Ugly Game. Disappointing loss. Pistons Beat Suns 75-74
by Eutychus on Jan 22, 2011 8:04 PM MST
in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage
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PrintBoth teams flew in late after their games last night - and both teams definitely looked sluggish and tired out on the court. At the first half the score was 38-36 Suns, the lowest combined scoring half of the season. It was Ugly with a capital U, and to spoiled Phoenix Suns fans who only know run & gun - it was like Brittany Spears shaving her head kind of ugly. Channing Frye, Vince Carter and Grant Hill combined for 3-18 from the field and 9 bad turnovers for 16 Piston points really didn't help the Suns offensively.. but on the Bright Side the Suns played great defense.
I'll give credit as well to the Pistons defensively - they've got long guys and Ben Wallace who can still get the job done on that end if they are engaged in the game (and that's some of the Piston's problems right there). They were trapping Steve up top high before the pick and roll could gain motion and this disrupted our offense pretty good and forced Steve to turn the ball over.
Another bright spot in the first half was the play of the bench. Goran Dragic continues to maintain his aggresiveness as he ran the offense rolling out 3 assists 2 points and a steal in 7 minutes of play. Marcin Gortat continues to play consistently solid basketball at the Center position - he had 11 points and 7 rebounds at the half. Good stuff from the bench, especially on the 2nd night of a back to back when the energy is much needed to back up the guys playing big minutes.
The 3rd quarter was a beautiful thing - the Suns continued their hounding defense while the offense of those who struggled in the 1st was a little more oiled and flowing. Eddie Johnson and Tom Leander couldn't restrain their praise for the Suns defense - maybe it was just the shock of how well they were playing D, but I just kept saying to myself - "yeah, it's really good D - but it's awful Piston's offense". Couldn't get too excited. The Suns held the Pistons to just 11 points and after 3 it was 61- 47. A 14 point lead.
The 4th quarter started and it was the Will Bynum show. His persistent pressure defense forced the Suns offense to tank - Gentry tried going to Nash early with 7 or so minutes left in the 4th in an attempt to trigger some offensive looks, but it was to no avail. Bynum draped himself and swiped Nash out of his game too. Suddenly the Piston's offense caught fire and the Suns offense and defense went cold. The Suns looked like the Piston's last night against the NJ Nets when they shot only 3-18 from the field to blow their game. With 8.9 seconds left in the game the Pistons had run the fourth quarter with 25 points to the Suns pathetic 9 points. 9 points.
I said 9 points and it's pissing me off just thinking about it. It was 73-70 Pistons. 20 second time-out. Somebody's going to jack up a 3, who'll it be? Inbound waiting, waiting AND DETROIT COMMITS A FOUL BEFORE THE INBOUND. Nash hits the freethrow, now it's Suns ball 73-71 Pistons. Inbound in - swing it Channing, he let's it fly.... BRICK CITY. Suns foul. Somebody hits their freethrows, 3 seconds left in the game. Hill Bret Favre's the ball down court to Carter who touch passes to an open Channing Frye again for 3... swish. The clock expires. The Suns lose 75-74.
Why did they attempt a 3 when they only needed a 2 on the Channing miss? Why didn't Gentry stick with Dragic longer - or put him in at 2 to help get the ball up? Why didn't we start fouling earlier? Who knows. I'm over it.
I won't sugar coat it, this was an UGLY game and and UGLY loss. To say it was disappointing would be a huge understatement. This is the kind of loss that can kill any and all mojo you had previously been gathering with the win streak. I'm done writing. See you Monday - hopefully the team can spin this terrible loss and use it as motivation because I'm having a hard time doing that.
Jared Dudley's tweet before the game:
Mentally tough game Jared? I think so.
[Note by Eutychus, 01/22/11 6:21 PM PST ]
If you were perplexed by the technical difficulties on MY45 tonight - peep the tweet that Bob Adlhoch (@badlhoch) sent out during the game. He said that Snow and TV don't mix - then he posted this picture.
