Phoenix Suns Bench Rains Fire On Los Angeles Lakers To Tie Series
by Seth Pollack on May 25, 2010 8:35 PM MST
in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage
Email
Print
Remember that Suns bench you've heard so much about? THEY'RE BACK!!! 49 54 points off the bench. That will work. And how about that zone defense forcing the Lakers into a ton of long 2s and threes? That will work, too.
Great win for the Suns playing scrappy, intense, team basketball. What a pleasure to watch.
The Lakers in the first half were focused on denying Amare and Robin the lane and as a result, the Suns went 8 for 16 from three. In the third quarter, LA switched it up and stayed home on the Suns shooters and still managed to contain Amare. They outscored the Suns 29 to 21 to make it a one point game.
If you, like me, were waiting for Kobe to start missing shots -- forgetaboutit. He was on fire yet again, but the Suns did a better job getting the ball out of his hands and still managed to contain the Lakers OGs who seemed gun shy to take open shots. Kobe finished with 38 points on 15 of 22 shooting. Most importantly, the Suns kept him off the line (4 FTAs).
The killer job was done on Gasol, who finished with only 15 and 5. The Suns did a great job denying him the ball and trapping it out of his hands when he did get touches.
The turning point in the game was the Suns bench both in the 2nd quarter but most notably in the fourth when Goran Dragic continually found open teammates and they delivered. He was amazing and controlled a critical portion of the game with 8 points and 8 assists and led the Suns with a +18.
The effort was visible to all, but came through on the boards -- Suns 51, Lakers 36.
Tied 2-2, we have a series, people!
Game Notes
1st Qtr
- For the first time all season, I forgot my lap top power cord so if I cut out mid sentence you will know why
- Zone to start forces to long 2's. Lakers hit them. They are trying to go to Bynum in the post early. Worked once. Failed once. Suns still able to score as they have all series
- Suns defense is very active at least and going back and forth from man to zone to man to zone to man to zone...(not really that much but you get the picture)
- Missing open shots but winning the hustle game so far
- Friendly whistles so far and a very nice Grant Hill. I love Grant Hill. How could you not love Grant Hill?
- So much for friendly whistles. That was a pretty minor contact they called Amare for
- Man the crowd wanted that one for Channing. Keep shooting, pal
- Double team on Amare - finds Hill. Misses three. Double team on Paul. Finds Lamar. Hits 2
- Zone getting eaten up w/o Robin. Nice effort though but Lakers up 17-14. 3:09
- Fisher and Artest hitting shots. That's no bueno
- I remember a time when I had fun doing these notes and said witty things. I think I am choking under the playoff pressure. Sorry
- Oh hey, old people kissing on the jumbotron. I feel like me entire day is better now. Thanks, USAC
- Luke Walton in the game. That's Phil's answer?
- Oh crap, Vic the Brick in full Lakers gear is going to sit near me. I might be forced to say something
- 2nd foul on Pau. Mas bueno
- 23 all after 1. A real defensive slug-fest which I think favors the Suns. Lakers mostly taking outside shots except for a few penetrations into the zone. Suns missing a lot of open but good shots
2nd Qtr
- Suns 6-0 on OReb. Lakers still shot 50%, Suns only 39%
- Kobe may actually be having a bad shooting night...but ssshhhh. Don't want to jinx it
- That's it, Goran. Get in there and mix it up w/ Kobe
- Bynum playing much better in this game but so are LB and Goran
- 32-27. Suns effort is through the roof
- Nice aggressive dunk attempt from Goran. Both hands, to the rim. I didn't see a reply to know if he was fouled or not. I am just going to assume he was b/c I like him
- Lakers 0-7 from three. Is that right? Can't be. I swear I saw them hit a few. Fisher and Brown
- Kobe hits two in a row. My bad
- Kobe hacks JD. He seems a bit frustrated by this game
- Frye!!!!!!! No hesitation. 41-34, Suns
- Crowd wanted those threes from Frye and Goran....JD comes through. Suns bench getting 'er done, baby!!
- Lakers with only 34 points half-way through 2nd period. Kobe having to play big minutes
- Kobe hitting ridiculously defended shots...hoping he gets those out of his system now
- Now the Suns three's are raining down
- We have now entered the phase of the game where both team trade three's
- Welcome back, Channing
- This game is nuts...totally and certifiably nuts
- Suns 8 for 16 from three. Lakers 4 for 12. Do they really want to get into a shoot out?
- Nash missing wide open layup and a free throw in the same game. World could be ending soon. Prepare yourselves
- Remember when I said the Suns couldn't get away with playing this much zone? You shouldn't believe me.
- 64-55 at the half. This game is all Suns so far
3rd Qtr
- Kobe already has almost 22 minutes. Highest Suns is JRich with 17
- Lakers shot 52% but on have 20 points in paint (Suns 20) and 7 2nd chance points (Suns 6)
- Lakers looking to attack the baseline of the zone
- Suns back to man. Kobe shoots over Grant
- Amare going to work now. Lakers D trying to pay more attention to 3 pt line
- Back in the zone. Kobe shoots a long three over Steve. Does he ever miss? Damn
- Nice read by Amare to kick it out to Grant. Grant misses the three
- 70-68, Suns after two Kobe three's and a few Lakers stops
- Get feisty boys!
- I love that play where Nash and Amare run the pick and roll and Nash kicks it to the wing (Hill/Dudley) and they hit Amare rolling down the lane
- Robin getting it done in the paint even if he's not getting shots. How's that feel, Pau to have a guy tip in a rebound over you?
- You know what this series is lacking? A fight
- Suns 6 of 13 from the FT line. That won't get it done fellas
- Nash looks like he sold that one pretty hard when Fisher may or may not have racked him across the face but Fisher knows all about selling a foul. 4 on Derek. Farmar in
- That was a sweet play by JRich to set up Amare...too bad he missed the dunk
- 79-76 Suns
- Amare getting clean iso looks from the elbow again thanks to Suns three point shooting
- Kobe Fucking Bryant
- Crowd is pretty nervous right now. Tied 83
- Kobe sits. 84-83, LA
- 85-84 Suns. Not a great quarter but Kobe had 16 points. Suns only 21 total. Need to adjust
4th Qtr
- Kobe back in to start 4th. He rested about one minute of game time
- Bynum blocked Goran's three. Yikes
- Farmar end of clock long three. Ouch
- Phew...he missed that one
- Great pass from Jared Dudley the Suns 5th string point guard
- Bench hanging in there. JD and LB both missed three's that would have been huge. 89-87 Suns.
- Loudest fans in the NBA w/ assist to piped in noise
- Gasol 13 and 3. Amare 17 and 6
- Frye for three!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
- No fake noise needed there
- Not sure why Gentry doesn't go w/ Robin and Frye here instead of Lou
- LB for three!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- 95-89
- JD for three!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Dragic creating all those open looks btw. 7 assists
- Yes. Now is the time to double Kobe!
- Well...they did use all the clock so that's good
- I've seen more blocked three's in this game than...I don't know what
- Frye is working his ass off in the paint but credit Lamar - he is as well
- Fuck yes! Goran Dragic!!! Iso the hell out of Fisher.
- 103-94. Suns bench killing it, yo
- Out of time out Nash back in. Amare not. Interesting. 103-94
- Nash misses a wide open three. Bench him!!!
- Amare in now. Guess he needed sec to tie his shoe or whatever
- Pau put back slam. 103-97. Nervous? Me too.
