that’s how he saw it, I think).
So I still think Hill vs. Miller is a pretty favorable matchup for us. We just need to look for new ways to get Miller the ball. And ultimately we don’t really have much of a choice, because Dre is by far our best player right now. Live by the sword die by the sword.
hmm
we had a very similar thing with Amare. He’d get frustrated and get taken out of “his game”. Sounds like that’s what happened to Miller.
Dre has also never been the #1 option offensively
he’s played with Iggy, Melo and Roy for the last 6-7 years. He’s not used to getting this much attention from the other team.
that bodes well for you guys
he’ll make adjustments and likely play better. Easier to prepare for something once you know what’s coming
While I agree that the Blazers looked complacent and shell shocked, we don’t expect that to happen again. We do, however, expect the Suns to continue to come out with great intensity and pride
by Forged_In_Gold on Apr 21, 2010 10:01 AM MST reply actions
yeah,
that’s why I expect that to be a wash going forward. Of course, the Blazers will have to be brilliant to overcome being without their best player, so I give the edge to the Suns in a hard-fought series.
I give the edge to the Blazers
But then, I’m a homer. :-) I would guess that disinterested observers would give the edge to the Suns, or call it a toss-up, but I’m an optimist.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:06 AM MST up reply actions
How can you be an optimist
When you can’t even think of a good screen name?
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
I can think of lots of good screen names now
But I don’t think there’s a way to change it, and I don’t really think I want to anyway.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:36 AM MST up reply actions
I would guess that disinterested observers would give the edge to the Suns
The only disinterested observing that goes on is when you post and I read.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
by Eutychus on Apr 21, 2010 12:11 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Make it green, folks
The only thing that surprises me about that comment is someone admitting to reading my ramblings.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 1:18 PM MST up reply actions
I live in Dallas - but I'm a Suns fan
while here, I’ve been hearing some stuff about the “window of winning a title closing for Dirk”. For me, that’s not so true once you get past Kidd. But it is true with the Suns – with Hill and Nash. But so much of what elevates them into being nba players is mental. I wonder if they each have 2 more solid – competitive years left with good chances in the playoffs. I think they might!
Nash, take your pick – diet – conditioning – more of a mental game even though he’s running all over the place or Hill, out so much with injuries that he didn’t get as wore down as other playing that long and not missing so many games. Also, Hill is very motivated. He’s never been with a team he feels get’s along so well as a group. Something we’ve heard before from previous Suns teams – good/great chemistry.
I'm just disappointed about OK
I was hoping they’d give the Lakers more trouble. I think the Spurs or Mavs have a great shot at beating the Lakers in the next round. I’m hoping it’s the Mavs vs the Lakers and the Mavs win.
I'm not counting OKC out yet.
"The Nash abides."
I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that.
It's good to know he's out there, The Nash, taking 'er easy for all us sinners.
not the next round
The Mavs/Spurs winner plays the Suns/Blazers winner. If either the Mavs or the Spurs are playing the Lakers, that means we lost somewhere along the way.
The Nuggets/Jazz winner will play the Lakers (unless OKC pulls off an amazing upset).
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
my mistake
in that case – wow – tough road to the finals
mavs / spurs (next round)
lakers (round after)
cavs (finals)
Portland likes that
That’s three teams they know they can beat, at home and on the road, with and without Roy, though he’ll probably be back for the second round.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:58 AM MST up reply actions
We should just give you the trophy now
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
by Eutychus on Apr 21, 2010 12:13 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
You could
But that would deprive us of some good games. I want to see Nic shutting down Dwight Howard in the finals.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 2:33 PM MST up reply actions
Wait, Nic as in Nicolas Batum?
You’re joking right? 6’8 200 lbs vs. 6’11 265 lbs. I mean, I’m sure he’d do pretty well against Matt Barnes, but Dwight Howard?
by Forged_In_Gold on Apr 21, 2010 2:55 PM MST up reply actions
Of course I'm joking
Greg will be the one matching up against Howard.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 3:02 PM MST up reply actions
You mean
Greg with the glass knees and Nic with the re-injured/aggravated recently operated shoulder?
Yeah that would be sweet.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Greg's knees aren't glass
They’ve been replaced with titanium. Next year he’s going to be a monster.
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 9:47 PM MST up reply actions
Like the Kracken...
All roar and tentacles but when you look at him funny he breaks like stone!
Reading is good...
If titanium breaks like stone...
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 22, 2010 11:00 AM MST up reply actions
Why does Grant Hill have no nickname?
Can we help with this?
"The Nash abides."
I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that.
It's good to know he's out there, The Nash, taking 'er easy for all us sinners.
I always think that he has “wide-awake eyes”. Watch them during a game. I don’t think I have ever seen anybody have their eyes open so wide. You can probably get something out of that…
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:51 AM MST up reply actions
?
I don’t see a connection…
by I can't think of a good screen name... on Apr 21, 2010 10:58 AM MST up reply actions
Whatever it is...
please don’t use “G-Hill”.
How about “Gill”? Seriously, why not?
by Cepstrum on Apr 21, 2010 11:28 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Can't imagine a win for Blazers
I think some of it’s mental. The Blazers have to be demoralized with their many injuries. I wouldn’t be surprised if they already think they have achieved as much success as they can expect after winning game 1 (except for Miller). The Suns OTOH know they’re good and have to win now, whereas the young Blazers may think they can wait—especially without Oden and Roy.
As for the Blazers’ future, I’m worried that they’re very thin at both guard positions. Miller isn’t a long-term solution, and we have no backup for him. He and Roy are the only credible ball handlers on the team. It’d be nice if Batum could evolve into a point forward to help out. I don’t know why he’s gotten so few minutes this year. He seems to be the only guy who can has confidence and has the potential to be in a different class from the other Blazer youngsters (excepting Roy, Camby, and Miller of course).
And why is Rudy playing so much? No need to hide Nash on D with Rudy and Webster out there.
Nonetheless, I love the current makeup of the Blazers: they’re fun to root for. And as I said before, the Suns IMO are the most exciting and classiest team (aside from the Blazers, of course!). It’s sad to think they’ve been so good for so long (even going back to early 90s when they beat my Sonics) without winning the finals or even making it there (except for 93). I hope they win it all and beat the Spurs, Lakers, and Cavs. The best part of PHX is no whiny superstars and no star treatment from the refs. Plus, how can you root against Hill and Nash?
I’m glad you got rid of Shaq. I like him, but he doesn’t fit with the Suns.
Good luck. I hope the series goes seven games (with a Blazers victory), but I’m afraid it’ll be over in five with a Suns win. Regardless, let’s stay civil. Join us over at BlazersEdge—we’d be interested in your (good-natured) feedback.
by Cepstrum on Apr 21, 2010 11:24 AM MST via mobile reply actions
PS
Don’t want to knock my Blazers, but I couldn’t help laughing when I read in the BlazersEdge recap that the final score of last night’s game made it seem closer than it really was.
by Cepstrum on Apr 21, 2010 11:31 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
hey
i read that also. I read thru a few posts over there and thought it was pretty good. When I go over and read some other team sbn blogs – sometimes it’s just mean and rude. Ours over here is mostly very good. Many people on this site live and breathe basketball.
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