Go ahead and visit the winner's site.
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I think that would have been the score had this game not been played on the 2nd half of a B2B.
The Blake Show > The Lake Show
Not sure. Hasn't happened this year though.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
last time I can remember (earliest)
was then we played the Sixers last season.
kind of ironic in way that we’re playing them on Monday, but this time we get a days rest.
I love the title of this recap.
There is a sad face on my heart right now…
That’s probably a tad over dramatic. But for some reason, this loss really got up under my skin and made me super emotional…
I understand that sometimes teams just lose. But still, it doesn’t seem to me like there were any excuses for this one. The Pistons were on a back to back too. They played at New Jersey tonight. It’s not like they were more rested than us… Sigh.
Deep breath….
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:20 PM MST reply actions
Sorry, they played at New Jersey LAST night.. I usually proof read but im a little distracted right now, lol.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:20 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah the game pissed me off too
but I’m going to wait to see how they respond Monday to start crying or not.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
Somebody told me yesterday that girls live longer because we cry more often than guys.
Im gonna freaking live until im 130.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:23 PM MST up reply actions 5 recs
Am dead then.
I like to whine a lot. I hate crying. I’ll give myself an ulcer b4 I cry.
"Christmas eve on the roof, saw the chimney and my whole brain just went 'What the hell?'" … Doctor Who
by Aztiramtempe on Jan 23, 2011 12:31 AM MST up reply actions
I don't like crying either. I get all these red speckles around my eyes like I popped a blood vessel or something.
But even though I don’t like crying, im really, really good at it.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 23, 2011 12:02 PM MST up reply actions
back to backs are rough on the old timers
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
by HelioSuntric on Jan 22, 2011 8:53 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
back to backs are rough on the old timers
Feel your pain. And speaking of pain, not sure how old you are but once you top 30, it doesn’t matter how great your conditioning, it takes longer for the body to repair itself. And all our best guys are over 30.
Btw I always wondered if when you say your handle out loud do you pronounce magic like dragic? Mahgich? Yeah, I’m that kind of word nerd that I find clever grammar interesting.
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
by HelioSuntric on Jan 22, 2011 9:00 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
And evidently typing with a blackberry is difficult for us over 30 as well. Sorry about the double post.
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
by HelioSuntric on Jan 22, 2011 9:02 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Pff. Im 17 and I have trouble typing on a blackberry. That little keyboard is not big enough for regular human thumbs.
And for some reason, I cannot control the little touch roller ball. Whenever Im trying to use my mom or dads, the phone gets all crazy because I can’t control what im doing, lol.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 9:04 PM MST up reply actions
Pffffffff. I'm 18 and I have trouble typing on a regular computer.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
no comment
"It's nice to feel good at 32. I don't feel old. I don't feel like this is getting harder. I feel like this is getting easier, if anything." Steve Nash
by 2NASHTY on Jan 23, 2011 11:48 AM MST up reply actions 2 recs
You know, when Im saying it out loud I do just pronounce it regularly as magic.
But when creating the screenname, I did toy with the idea of putting an accent over the “c” in magic and the “c” in dragic.. Thought it would be sort of clever. But then I didn’t. Not sure why.
And don’t worry, lol. Im a total Word Nerd too.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 9:03 PM MST up reply actions
Prefer it without the accent
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
by HelioSuntric on Jan 22, 2011 9:10 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Prefer it without the accent
Keeps us guessing. Very spinning top from inception.
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
by HelioSuntric on Jan 22, 2011 9:11 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
That top fell over, I tell you! It fell over!!
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 9:43 PM MST up reply actions
dont ruin it for everyone
Discussion for a different blog. But love the enthusiasm.
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
by HelioSuntric on Jan 22, 2011 9:51 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Anyone gonna catch the Blazers game?
gives us some hope…
Is it nationally televised?
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:24 PM MST up reply actions
Oh. Just kidding.