- Amare w/ 2 FTs. MAKE THEM
- Damn it!
- Amare w/ 2 more FTs. MAKE THEM
- YES
- 106-97, 1:30
- Fucking Kobe - he missed the FT!!!
362 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Congrats Suns
Now do this for two more games.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
Hopefully this shut up the Fakers fans and the LA Media for a little while.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Great Win
im so Proud of this team, the underdog Warriors!!!!
lets take 1 in L.A. now and finishe then at home (dreaming?) everything is possible
I Believe Suns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's actually the kind of thing you
would come up with Zonaflash.
Incredible
Chemistry and faith in team mates will work wonders. As does a “girly” zone.
by Willman on May 25, 2010 8:40 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
go to nba.com
and watch the live video of gentry and suns players talking!
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
He's at the press conference. He or one of the other guys will edit it later.
In Nash I Trust! Steve Nash DOES play defense, foo!
cool
in grey jacket second row i think?
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
he needs to work the phrase
“on the bright side” in some way
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
lol
that wasn’t me…I was wearing a black jacket and hung out in the back of the room
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on May 25, 2010 9:48 PM MST up reply actions
haha
that’s totally cool that you were there asking questions, you should bring a giant chalk board, and for your question go up there and start drawing x’s and o’s and talking very fast!
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
or better yet,
come up with shapes for each player
or have you ever seen that comedy – along came polly – ben stiller
you could ask…"I was watching along came polly the other night, and that guy who was really bad was calling out things as he was missing…like “Rain dance…”“White Chocolate”
have you ever tried that when things aren’t going well?
link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K2v2XFYg_Q
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Deport Kobe!
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Nice Boys!
Kick the freaking Lakers ass. Send them packing early please!
Suns vs. Celtics finals please.
Reggie Miller is an idiot.
He said “tonight was the coming out party for Dragic, Dudley, Frye..” etc…
He obviously hasn’t watched this team all season long !
Reggie Miller is an idiot.
That’s all what you had to say.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
I think he was saying.
That “all you had to say” was that Reggie Miller is an idiot. No explanation needed.
It must be that time of day, the time to focus on sports.
For real...
Even if they didn’t notice the bench during the regular season, the fact that they didn’t say Game 3 of the Spurs series was Dragic’s coming out party really makes you sound like an idiot.
In Nash I Trust! Steve Nash DOES play defense, foo!
In press conf now. Someone pls fix bench pts. Think my math was wrong ;)
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on May 25, 2010 8:44 PM MST via mobile reply actions
It was 54 points off the bench, Seth.
That girlie zone is really disrupting the Lakers. I thought they’d make adjustments.
In Nash I Trust! Steve Nash DOES play defense, foo!
its wrong to call girlie zone "girlie"
Even girls can beat the zone. So what does that make the Lakers??
Gentry called it girly. Not me.
I’m just saying people who hate on the zone should really go after the Lakers for not being able to beat it.
In Nash I Trust! Steve Nash DOES play defense, foo!
Yeah, and Kenny Smith, who had the only real intelligent
commentary in the postgame show said that Nash would be tearing a zone up if the situation were reversed and the Lakers were showing zone. He said the Lakers don’t have a real pointguard (which is true). He added that you have to attack the seams with aggressive drives. Fisher is not capable of doing that. That’s what makes it so brilliant as a strategy !
New strategy
Let Kobe Score 100+
Defend everyone else
Rockets, Suns, and former Sonic fan. All equal to me.
I am proud to be a Suns fan
Win or lose, we have the best T-E-A-M in the NBA.
Requesting that Dragic Spin move in .gif
Please someone make this :D
Rockets, Suns, and former Sonic fan. All equal to me.
by xNevermind on May 25, 2010 8:50 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Agree plus the RoLo crab move on the bench
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)
Congrats to you all, glad to see the Suns I saw beat the Spurs back in business. I believe you guys can take this series if you win the next one, it’s essential you win one on the Lakers home court.
Also, WaveOcean is a guy you shouldn’t be all buddy buddy with. He called you all moody and wired, having a great time chatting about you all on the Lakers blog. Just saying.
Again, great game and I’ll be watching the next game as always.
I miss you SAS fans
Unlike reading PTR during games, SS&R just gives me a headache. With the exception of a few reasonable people, it’s ALL on the refs when they lose.
thanks man
I felt bad for you after the first 2 games. You had to be really pissed at the Suns, and I would have been too. Really glad that Suns team showed up again.
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.
I need to watch this game! It's just not the same when you
Listen to it on the radio..
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
yes that was VERY cool
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.
From Lakers Fan
Good game guys! our team got kicked in the butts again. Hope we can revenge when you guys come to town.
The Bench reaction from everyone, but especially Robin
after the Jared 3 and then the Goran layup were absolutely hysterical!! We rewound it so many times and put it in slow motion and I was dying laughing!!! Such an amazing win! I love the Suns!!!
by Dragic_is_Magic on May 25, 2010 8:59 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Yeah I loled.
Robin was boxing the entire bench out while everyone was roaring and shaking their towels. It was awesome!
In Nash I Trust! Steve Nash DOES play defense, foo!
by NashMV3 on May 25, 2010 9:02 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Hahahah what I loved most was how it looked like they were all holding him up!
Plus, his hair was flowing magnificently as he jumped!!!
by Dragic_is_Magic on May 25, 2010 9:03 PM MST up reply actions
I am worried now :(
If you team keeps playing like this, no way we can beat you guys. No more 3 please!
yeah Robin is such a funny guy!
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
No matter what happens...
the next 48 hrs. we can feel great that we’re just 2 wins from the NBA Finals!
haha
I film weddings – video (about 45 a year), last year during the cowboys playoffs, one couple was watching the tv and keeping tabs on the score during their ceremony. Another couple I filmed had their reception at the new cowboy stadium. I need to film some weddings in phoenix of some suns fans.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
kenny smith and reggie miller
are disgrace for tnt… such a shallow observations… no credit to suns defense, rather blame lakers for missing shots… that hustle and energy by our bench in fourth was the key to the game…
They did give credit to the bench.
by fanoftheunderdogs on May 25, 2010 9:07 PM MST up reply actions
well da.. but the way they talk about lakers missed shots
I think tonight it was defensive effort and rebounding and suns should get all the praise… and unlike games 1 and 2, energy on defense and good rebounding eill cause you to miss shots…
reggie miller is sleeping with the lakers
pass it on
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Has anyone seen what is going in the Arizona paper on Thursday?
http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2010/5/25/1487187/the-j-rich-ad-will-be-in-this
Set a record by getting banned for the 8th time!
After rehab I saw the light and promise to be kinder and gentler!
Probation is a very slippery slope!
by StinkyFingers on May 25, 2010 9:08 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
oh that is AWESOME
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.
wow
really cool…we need to get and ad in their paper saying they’re great bloggers…then they can get an ad back in our paper……
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
plus his name is jason
i figured he was alright
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
That is incredibly cool.
I am going to go join just to tell them how cool they are.
I like the TNT lineup
even though they have tended to hate on the Suns during their playoff run. They’re entertaining and I think it’s the only crew that would even give us a chance to win (Chuck, Kenny somewhat). ESPN crews are completely hanging from the Lakers nuts. Jon Barry and Stuart Scott are jokers. No credibility.
i'm just glad we don't have to deal with walton
I mean come on, his f@#@ing kid is on the lakers and he’s an announcer. Might as well have him ref also.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Oddly enough...