My TV has that League Pass preview apparently. Just found it in my guide.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:25 PM MST up reply actions
Indy up 12 in the 2nd.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Just my 5 cents
I will just repeat my post from the other thread. 3 weeks ago we were in total Panic mode after the Orlando trade. A week ago nobody hoped for good results during the road trip. But suddenly the Suns started winning, Gortat improved a lot, VC and Hill were playing good, just like Dragic and Nash. This game all those players failed in the 4th quarter. Is it frustrating? Yes. Will it happen again? I doubt it, no way that all those player will play so bad. We lost by 1 point. Let’s get over it.
Alea iacta est!
isnt it 2 cents?
and i agree, we’re not gonan suck that bad offensively
5 cents is better
pennies are way overrated
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
Lol in Holland we say 5 cents
but 2 cents sounds much better ;)
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 8:37 PM MST up reply actions
Last time that happened I think was the Kings game yeah?
And the same result came in the same way. So I guess it’s a good sign that we don’t see THAT type of performance every night.
Comon
In the Kings game the Suns had a team that only had been playing for a few days together. I still think the team is improving, despite this horrible 4-quarter loss. I think we have a 50% chance to make the playoffs.
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 8:36 PM MST up reply actions
I was watching it but then I saw how close the OKC vs. Knicks game was so Im watching the end of that then going back to the Blazers game.
League Pass is sweet. I want to buy it now.
Good job, NBA. You’re “free pass” trick worked. Totally convinced me to buy your product.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:30 PM MST up reply actions
WOW OKC. WOW.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:32 PM MST up reply actions
what happened...
I’m in the bathroom giving a bath to the 2 year old
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
KD hit the game winner at the Buzzer!
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:33 PM MST up reply actions
dang that fool is baad
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
It was unbelievable! I turned it on and there was like 10 seconds left and then I saw that!
Made me smile. I know them losing would be better for us, but it was nice to see the Knicks lose again.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:35 PM MST up reply actions
I completely agree.
Too bad we couldn’t borrow Durant for out last possession :-/
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Seriously.
Now im watching the Clippers game. I want Blake Griffin on the Suns so bad it almost hurts.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 9:05 PM MST up reply actions
Same here.
I’m still watching POR. They are only down 7 at the half. For some reason Rudy Fernandez is running the point.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
I'm watching GS-LAC now.
I also want Steph Curry.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
That would be cool.
But man, that Blake Griffin alley-oop was RIDICULOUS.
And DeAndre Jordan is awesome too.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 9:46 PM MST up reply actions
Gentry takes too long to make adjustments.
Will Bynum shut Nash down in the fourth, when Nash had already played 30 minutes. Bynum was simply too fast and strong for a tired 37 year old Nash. It was obvious that Nash was being physically worn out by Bynum. Now Goran Dragic only got 11 minutes in the whole game in which he had a nice driving and1 layup and 3 assists. Goran should have been put in against Bynum for his speed, energy, driving capabilities, and defense. Then, after Goran’s stint to offset Bynum’s energy, a fresher Nash could have been subbed back in to finish the game. We could have easily won this game
I like Gentry as a coach; he is great at developing and motivating our players, but he takes too long to make obvious adjustments
I agree - I think Goran's drives to the basket could have helped a ton
and I was very sick of seeing every shot attempt from behind the 3 points line. Nobody wanted to take the ball to the rim – not even Gortat when he would catch it only a few feet out, he elected to pass out to the perimeter instead of bulling in for a chance at an easy two or fouls.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
Gentry Slow and Picks 1 for 10 (on 3's tonite at the time) Frye for Critical Shot???
What is it with Gentry sticking with Frye?
Agree, Nash needed some quickness, help and a drive to the hoop kind of help with Goran.
blazers-pacers link
http://atdhe.net/32976/watch-indiana-pacers-vs-portland-blazers
Lover,Poet,Suns fan,All around damn good guy.
Come on Bucks! Come on Pacers!