I’ve never heard him compliment his son on TV. Ever.
In Nash I Trust! Steve Nash DOES play defense, foo!
Word.
I miss Bill Walton.
Twitter: @MikeLisboa
by Mike Lisboa on May 25, 2010 10:54 PM MST up reply actions
It's HORRRRRRRIBBBBLE to miss Bill Walton.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
I love that!!!!!!
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
by Aztiramtempe on May 25, 2010 9:12 PM MST up reply actions
OMG
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS!!!!
by Dragic_is_Magic on May 25, 2010 9:13 PM MST up reply actions
How can I copy that???
Please!!!!!!!
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
by Aztiramtempe on May 25, 2010 9:14 PM MST up reply actions
http://www.gifsoup.com/view/589400/dragic-o.gif
There’s the link :D
by fanoftheunderdogs on May 25, 2010 9:15 PM MST up reply actions
Thank you!
But like always my stupid phone won’t let me do it.
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
by Aztiramtempe on May 25, 2010 9:25 PM MST up reply actions
hahaha i knew it was going to be a gif
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
at 19 recs…what’s the record?
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
How can you not like a team that does this, I ask you?
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
hahaha oh my god i love robin lopez so much.
this makes me so excited about the suns future. i really hope we hold onto this guy for a long time.
by iwasneveryoung on May 26, 2010 1:16 AM MST up reply actions
RT @johnhollinger: Reality check: The Lakers aren’t “struggling” against the zone. They just can’t stop the Suns.
finally somebody...
when suns allow 120 all talk is about our defense… and for lakers it’s all about hitting shots… what about “defense wins championship”?
I think in PHX's case it's
>Some< defense wins championships (maybe).
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
he's right
it’s what both sides were saying during the press conference, it makes sense. That’s great news for us…because if we thought we had to rely on this incredible zone….we’re in trouble…but in all honesty, we just have to avoid the 120-130 point games, and our zone, although not great, can accomplish this.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
What a fantastic win
I though Sunday night was great, but watching the bench come through when Nash and Amare were kind of struggling was awesome. Thanks, Goran!!!
kobe had two dream games
close to triple double in both, good percentages… still we won both without any drama, you can say comfortably….
Well done
Team and fans,now close the deal and beat LA
by southern oregon on May 25, 2010 9:16 PM MST reply actions
obama sucks--he was already talkin about how lakers-boston "is gonna be a good series"
Guess we just have to add our President to the long list of people to prove wrong :P
Well anyone who follows the NBA knows that Lakers/Celtics is the matchup everyone is looking for.
So he was just talking about good that would be. The Suns shouldn’t be underestimated.
In Nash I Trust! Steve Nash DOES play defense, foo!
i don't think everyone
there are a ton of suns fans…people who have been following jrich…people who have been following hill, people who love goran, here in dallas people who love nash, trust me, many many more people than you think want the suns to be in it. It’s the illusion of the media. Media does some things right, and some things wrong. The media would have you believe az is evil for this new law dealing with immigration. And that people in Az are even against it for the most part. This is not true. It was passed with a 70%, also go online to azrepublic and look at the good/bad ratings on comments and you’ll see out of 6000 or so comments, 70+% or more are for the new law.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Can I go anywhere were peple are not trying to talk about this!!!
Am officially sick of it. Fine you win!!! Deport everyone !! Ur superior… But please don’t talk politics in a place I come to have fun in..
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
by Aztiramtempe on May 25, 2010 10:26 PM MST up reply actions
ouch
seriously…I thought about skipping replying to this, the “deport everyone” statement..maybe extreme. It’s not what I’m said or am saying. Ur superior, it’s not about me being superior, I’m not and don’t feel or act that way, it’s about phoenix being in financial trouble, it’s about kindergartens in az all possibly closing because of financial reasons in az, it’s because az is estimated to be losing billions of dollars a year because of illiegals not paying taxes but ….I could go on…I’ll stop. but seriously, I was just making a point about the media
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Sorry but to me, this law has only brougt out the worst in people.
I had to deal with soo much crap lately. I had a woman in my own store start screaming @ me, saying I was probably an illegal & that I neede to go back to my country. I had my headphones on the other day on the bus. But the idiot bus driver actually said " I bet you that girl is probably illegal to the person he was talking to. I translate all day ( I speak 5 different languages) I actually had an idiot tell me." this is America! You need to learn to speak English girl) I undr
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
by Aztiramtempe on May 25, 2010 10:49 PM MST up reply actions
Understand that there needs to be laws. I like laws. I obey all of them.
But, now it seems that an open wall for ignorant people to hit..Ok., that’s all am
saying!
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
by Aztiramtempe on May 25, 2010 10:51 PM MST up reply actions
aztiramtempe
sorry that happened to you, probably not a topic i should be talking about much, I’m not even in Az. I lived in Az for 30 years before moving, I heard that “this is america, you need to learn to speak english” thing a ton.
I think the saddest part of all of this is 2 things.
1. The U.S. is hurting and not looking like a great place for immigrants to go to as much. Sad for everyone involved
2. Mexico is hurting bad, and only getting worse I’m guessing? Sad again
have a good night…dream of the triosuno – 3 suns players hitting 3 3point shots in what seemed like 15 seconds
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Totally wrong.
Sorry, unless by everyone you mean TNT, ESPN, etc…
I don’t know anyone personally who wants that matchup. I know a lot of Laker fans who want to see the Magic again, though.
In Bayless I trust.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
I think a (very hypothetical) Boston PHX series could get very ugly.
In a super fun way for PHX. Boston doesn’t want to run. Absolutely doesn’t.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
You mean Orlando vs Phoenix!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:47 PM MST up reply actions
I'm torn.
I’ve seen enough of the these Lakers to last me a lifetime+, and I simply enjoy watching PHX much more. Boston, well, which would be better, Boston collapsing to Orlando, or watching two completely incompatible styles meet in the finals? It’s a tough one.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
I vote for Boston collapse.
I mean gotta choose the historic over the aesthetic.
I would think so. But Boston has fooled me before.
PHX won’t goof around and slow down the pace like Orlando did in the 2nd half last night. They’ll just put in the bench and punch the throttle harder.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Yep they only go fast and faster.
Orlando really did not play their game in this series. But, if they have decided to, they may just pull it out.
But you can’t deny the Celtics have clearly peaked at the right time and are making all the right moves.
Boston really surprised me. I thought Cleveland would beat them.
Then I thought ORL would beat them. I really don’t want the devils choice of LA v Boston ever again.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
that's a willy wonka candy bar isn't it
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Man, I would be
The guy was playing out of his mind, but his team let him down on almost every trip down the floor. I have newfound respect for the guy after watching this series. I don’t think LBJ even belongs in the discussion with him.
ok guys - kobe hater here
but even i have to see it as it is, kobe > LBJ I agree
A point the tnt guys brought up if I recall, that zones get destroyed the worst by great point guards, and unlike many teams (spurs / suns / boston) this laker team doesn’t have a great point guard to break the zone down. The lakers did have a good strategy hitting their 2 big guys at the ff line and they were doing ok there for awhile…
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
You mean, Derek Fisher isn't a great point guard?