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 8:31 PM MST up reply actions
Vince Carter?
career-low 1.4 FTA/gm w/ the Suns…that comes to about $148k per free throw
Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo
if you are one of those
people who thought that Vince for JRich was a wash, please reach back behind yourself and slap the back of your head…
Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on Jan 22, 2011 8:35 PM MST up reply actions
done.
I miss JRich bad – and it sucks to hear Jameer Nelson talk about how he thinks JRich is now their clutch go-to guy…
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
So you're saying Vince isn't worth 18M?
I don’t know….he did have that great game against the Knicks.
Founder of the Coalition to Light Vince Carter On Fire (CTLVCOF)
RIP Seasons of Discontent
by Scott Howard on Jan 22, 2011 8:47 PM MST up reply actions
Trade him for troy murphy.
Since his 20,000 point milestone he has turned in really bad performances. Sure, his rebounding is good, but his horrible shooting really brings us down. Since New Jersy is no longer after Carmelo they are looking to trade troy murphy, a more reliable channing frye who rebounds. This would also allow Childress and Pietrus to play.
by gophoenixsuns on Jan 22, 2011 9:02 PM MST up reply actions
half bland half a-mourning
So I miss JRich too. And I’m pretty sure that makes hard to even give a crap about VC. But checked out his stats and he is our highest percentage three point shooter. Not Nash. Not Frye. Not Dudz. VC. And guess who our top rebounder is. Ok, not VC, but at 5.8 he is third right behind Frye’s 6 and Gortat’s 6.5. Granted he plays almost ten more minutes than either, but he’s not a center. I guess I’m saying it’s easy to blame the new(Ish) guy with big salary. But he is not all bad. Maybe half ok half amazing.
Also funfact for those that haven’t seen it: Chil has the highest field goal percentage (minus statistically irrelevant players). Why again aren’t we playing this guy that could pass for poor man’s Marion from back in the day?
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
by HelioSuntric on Jan 22, 2011 9:45 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Except it's not.
Everyone is to blame here.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
by Omaha Sun on Jan 23, 2011 11:00 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Ouch -
it was cool to see we had an amazing 9 freethrow attempts tonight. Not.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
and Vince
did have two of those so that’s over 20%…
Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on Jan 22, 2011 8:38 PM MST up reply actions
haha seriously though,
is the coaching staff telling guys to continue to shoot jumpers especially in games like this? I mean are they not hounding or getting after them for refusing to take the ball to the basket?
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
I feel dirty all over after that game
But the Pistons kind of deserved to win it. I take that back, Bynum deserved to win it. He was on Nash like white (and brown!) on rice.
The Suns just looked pooped. I’m sure a day’s rest will do the old guys some good.
true story
they played good D on the Suns – looked almost like Portland on Suns D
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
Yeah, I Twitter - @Eutychus12
My GAWD!!! What Happened?
Out with the wife and DVR’d the game at home so I could watch later, but accidentally caught the final score on the TV at Cafe Boa.
I read the recap and it just sounds like we completely wore out in the fourth…but only 74 points? Terrible!
by 7footer on Jan 22, 2011 8:41 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Just watched that one on DVR.
What a joke. Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic performance down the stretch.
Detroit is one of the worst teams we’ll see all year and we still managed to lose. Apparently like me, the team thought we were going to cruise to victory when they were up 14.
Founder of the Coalition to Light Vince Carter On Fire (CTLVCOF)
RIP Seasons of Discontent
the entire team
spent the whole 4th quarter wondering how long it would take to get the game over with… and forgot to make any shots
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Jan 22, 2011 10:18 PM MST up reply actions
It must be my European football (soccer) fan mentality
But we always keep supporting our team. I am a PSV Eindhoven fan, in the 90’s they failed to reach the second stage of the Champions League 8th (!) times in a row. Still I never gave up on the team. Now the Suns have lost one game despite playing very good for 3 quarters. Was it painful to watch? Yes it was. Should we give up on the team? That’s a question every fan should answer for himself. I know that I won’t give up. Being a true fan is keeping faith during the bad times, instead of only cheering when they are winning.
Alea iacta est!
Is there someone here giving up?
I’m certainly not. But that and the Kings game are the types of L’s that keep you out of the playoffs. Incredibly disappointing loss.
Founder of the Coalition to Light Vince Carter On Fire (CTLVCOF)
RIP Seasons of Discontent
by Scott Howard on Jan 22, 2011 8:55 PM MST up reply actions
Ok but how often
Will VC, Hill, Nash and Frye miss open shots in the last quarter? Sometimes such horrible quarters happen. The whole board went from total victory mode to total disappoint mode in just 24 hours. I refuse to give up on this team. Dragis is playing good, Gortat is playing great, chemistry with Nash is getting better every time. VC is having a bad streak, but he had the same in Orlando last year and then exploded for a dozen of 20 points games. The Suns will keep improving.
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 9:01 PM MST up reply actions
I hear what you're saying.
But how many times do you get to play teams like the Kings and Pistons in a season? Not nearly enough. Can’t afford to give games like that away when you’re margin for error in the playoff hunt is razor thin.
Founder of the Coalition to Light Vince Carter On Fire (CTLVCOF)
RIP Seasons of Discontent
by Scott Howard on Jan 22, 2011 9:05 PM MST up reply actions
Indeed
we can’t give up these games. But it happened and it sucked big time. I was watching the game with a friend of mine and at the start of the 4th quarter I joked “I wonder if they will give up a 15-point game”. Yet it happened. We should just forget this loss and focus on the next game. Actually we should start beating up 0.500 teams. Even the Wizards beat Boston today, so the Suns are not that bad, we just had a horrible quarter, some bad coaching and not enough luck.
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 9:14 PM MST up reply actions
Why do they only miss shots when the other team traps Steve?
Oh, yeah, cuz he’s the one setting them up for good jumpers in the other games.
Trade Warrick!!!
Tonight sucks.
Creighton and Phoenix basically lost in the same way. Big leads, controlling the game all night, and then going absolutley cold for the last five minutes to lose by a couple.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
If the Packers blow it tomorrow I might give up on watching sports.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Then you better give up. DAAAAAAA BEARS!!!!!!!!
:D
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 9:05 PM MST up reply actions
As long as the Steelers lose am good!!!
Go Sanchez! Make USC proud!!!
"Christmas eve on the roof, saw the chimney and my whole brain just went 'What the hell?'" … Doctor Who
by Aztiramtempe on Jan 23, 2011 8:46 AM MST up reply actions
Gentry and Frye are Twins-Both Can't Think in the Clutch
…maybe that is why Gentry likes Frye so much. Frye gets locked in on shooting 3’s even when a 2 would do and the lane is open for a drive, and Gentry can’t sit Frye when he is shooting bricks and play Dragic or Peitrus to get some tough driving to the hoop action that is needed when a team can’t hit the outside shots.
Giving Up?
Yes, I am giving up. Why not? The team gave up. But I will watch just to see if we can break a NBA record in 4Q collapses
by sunsbballfreak1 on Jan 22, 2011 8:58 PM MST reply actions
Man, you got the same questions as me
Where’s the adjustment Alvin? Why didn’t we see the Nash/Dragic backcourt to take off the pressure on Steve? Why not set some more of those screens like the one Warrick set, leveling some poor schmoe that impaled himself on Hakim’s sharp pointy body. Get the motion in the offense at 50 feet if it isn’t working at 25 feet.
Instead, we were starting our offense by throwing the ball to Gortat at the top of the circle and running Steve in a circle around some picks to the other side? Fugly. I don’t want Gortat initiating the offense, even though I love the guy’s hustle.
I’m putting this one on the coach for a failure to adjust. If the P’s want to run faster, freakin’ do it!!! That’s our game, not theirs. Even when we’re leading by a dozen.
Trade Warrick!!!
by jc79 on Jan 22, 2011 8:59 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
Eww...
Terry Porter…
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
by Omaha Sun on Jan 22, 2011 9:03 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Is it time to promote Gortat to starting C?