Shit.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:28 PM MST up reply actions
I am thinking this is not news
to an astute Laker fan like yourself :)
i think you missed the
“a point the tnt guys brought up”, and no, derek fisher isn’t a great point guard in my opinion. But, maybe there’s something here. Maybe that’s the problem. That fisher isn’t being given the ball to break the zone. The lakers focus has been on getting the ball to their bigs and to kobe so much, maybe fisher has been help unused.
I do know when I see fisher shoot threes, with his high arch (or arc…help me) I expect it to go in.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
No, no I don't especially like or dislike Fisher
But he’s not a great point guard, obviously. But as you see the Lakers don’t have great alternatives.
I was agreeing with the TNT guys.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:46 PM MST up reply actions
my mistake
I knew he had moments
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
from docfunk
http://docfunk.blogspot.com/2010/05/lakers-vs-suns-game-4.html
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 11:06 PM MST up reply actions 3 recs
ahhh dam!
good one Gil
is it wrong to rec the enemy :-)
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
I don't think high arches have anything to do with Fisher's shot
they have orthotics for that kind of thing…
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.
you know what i mean
on his shot – he doesn’t shot line drives, he does have a pretty shot
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Steve's nose looks better tonight than last game.
it wasn’t as crooked as before.
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
ironically
he looks a lot like the pumpkin i made this year
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
maybe he set it right this time around
after that “handful” of broken noses he’s had in the past.
Nash doesn’t know what pain means
Read.
Wow a lot of LA fans are so arrogant.
All they’re doing is blaming the refs. Funny how that works. If they ever lose a game it’s the refs fault
If you look for it, you will find it
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
While we're on the topic...
Anyone feel like crediting David Stern or the refs for these two victories? Anyone? No?
Cool. remember that if the whistles aren’t so friendly in LA.
Twitter: @MikeLisboa
All three of you are correct; Mike, "fanof.." and N8lol.
The legitimate fouls called on the Lakers on Amare drives etc may not and many probably won’t get called in LA. That is a fact. We saw some of that in Game 2.
This just means our shooting will have to be that much better. We have to rebound the ball well again (like we did tonight) and we have to take care of the ball !
In addition, just want to say... I may have misunderstood
Mike a bit in his prior comment. Are you saying Mike that we should keep quiet if the refs appear to be obviously tilting the game in the Lakers favor? If so, I think you’re logic is faulty.
Just because Game A is not decided by the refs, it doesn’t mean that Game B won’t be either. Every game is a separate event. If the refs appear to be working to give it to the Lakers you can be sure that I WILL say something about it !
You can't have it both ways...
It has never ever ever ever ever in the history of any fansite in the history of any sport happened where fans of the teams who were the beneficiaries of questionable calls given credit to the refs for a team’s victory. Ever.
Fans only see the calls that go against them and blame the officiating. If I’m a Laker fan, I’m probably bitching about every single alleged non-call against Pau Gasol in the post tonight. And if you go to SSR, they are.
You can’t blame the refs one night and not thank them the next. It’s just… rude.
Twitter: @MikeLisboa
by Mike Lisboa on May 25, 2010 11:04 PM MST up reply actions
One time I thanked the refs.
I really did.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Not so....
There were some calls that went the Suns favor tonight. I can admit that. I think the Kobe foul on Richardson with less than a minute left was a bad call. But I also don’t think it had a big impact on the game. The game was basically decided at that point. My point — not all bad calls are created equal. Some impact the outcome more than others.
There were some terrible calls in Game 3 as well. The Suns managed to overcome them and win anyway. There were a few ticky tack calls on the Lakers tonight — I can admit that. But I’ll also point out the bad calls I expect to be coming in the Lakers favor in Game 5 !
hmmm
I’ll say this, in the first quarter, I thought the suns got a few calls they shouldn’t have. One play involving lopez and another jrich in which a laker foul was called but it probably was a suns foul. But we missed so many free throws, so if anything, it took away 2 points here and there. But, I try to forget about the missed calls and pray for a 5 point or more lead in the last minute so it doesn’t come down to a bad call at the end. Toughest sport to ref easily
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Kobe is not arrogant
Part IV of the Kobe is a great guy tour:
Kobe post game presser: "We lost the game because our defense sucked."
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Very straight-forward.
Their offense wasn’t so good either. I mean, Kobe WAS their offense for 3/4 of the game. And by the time that changed, it was too late.
by fanoftheunderdogs on May 25, 2010 9:24 PM MST up reply actions
I didn't say Kobe was
I think Kobe has every right to be mad. He was doing everything for LA.
by GiantBehemoth on May 25, 2010 9:25 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah, I was just pointing out the difference between some Lakers fans, and the players
Although the coach does complain about refs! oops.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
The refs clearly made those 3pters go in in the 4th, just to name one example.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
I think it's magnets in the seams of the basketball
That can be activated with a switch, and simultaneously an attracting magnetic field is created around the rim.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:29 PM MST up reply actions
That explains so much about Staples.
Wait…
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Well you can also create an opposing field too
You just push the other button
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:32 PM MST up reply actions
I totally get that. As I said, it explains a lot.
We’re gonna have to get that technology in Houston.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
me too
his play in this series has been amazing….
I don’t necessarily like him as a “person” but I love him as a player and I don’t care if I don’t like him as a person
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on May 25, 2010 10:45 PM MST up reply actions
that's the right attitude to take I think as a fan
it’s just too many fans emulate their star, the message to kids is, become successful enough and rich enough and you can pretty much do what you want (kobe, woods, etc) and even still be loved
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Problem with this comment is that it gives the Suns no credit...
The comment is a little deceiving. It sounds on the surface like honesty, but in reality Kobe is really attempting to undermine the Suns. In short, he’s saying that the Suns didn’t beat the Lakers but the Lakers beat themselves - and I don’t buy it. The Suns WON this game tonight. It wasn’t like the Lakers gave it away.
Never enough, eh? :)
He’s not going to say the Suns are the better team, and neither will I.
Just as I wouldn’t expect you or the Suns players to say the Lakers are the better team.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 11:01 PM MST up reply actions
Oh no I definitely think the Suns outplayed the Lakers tonight
But that still doesn’t get around the fact that Kobe was rockin’ it. haha :)
I just hope our boys can pull this momentum into game 5 and steal one there!!!
by GiantBehemoth on May 25, 2010 11:19 PM MST up reply actions
I think the zone d is getting a little too much credit for us winning.
makes it seem like we have one trick up our sleeve and that’s why we’re winning.
The zone has been solved
Lakers had over 115 pts per 100 possessions. That’s way above their average.
Their problem is the unstoppable Suns offense. They can pretend like they’re missing shots all they want, but they’ve maxed out their offense.
Tweet from Bill Simmons:
“We need to have a ceremony where Manu passes the torch to Dragic as the most exciting foreign player. Love watching that guy.”
love that! Wow.
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.
Dragic needs to read that minutes before game 5 for added confidence booster
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)
That outburst against San Antonio
Really was turning point in his career
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:00 PM MST up reply actions
yes it was
but the turn “started” in a late-season game against San Antonio. Suns really needed the win, and the second unit started the 4th quarter with a 9-pt lead against the SA starters. Duncan, Manu, Parker, Dice and RJeff. SA got it down to 5 with 9.5 mins left. Gentry could have put the starters back in but didn’t – and the bench mob went on a 19-7 run to put the game away. Dragic had 10 pts and 3 assists and couple steals, and he and the bench played the entire 4th. THAT was the start of all this. I’ll never forget that game – I was there, in the 12th row up from the Suns bench. great, great memory.