Has he started? Has Robin given us that much as a starter? Have the last couple games eluded to a super ridiculous rebounder, if we were to give him 35 minutes a night? What do we do with Robin if he’s no longer a starter? Is Robin still worthy of being called a starter? What to do, what to do?
by Brian Simontacchi on Jan 22, 2011 9:17 PM MST reply actions
According to Seth Pollack Lopez is the better center
But I think he has to review his opinion after 3 double doubles from Gortat in a row lol.
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 9:20 PM MST up reply actions
The Lopez from the second half of last season is better than Gortat.
He posted some monster games before getting injured, including a 30 point 12 rebound game against the Clippers. However, Gortat is currently playing much better than Lopez.
by gophoenixsuns on Jan 22, 2011 9:44 PM MST up reply actions
better tha gortat now or gortat after say, 50 games wizh constant minutes?
we should campare them at this moment,,, anyhow, collins was starting last year and we played best b-ball of the season… gortat is playing great with the role he has now… partly with starters, partly with 2nd unit… and he is helping our 2nd unit a lot with his rebounding… so I would still keep
Not a chance
Robin is more valuable to this team overall…that doesn’t mean he’s always going to have better games than Gortat who is playing well.
In fact, I thought Gentry benched Robin too fast last night. He was playing well and especially in the 4th, would have been a better offensive option on the floor to help break that ball pressure b/c he’s better in the post.
Remind me though, what were Marcin’s numbers when he was 22?
Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on Jan 23, 2011 7:55 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Rebounds is the most consistent stat in BBall
… so Lopez will NEVER be a quality Center, especially without a rebounding 4 next to him. And he simply isn’t good enough as either a defender or post / pick and roll player to cover that fact.
Gortat, however, is a true center, and a MUCH better passer.
if stats = wins
then you’re right. But stats don’t always directly translate to wins.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
A bit offtopic
But I just cooked a half pound steak at 5 in the morning. The Suns are so bad for my cholesterol ;)
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 9:18 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
Phoenix Suns basketball: Bad for fan cholesterol since 1968.
Founder of the Coalition to Light Vince Carter On Fire (CTLVCOF)
RIP Seasons of Discontent
by Scott Howard on Jan 22, 2011 9:25 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Steak for breakfast rules
I think I am adapting to the American lifestyle ;)
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 9:36 PM MST up reply actions
Gentry
As Eutychus said, the fourth quarter was the Will Bynum show. Yet Gentry did not make any adjustments to stop him, and just watched as he outran and outmuscled Nash, easily getting into the paint and sparking Detroit’s offense. Putting Goran, who had played well in limited minutes, on Bynum is the obvious adjustment to make. Goran’s defense and driving was sorely needed against Bynum and would have prevented this disaster.
Gentry is not a dumb coach, but he is sometimes slow in recognizing unfavorable mismatches for our team. In the Wizards he waited a whole half of Nick Young torching VC for 24 points before switching Grant onto him. Imo, this adjustment was key to our win because Grant shut down Young and prevented him from having another 45 point night. However, Gentry failed to make the key adjustment in this game and it cost us. This is not all Gentry’s fault though-Vince can also be credited for this loss for his complete refusal to penetrate the paint and draw fouls as well as his all around poor shooting(which Seth already pointed out).
by gophoenixsuns on Jan 22, 2011 9:26 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
I don't understand
why the Suns kept shooting for 3 instead of Goran feeding Gortat for the lay-ups or getting fouled on the drive. Nash looked totally lost in the 4th.
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 9:32 PM MST up reply actions
Me neither
Gortat was playing very efficiently(5-7 shooting) and needed more touches.However no one seemed to recognize that, so VInce and Frye kept jacking up bad threes. Will Bynum shut Nash down in the fourth. A fresh Nash would school Bynum but he was just too exhausted to perform well against arguably one of the fastest players in the league.
by gophoenixsuns on Jan 22, 2011 9:39 PM MST up reply actions
I was also suprised when Gortat hit a couple long (for him) jumpers.