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 May 25, 2010 10:15 PM MST up reply actions
His confidence is just soaring
He never looked like this in his previous games (that I saw against the Lakers) he was so unsure of himself, and afraid to make a risky play. Some credit must go to Gentry for not breaking his spirit.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:30 PM MST up reply actions
not only did gentry not break his spirit (see past coach porter)
but he built him up and worked with him like a brother or something, it really is amazing. It reminds me of the d’antoni brother and barbosa.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Gentry is "the bench whisperer"
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 May 25, 2010 10:33 PM MST up reply actions 6 recs
He is looking really good right now
This has got to be the high point of his reputation as a coach, this time right now… I mean, it could go higher (I hope not)… but so far, this is the peak of his rep
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:38 PM MST up reply actions
I hope it does go higher!
I mean that would take a LOT of work! But just imagine! Maybe just enough to get Coach of the year at LEAST once. He definitely deserves it.
by GiantBehemoth on May 25, 2010 11:23 PM MST up reply actions
No
His turning point was the end of last season…that when he realized that he truly belonged.
He had numerous great games this season and very few bad ones even if his numbers weren’t good all the time.
The SA game was just when a national audience really took notice.
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on May 25, 2010 10:47 PM MST up reply actions
I had a feeling ... well, I am part of the national audience.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:48 PM MST up reply actions
Well, I had noticed he looked pretty good this season.
But you turn in one of the best playoff quarters ever, that’s something else.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Playoffs are different, though
That was when he declared himself to the big boys and told them that they better watch out for him.
Even more than that
Suns FO better hang on to this guy. How lucky can you get to have a more than legitimate replacement whenever Stevie decides to retire? (mentioning this is blasphemy in itself, I know)
remember when
most every Suns fan was hating on Kerr for acquiring Dragic, spending top-15-draft-pick money to sign him and calling him one of the best players in last season’s draft?
Very few people can say they believed Kerr was 100% right. Many of us thought he was kinda right, and that Dragic might turn out okay over time. But none of us thought Dragic would lead us to a Game 4 win in the Conference Finals in his second year.
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 May 25, 2010 10:19 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah, this kid
may just turn out to be a monster. I mean, we are bipolar fans to begin with, but Kerr went from retard to genius in a Phoenix minute.
I always thought he was a genius
People don’t realize that D’Antoni ruined the SSOL suns with his signing of Marcus Banks and to a lesser degree his overpaid contracts for Diaw and Barbosa.
Kerr has been fixing the Suns for a long time. The Shaq trade was genius because there’s always someone looking for a Shaq-like guy and it got rid of Banks. The Richardson/Dudley trade just oozed foresight.
With Amare, Kerr clearly valued him more than any other GM. That’s why he wasn’t traded. Simmons was calling him lucky, but I think that is selling Kerr short.
I would like to say for myself
that I reserved judgment on that draft pick until I saw more time on the court.
Reading is good...
so you admit you didn't 100% agree with Kerr from the outset
neither did I. I saw talent, but no performance until late in the season last year.
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 May 25, 2010 10:34 PM MST up reply actions
i didn't rush to judge
not because i saw the potential in dragic or anything, I don’t follow players that closely. But because I see the pattern in the suns fans from dan majerle being booed when signed in the draft, to steve nash being booed, etc etc. The point and observation is simple, wait 1-2 years, and with a little luck (right coach for support), etc…maybe something awesome happens.
Lopez and Dragic have been nothing short of awesome!!!!!
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
4 games, and we have improved in each one
Have we just learned how to beat these guys? Or have our younger bench guys settled down to be able to succeed at this level of competition? Or is Kobe’s supporting cast simply not good enough?
Kobe's
supporting cast has failed to step up. We have been more aggressive. And we’re at home. Game 5 should give us a barometer in RE: our improvement
you mean a key road game?
like, game 3 at Portland? or game 6 at Portland? or game 3 and 4 at San Antonio. Oh yes, the bench WILL be there, and the Lakers will be surprised once again.
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 May 25, 2010 9:58 PM MST up reply actions 3 recs
rec'd
"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. Sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can." - Vince Lombardi
by sunsfever83 on May 26, 2010 12:00 AM MST up reply actions
the bench IS getting more confident each game
it helps to reset their feet at home. Then they can go on the road and dominate there – remember every road game in Portland and SA and tell me they won’t show up in Game 5. You better believe they will. And Kobe will be pissed off again.
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.
Brown might suck, but Dragic is that good too
Remember a couple of us saying before this series that, except for Kobe (obviously) our backcourt was gonna kill theirs, especially Dragic and Barbosa against Brown and Farmar. It took a few games, but that is finally coming to fruition.
by East Bay Ray on May 25, 2010 9:31 PM MST up reply actions
just listened to kobe's interview
i don’t know how anyone could be a fan of his with him being such a dick off court, yes he’s a great basketball player, but he doesn’t have chemistry on that team like the suns do, and he never will. I hope that helps us beat them, incredible energy from second unit tonight. I was ready for nash to say we’re making a switch, the second unit and first are switching..obviously the first unit plays against better players in general, but it’d be a nice compliment
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Ehh...
I think after him having the keep the team close ALL on his own, he has the right to be a dick.
by fanoftheunderdogs on May 25, 2010 9:23 PM MST up reply actions
the lakers lost this on defense, not offense
that’s the message both sides were pounding into us. I didn’t see kobe do anything great on defense
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
did you hear the press conference?
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
I heard it
and Kobe was right.
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 May 25, 2010 10:00 PM MST up reply actions
not that the Lakers can do a whole lot about it though
No one has stopped the Suns at all in the playoffs. No one.
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 May 25, 2010 10:01 PM MST up reply actions
he doesn’t have chemistry on that team like the suns do, and he never will.
They had championship chemistry last year.
Please don’t try to turn this on Kobe and his supposed lack of character. He played brilliantly, the Suns just had a better team effort, that’s not a knock on Kobe.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 9:28 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
Kobe was on another planet tonight, but he was the only one that showed up. I think he was actually pretty tame in his comments, a lot of guys would have COMPLETELY called out their team-mates after that lackluster performance.
And normally that strategy doesn't seem to work (let Kobe go off, but not his teammates)
But credit the Suns, they are not letting anyone else beat them.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
ok
first, when I’m in another state and I hear about how kobe is throwing this player or that player under the bus…I’m going to take a wild guess and say that they don’t have great team chemistry…
and last year, winning a title doesn’t automatically mean you have great chemistry, it means you have a great team. Don’t get those confused.
And finally, “His supposed lack of character” HE CHEATED ON HIS WIFE, yeah…character…you have to be kidding me!!!
My point is this, I’m a fan because I like basketball, and I like watching unselfish basketball. If the suns had the players they had before nash when marbury was on the team, I wouldn’t be watching. I doubt I’m alone.
My point is, I can’t see being a laker fan with Kobe being there. Win or lose this series
I’m not trying to pick a fight,
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Agree
There is something about Kobe I don’t like. I can’t quite pinpoint it, but it’s outside of his basketball abilities.
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)
that's the point I'm making
as far as a basketball player, he really is ridiculous. Those shots he hits all night long, I don’t say stupid stuff like “kobe sucks” or anything like that. Kobe is an amazing player. He really is. I just don’t like the guy off the court. I think I’m bringing that into my comments…I was thinking of seth at the press conference asking questions and Kobe saying “jovial” even though I doubt that was seth’s question.