It seems like he could be developing a jump-shot.
by gophoenixsuns on Jan 22, 2011 9:41 PM MST up reply actions
Actually his jumper from a couple of feet is not that bad
He used to make that shot last summer in the European Championship very often. 2 years ago in the play-offs he destroyed the 76ers with that shot. I think he was trying too hard and not taking enough time in his first games for Phoenix, that’s why he looked so bad.
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 9:55 PM MST up reply actions
Agreed Gentry should have adjusted
He should have sent the Silo in to knock down four quick ones in the last minute. Dude’s a scoring machine.
Silo is becoming one of my favourite players in the NBA
But Earl Boykins is still my number one. He is a legend for midgets like me. Some scientist should combine the DNA of Silo and Boykins to create a 5 foot 200 pound player. We would gain a massive amount of short overweight fans, especially from the World of Warcraft community.
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 10:08 PM MST up reply actions
agreed!
Thinking back to last season’s playoffs, he made great game to game adjustments. Not so much on the in-game. He coaches like he talks: smart slow, methodical, steady, not easily rattled but not quick to make adjustments either.
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
by HelioSuntric on Jan 22, 2011 10:05 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
wow im glad i was working and missed this game
looking at the box score, i didnt actually see the game so someone tell me if im wrong, but shouldnt u play the bench more (especially when they have played well lately) if your starters are really old and playing back to backs on the road? Dragic 11 mins? War 12? Peaches 7, chil 0? nash 37…?
Why the hell
didn’t Nash take that last shot? We have arguably the best shooter in the NBA (if not all time), and it seems like we never utilize him when it counts.
by iwasneveryoung on Jan 22, 2011 10:07 PM MST reply actions
There's still a lot of season to be played,
but the thing that sucks is not only do we need the Suns to do extremely well during the second half of the season, but we need the other playoff teams to do poorly. It’s already getting to that time of year when people are on here rooting for other teams in the race to lose. Unfortunately, barring a Melo trade, I don’t see Utah (despite dropping 4 in a row), Denver, or Portland falling that far by the wayside. But, who knows. Damn NJ trade falling through.
Despite all my dooming & glooming, however, I definitely still think we have a chance.
by iwasneveryoung on Jan 22, 2011 10:19 PM MST reply actions
The Suns could get lucky
The Pacific division is horrible this year, the Suns could get some easy wins against the Warriors, Kings and Clippers while Portland has to battle Utah, OKC, Denver and the Wolves. Also we will be playing the Celtics, Dallas, OKC, Atlanta, Denver and the Magic at home so the schedule looks quite good.
Alea iacta est!
by PolishHammer on Jan 22, 2011 10:32 PM MST up reply actions
yeah i agree.
i just hate having to rely on other teams doing poorly in addition to the suns doing well.
by iwasneveryoung on Jan 23, 2011 3:30 AM MST up reply actions
thats the big problem, isn't it?
hoping for other teams to fall on their faces. They’ve been hoping for the Suns to do that for the last few years and (potentially) twice now the Suns obliged.
I’m most concerned that the Suns don’t have a go-to scorer in crunchtime. Games like last night should not happen, and doesn’t happen to playoff teams.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
we were wrong to think we could be perfect
in this road trip. we should just be glad we lost in a b2b game.
let’s hope we will get our “revenge” game on monday.
Honestly, how many times have we seen teams trap Nash high?
And we couldn’t adjust to that? I’d like to blame Gentry but you’d think Nash could find a way to get us one basket down the stretch to hold them off.
Pretty inexcusable to lose to Detroit, not really any words to explain how bad you have to be to blow a 14-point 4th quarter lead.
Achievement is its own reward, pride obscures it.
I really think Nash's tank was empty
but he wouldn’t admit it to Gentry and Gentry didn’t see it himself. How you play Nash 37 minutes on a B2B is beyond me. How you bring him back with 7:30 left in a game with a 10 point lead against a bad team, that’s just dumb.