Reading Paul shirley’s book didn’t help my view
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
What does Paul Shirley’s book have to do with it? Is he a Bryant fan?
by 8472species on May 25, 2010 10:04 PM MST up reply actions
No Shirley worked out with the Lakers once
Kobe was aggressive on D, blocked his shot and screamed “Get that weak shit out of here!” … Shirley did not like that.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:19 PM MST up reply actions
I actually like Kobe more now
Paul Shirley is a douche a million times over.
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 May 25, 2010 10:21 PM MST up reply actions
Don't help Haiti! - Sincerely, Paul Shirley
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:22 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah, that was at least as bas as Pat Robertson blaming the earthquake on the Haitians’ sins when almost everyone else was busy helping them.
by 8472species on May 25, 2010 10:37 PM MST up reply actions
ok
bad example since paul shirley said that.
But it does bring up this point. Do you advocate trash talk like that, I mean he’s Kobe for God’s sake, everyone knows how good he is at basketball, did he really feel that threatened by Paul?
I play chess, and when I’m playing someone I could obviously crush, unless there’s a strong reason (professional tournament…which wouldn’t happen because the bad player wouldn’t be there) I’m compassionate (insert your paul shirley / haiti joke here).
For the record I wouldn’t help Haiti too much right now, it’s because we’re in trouble ourselves – economically. I’ve never known more unemployed people than I do now. I think the U.S. needs to be in a better position itself, then go help Haiti, etc. At least financially, but as far as time, maybe supplies, doctors (even though that’s money, it can be donated), I’m all for that, the more the better to help them
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Not sure that shows he was threatened
Maybe he was testing him, I don’t know. I have very little opinion on the incident, someone just asked why Shirley doesn’t like him.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:59 PM MST up reply actions
i think what i'm saying is
this was supposed to be his potential teammate, a guy struggling to make it in the nba as a backup player. I just think Kobe never shuts off the competitor thing, I’ve been around people like that, it’s ruined their lives.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
obviously not kobe's
i was thinking of my brother, and maybe bobby fisher for example. The guy got so caught up in winning and crushing his opponents that he became this nut of a guy, hating jewish people, hating …
you get the idea.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
I’m a chessplayer myself. I was on my high school team, but an increasing college workload kept me too busy to play much in about the last 8-9 years.
by 8472species on May 26, 2010 12:02 AM MST up reply actions
cool
I play it a lot on my itouch as I’m going to bed. Trying to start teaching my 6yr old girl and 5 yr old boy to play.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
If you found out Steve Nash had cheated on his wife in the past
But was still with her now
Would you stop rooting for Steve Nash and the Suns?
I like basketball too. I like watching good players play winning basketball.
The Suns have great chemistry … that is not a knock on Kobe. To win any title, you must win as a team. Kobe has been a huge contributor on such teams four times. That is all.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
hey gil
i’m already on the fence with the “los suns” as it is, i’ve decided to ignore their ill informed decisions on the new az law and cheer for them anyways. I have no problem with sides, I have a problem with people being ill informed and making a big deal about something when az is simply trying to do what the federal laws aren’t enforcing.
On your comments above, I think what I’m trying to say is this, the suns team do not have the talent the lakers do, but I think the chemistry, the energy, that this suns team has has a fair shot at getting them past the lakers. That’s is all.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
you're right Gil
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 May 25, 2010 10:01 PM MST up reply actions
It's a knock on Laker team chemistry Gil -- and alot of that has to do with Kobe !
That’s one of the main reasons Kobe will never reach Bill Russell or Magic Johnson status. Kobe isn’t able to lift up and rally a team around him. Yes, he is capable of single handedly taking over games and winning them on the offensive end. He just isn’t the kind of guy that teammates will want to fight for and die for.
I didn't hear anything dickish there.
Dude is pissed at his team’s defensive effort. Fair enough.
And since the Suns have lit them up offensively the last 2 games, he’s got a point. And at least early in the game, Kobe was everywhere defensively.
Twitter: @MikeLisboa
ok
maybe i overshot on being a dick, maybe knowing his history and how he treats people doesn’t help. But notice this
Phil Jackson lost tonight also, and his comments were intelligent. Kobe was being a dick.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Perhaps...
but he was being a “dick” to his teammates trying to get them in gear. Not everyone is as…shall we say…verbally conservative as Steve Nash, Alvin Gentry, and Grant Hill. A guy like Kobe has the right to call his team out.
Reading is good...
i can see that
especially for an ultra competitive guy, look how hungry kobe is to win another title. He can taste how close he is. And that’s after winning 4 titles already!
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Bryant (I refuse to use only his first name as though I know him) would be worthy of 1980s basketball, but his teammates aren’t.
by 8472species on May 26, 2010 12:11 AM MST up reply actions
lakers will be mad dogs in 5th
we must keep the momentum, not fall behind early… we have a shot, never thought to say that after frist two.. actually for me, this is what I asked for, to go more than 5 games… everything above is just a bonus… and we all love bonuses hahaha
game 5 is going to be a bloodbath
hope we can roll with the punches.
by IrrationalAgent on May 25, 2010 9:30 PM MST reply actions
Am I the only one uneasy about Game 5? This game was great, but all it did was neutralize the Lakers 2-0 lead and make it a best-of-3 series where the Suns must win at least once in Los Angeles.
by 8472species on May 25, 2010 9:31 PM MST reply actions
With all the talk we've had about one or the other team needing a "Perfect game"
I think our guys are truly going to need a perfect game this Thursday. Let’s go Suns!!
for last 6-7 games we haven't been close to win in LA
actually, after gasol came… so yes, I feel we don’t have a chance, still, I thought that surely lakers will steal one and they were not even close…
Sorry, I’m thinking ahead while enjoying it.
by 8472species on May 25, 2010 9:38 PM MST up reply actions
Let's enjoy the win for the next 8 hours.
Then we can worry!
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
by Aztiramtempe on May 25, 2010 9:40 PM MST up reply actions
The Suns scored just fine in LA
The problem is that the defense was just attrocious in games 1 and 2.
Now we can call our defense ‘okay’ if we’re being generous. The Lakers are still scoring well above their usual efficiency, hence the reason nobody uses zone, but it’s good enough for this offense.
Plenty of faith here...
I am not one bit uneasy about having to get a win in LA. We had been on the road for 18 days before the team finally got to play at home. I believe this was what our bench needed to refresh themselves. They have proven in 2 rounds already that they can play on the road, now they are going to LA with confidence.
The lakers have given us their ‘A’ games in 1 & 2. It took a lot of energy for the lakers. Kobe and Gasol having to play 40+ minutes a game now, with Nash and Amare getting rest again in this series is going to be major. No bench for the lakers and very poor defense is not going to do it against the Suns.
I believe we can and will take the next game. Our bench will be the big factor again. Yes the calls will swing the other way, but we have slowed them down where we want them and they have yet to respond. Kobe and Gasol can’t beat us, two stars against a team won’t cut it. The lakers had the opportunity and now are being outcoached and outplayed.
I don’t think it will be an easy game, but I think the Suns will win by 5-10 pts. Not being arrogant, just we have the better ‘TEAM’.
"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. Sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can." - Vince Lombardi
by sunsfever83 on May 26, 2010 12:34 AM MST up reply actions
i have a feeling
the laker’s bench will have their confidence and streak back at home too though.
I just hope our bench plays as well as they did tonight
Read.
But there's absolutely no evidence
to suggest that the Lakers’ bench will show up in LA. Yeah, bench players generally play better in front of the home crowd, but their bench just isn’t very good.
It must be that time of day, the time to focus on sports.
Agree fever. We DO have the better team. The thing that concerns me is...
that fact that Stern the NBA and the TV networks cabal in all likelihood have decided they again want Lakers in the Finals. It would represent another ratings landslide if they play Boston.
So……That could mean the refs come out and subltly establish that “this Game belongs to LA” in Game 5. They do that by a) calling a couple of very early fouls on Amare and forcing Gentry to take him out of game b) giving Kobe and Gasol and Bynum the benefit of every call around the basket — if they are touched they’ll get the call and go to the line.
c) JRich, Amare, and Nash WILL NOT get the legitimate and fair foul calls they got last night. That will force the Suns to rely too much on long jumpers etc..
d) Watch for things like defensive 3 seconds, other technical fouls on the Suns when they rightfully complain about the biased calls or non-calls. They refs giving the Suns quick T’s will be their way of saying " Shut up and take your medicine (or poison if you choose)" this is the way it is going to be.
And, the Lakers are very hard to beat win they lead at half. The refs will work to see that they have a cushion of 8-12 pts at halftime.
Dont agree with the conspiracy...
I look at it this way, 17 years ago Boston and Phoenix met up in the finals. This year we are both in the Conference finals. It was suppose to be Kobe and Lebron – failed. Orlando was suppose to walk over Boston, hasn’t happened yet. If we play a confident game tomorrow, we will overcome the calls. The calls will be there, and it won’t always be nice, but we can overcome that. So at this point Boston and Phoenix is as good as Kobe and Boston in the finals. We aren’t there yet, but to believe the ‘conspiracy’ will be our downfall, I don’t believe that. If we lose, we will lose due to lack of effort, games 1&2. When we win, we will do so because of a total ‘TEAM’ effort. IMHO
"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. Sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can." - Vince Lombardi
Agree about last part -- if we win it will be due to our "team" effort.
As both you and I stated above we the better “team,” and I truly believe that. In players 1-12 the Suns are simply deeper and better. That being said, I think it is naive to think that the kind of scenario I described above doesn’t at times happen.
It happened to us with the Spurs when Stern and the league office banned Stoudemire and Diaw for Game 5.
Will it happen again? Hard to say. The logical assumption would be the League wants the Lakers to win in 7. That would be the best of both worlds — the networks get the extra revenue from a 7 game series AND they get the Lakers in the Finals; something both Stern and the networks want.
It is possible to foil the league though. A targeted team can do that by hitting a very large proportion of their shots. While the NBA is the easiest of the major American sports to fix (the refs have near puppet-master control of the tempo and style of the game), it doesn’t always turn out as planned on an individual game basis (at least that is my opinion). So, in theory it would be possible for the NBA and Stern to work/push for the Lakers and the Suns defeat their plans. It would be difficult but not impossible.
Again, I hope I am wrong about the aforementioned scenario. But I go in with my eyes wide open (as should you all as well). Just look for things that seem “odd” or not right. Remember, these are not highschool or even college refs — these guys are supposedly “the best of the best.” If a call seems too awful to be true then it probably isn’t just a mistake.
Just one thing about the suspensions...
I didn’t agree with what happened with the suspensions. And I think the league should have handled it differently. But you can’t call it conspiracy. Horry took one for his team and it ended up costing us more. Our players did leave the bench, therefore were suspended. We violated the rules, paid the price, and lost the series. So again the conspiracy theory doesn’t really work with that situation.
"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. Sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can." - Vince Lombardi
Oh, but you are mistaken....
Stern did a national radio interview on ESPN with Dan Patrick in the aftermath of the Suns suspensions. When Patrick questioned Stern about not wanting the League Office to “decide a series” Stern almost exploded. He was very reactionary — like what in psychoanalytic parlance would be refered to as a “reaction formation.” Stern seemed like he had something to hide.
Stern said the same thing you did about the “rules,” but the only problem was that DUNCAN ALSO LEFT THE BENCH in the same game! It was also on a foul play. Granted, he didn’t go as far as Amare, but as Stern himself said, we are not in the business of interpreting, we are simply applying the rule as it is written. BUT, he didn’t apply it to Duncan and the Spurs! If he had suspended Duncan along with Amare and Diaw it would have been entirely different. The ultimate result, as well as Stern’s response in the Patrick interview were all we had to hear and see. That said it all.
wrong time frame
Make that 34 years ago with the Boston series. Sorry, 17 years ago was Chicago.
"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. Sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can." - Vince Lombardi
I don't understand this LAL/BOS concept.
I know LA and Boston are both huge markets, but the impression I’ve been getting is that the only people that even want to see that series are people in LA and Boston. Fans of all other teams in all other markets want to see the fun loving Suns in the Finals, if only to see Nash and Hill have a shot at a ring.
It must be that time of day, the time to focus on sports.
before every media outlet blames this...
yes the suns had a 19FT advantage, BUT 12 of those came in the final three minutes when LA was hacking every trip down the court. so really, a difference of 8FTs.
if anyone want to point to a game changing stat, how about a 51-36 rebounding advantage by our “undersized” SUNS!!!
"The way they are beating us," Ginobili said, " … it was demoralizing."
They really wanted it more
Don’t think the Lakers bigs know what a box out is. Either that or they forgot tonight. Fricking Amundson.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
well
to that the lakers clearly wanted it more the first 2 games
I don’t know what to expect in game 5, but it’s nice to be tied
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
Phil Jackson Suns FT advantage: “It seemed like every time we went near them they fell down…and went to the line.”
yep
i heard that also, it was code for “the refs sucked and the suns flopped”…I’m a programmer, i know code when i see it. But I think Phil might have caught a virus…because the real code was saying "suns win game by playing good enough zone to prevent the 120-130 points and playing fantastic offense in stretches, and by having a second unit that are playing like they just heard they won the lotto….with a ton of energy
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....or makes you a Suns fan
could have had 3-1 lead or sweep
Damn. If the Suns hadn’t messed around with their defense in Games 1 and 2 and had given this kind of effort, this series might now be a 3-1 Suns lead. Or even a sweep.
by 8472species on May 25, 2010 9:41 PM MST reply actions
Those games were needed
In order to make the adjustment that won us game 3 & 4. Game 5 should be more telling now that both teams have taken the others best shot.
well said
this series was going to be tied after 4 games, no matter what. At least that’s what my gut told me, even after we went down 0-2.
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 May 25, 2010 10:08 PM MST up reply actions
That's a reach
Not like we “almost” won those games or anything.
by East Bay Ray on May 25, 2010 9:49 PM MST up reply actions
Kevin McHale called Goran "Euro Tiny Archibald"
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
Did he say what Nate Archibald was like? Without being very familiar with how Archibald played, one can’t understand the comparison.
by 8472species on May 25, 2010 10:08 PM MST up reply actions
I dont get that
never saw Archibald play though
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 May 25, 2010 10:09 PM MST up reply actions
I have a feeling it was mostly Dragic’s spin move that made McHale say that.
by 8472species on May 25, 2010 10:13 PM MST up reply actions
Hey guys why is Taylor in a suit?
Is he injured or something?
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
Not injured.
Just not on the Suns active playoff roster. NBA teams are allowed to have 15 players on their playoff rosters, but only 12 active for any one game.
Twitter: @MikeLisboa
got it. thanks for that.
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
Ew
Boston was already selling Beat LA shirts @ game 4. Everybody bought the hype. The wait for game 5 is going to drag ouuuuuttttt sooooooooo muuuchhh
i really hope we beat LA just for that reason alone now!
we should start selling “Beat Orlando” shirts.
"The way they are beating us," Ginobili said, " … it was demoralizing."
That would be funny. I like it.
If there was ever a team set up to beat the 0-3 curse it is Orlando. Hot shooters. Old opponents, every extra game with little rest plays better for Magic. They have to win 3 games but 2 of them are at home.
Not saying they will do it, but they have alot going for them that a bunch of those 86 or whatever teams before did not have.
Plus Boston losing after being up 3-0 would be so lovely.
I honestly, I could see myself smiling about it 50 years later, whenever it was brought up. Should it happen, and I say, it really should.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
:) Yeah it is the kind of thing you smile about decades later.
And imagine being the only team that lost a 3-0 lead. Could not happen to a better team than Boston. I mean they have all those other records, why not have that one too :)
Hoping for no injuries, and less humidity.
It’s tough sometimes.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
The best part of this would be.
The Boston Bruins (NHL) already lost a series this year after being up 3-0 on the Philadelphia Flyers. 2 rare 3-0 losses in the same year? Couldn’t ever happen to a better city.
It must be that time of day, the time to focus on sports.
I hate that.
Even in the ESPN or NBA.com the playoff posters include only 3 teams: Celtics, Magic and Lakers. This type of stuff only provides fuel to the conspiracy theory out there that the whole league match ups or finals match ups is based on tv ratings and that Stern has control of it.
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)
It's definitely irritating
But there’s something about being an underdog that makes every game, every win, and every series so much more fun and emotional. PHX/ORL in the 2010 NBA Finals!!
Well there's this
Let me say I don’t subscribe to this, and I give the Suns full credit, but it’s still very interesting reading, and don’t let your conspiracy nuts read this, or they will go wild …
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/112561/index.html
I was going to post the quotes (I did over at SSR), but don’t want to be accused of being a troll, so check out the link if you are interested …
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 25, 2010 10:18 PM MST up reply actions
considering the comments by other suns fans
you have too much cred at this point in time to be considered a troll i think
Read.
EIGHT CONSECUTIVE THREES IN 3 MINUTES, 2 SECONDS
7:01 Channing Frye makes 26-foot three point jumper (Leandro Barbosa assists)
6:09 Jared Dudley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Goran Dragic assists)
5:50 Kobe Bryant makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derek Fisher assists)
5:41 Leandro Barbosa makes 26-foot three point jumper (Goran Dragic assists)
5:24 Kobe Bryant makes 23-foot three point jumper
4:41 Steve Nash makes 26-foot three point jumper (Channing Frye assists)
4:11 Ron Artest makes 25-foot three point jumper
3:59 Channing Frye makes 25-foot three point jumper (Steve Nash assists)
by yanyanman2 on May 25, 2010 9:47 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
that's insane
firepower vs firepower
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
I like to point out that my Nash Jersey is now 6-0
I did not wear it for game 1& 2…
"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!!!"
you'd better keep wearing that!
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 May 25, 2010 10:22 PM MST up reply actions
keep wearing it from now on!
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
I was watching the postgame stuff...
AND FRYE QUOTED ID4!
Channing Frye: “We won’t go quietly into the night.”
by fanoftheunderdogs on May 25, 2010 10:33 PM MST reply actions
It's actually a paraphrase
of Dylan Thomas’ “Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night.”
Jesus. I certainly took my douche pills tonight.
Twitter: @MikeLisboa
by Mike Lisboa on May 25, 2010 11:10 PM MST up reply actions
It's a great poem. You could do worse.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Anyone see the "block of the night" on NBA.com?
Yeah…anyone else notice how much of a foul it was? Cmon NBA.com. Seriously?
Reading is good...
Per Facebook
A comment that was posted on someone I know from high schools page [he was also on the 4A1 2009-2010 State Champion McClintock basketball team].
May 20th: Its getting mighty quiet in Arizona, I don’t hear those Suns ***s anymore. losin again pff
About an Hour ago after me and him started reminding him the series was 2-2: haha stfu. Lakers are pissin me off. You got lucky again lol but LETS SEE What Happens when WE GO BACK TO LA :D
He also said that the Suns sucked, and they were going to get pounded by the Blazers, and I bring that up whenever I see him. Fun stuff.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
BTW
If I didn’t make it clear enough, it is a comment that a Lakers fan left on the page for a Suns fan I know. And now we are having fun screwing with him because of his idiocy.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Frye decided to show up for work tonight
You think he got his paycheck from Kerr tonite? :-)
by inquisitiveman on May 25, 2010 11:05 PM MST reply actions
Nights like this make me feel like I must be addicted to the internet
And it’s not even for porn. That is sad. So I am turning off the computer, now. LATER!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Yeah, I know the feeling
Tabbing between blogs during the playoffs consumes way more time than it should. Night.
THAT WAS THE BEST GAME I HAVE EVER BEEN TO
HOLY VISHNU I AM STILL AMAZED
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."
Nice job cheering and holding it down for those of us that couldn't make the game
Crowd was great tonight, sixth man for sure.
same here
and I’ve been to a lot of big games… that one takes the cake for sure
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.
Law of average
is starting to click in. Frye is a season 41% 3pt shooter. He was at 5%, now he is at 17%; to catch up with his average he will hit many more shots.
If he could throw in a 10-10 game in LA it'd help the PHX cause a lot.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
So awesome it had to be posted twice.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
definition of "TEAM". Period.
How many starters in this league will play cheerleader like that? Love it.
Props to fanoftheunderdogs for this one.
Anyone see the the locker room vid?
Nash’s impression of Dudley…HILARIOUS.
http://www.nba.com/suns/video/2010/05/26/po10wcfgm4100525lockerwmv-1327734/index.html
by TheAlexSkinner on May 26, 2010 12:02 AM MST reply actions
Does Kobe know what "jovial" means?
I’m not sure I understand why he would have felt jovial after that game…
Goddamnit This Feels Good
What a team. Do they have it in them? Can they overcome the homer calls that will likely come in LA? YES!!!
Keep on rockin’. Our suns are doing it one possession at a time!!
Frye (of Victoria, Canada) - Steve Nash's hometown folks admire his skills, his leadership and his unabashed intelligent humour.
by Frye (of Victoria, Canada) on May 26, 2010 3:15 AM MST reply actions
Yessss!!!!!
My boss is gonna be so pissed this morning!…I can’t wait to see his face!1
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
The Suns shock the world!!!!!
"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can and slap the crap out of him before he figures out you are there...."
- me into a mental stupor after forgetting the rest of Ulysses S. Grant's speech....
VIDEO: The Steve Nash Era
I created this video 4 years ago, when I launched my SunsDynasty.com fan site. While the Suns roster is different, the message and emotions have never been more relevant! LET’S DO THIS, SUNS FANS!!
by SunsDynastyXcom on May 26, 2010 8:53 AM MST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bright Side Of The Sun
Related FanShots on Bright Side Of The Sun
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Friend Us On Facebook
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Follow us on Twitter