There’s a pattern with Nash that Gentry continues to test: too many minutes = horrible finish for him. All it would have taken was 2 more minutes of rest before putting Nash back in.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
I thought this was a coaching mistake too
but I didn’t think it was the tipping point in the game.
Actually, i was shouting at my TV for Alvin to run a Nash/Dragic backcourt, but he didn’t hear me, I guess. ;-(
Trade Warrick!!!
Agreed
I think Goran would have done well against Bynum and would not have lost our 14 point lead. We had no one who could penetrate down the stretch- VC didnt want to, Hill did not have his legs, and Nash was exhausted. Goran energy was sorely needed.
by gophoenixsuns on Jan 23, 2011 7:36 AM MST up reply actions
The parallels between the Suns and Creighton games yesterday are amazing.
Antoine Younfg is our stud PG, and is playing over 35 mpg. He had a great game with 18 pts but was gassed at the end and ended up turning the ball over with like 10 secs to go for the loss.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Where was Childress?
He could’ve provided the energy in the 4th. Gentry owns this one.
Everybody is at fault for this one, in my opinion.
There was no one player who was just completely solid for us tonight. Mistakes were made by everyone. Unfortunately.
"If the Suns can shock the world
Goran Dragic is the name."
by Dragic_is_Magic on Jan 22, 2011 11:23 PM MST up reply actions
Some players were clearly worn out
but Childress hasn’t played in five games. I don’t think Childress is so bad that I’d rather watch the team lose than play him. Gentry is treating Childress like he caught him in bed with his wife.
I think putting Dragic and Childress in with Nash would’ve made the difference. Nash wouldn’t have struggled to get the ball up the court and Childress would’ve helped contain Bynum.
Childress and Hill
Take your pick. You can’t play two guys in this offense that pass up threes – that is the message from Gentry.
It's not over until Garret Siler sings
That is all.
http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/
"Mishy gishy gushy gushy mishy mashy mushy VINCE CARTER!" - Lester Freamon
by Smoooth Criminal on Jan 23, 2011 12:17 AM MST reply actions
And the man can sing
http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/
"Mishy gishy gushy gushy mishy mashy mushy VINCE CARTER!" - Lester Freamon
by Smoooth Criminal on Jan 23, 2011 12:17 AM MST up reply actions
This was on Gentry, VC and, I hate to say it, Nash
How about letting go of the over-dribbling once in a while? I’m a huge Steve fan, but when you’re going against a speedy, muscle-bound midget, pass the ball up the court and get into your offense.
Geez. I kept thinking “why are we hanging Steve out to dry”, and "why is Vince launching from out there again when he can take it to the hoop and create magic.
Oh, and how about Frye goes back to trying a post up move or two in a game, The guy’s 6’11" and he’s got some game down low.
This sucked. The guys must feel like shit and I do too.
Frye (of Victoria, Canada) - No more messin' around - time to rise from the ashes!
by Frye (of Victoria, Canada) on Jan 23, 2011 12:33 AM MST reply actions
Wait a minute...
is NO ONE going to mention that Frye was 1/11 on threes before the last second shot? And 1/10 before taking the go ahead three?
The story of the game was simple: Frye missed a Brazillian shots. A BRAZILLION! If Frye makes 20%, we win the game.
And yet he played 33 minutes. Hate to sound like a broken record, but we need a 4, and fast!
Suns are 11-1 when Frye scores 15 more more points and 9-20 when he scores less than 15….
He’s done very well for what he is but any time (ANY TIME) your team is dependent on a three-point shooter you are going to have ups and downs.
They took the pick and roll away by blitzing Nash and none of the other wings stepped up…Carter, Hill or Dudley. That’s where this game was lost. Gentry should have left Goran in longer and/or with Nash to help with the pressure and move the ball quickly up the court. Instead, he went with Vince and his giant contract.
Raising Arizona Sports at SB Nation Arizona twitter: @sethpo
by Seth Pollack on Jan 23, 2011 7:59 AM MST up reply actions
It's gotta be quite a bit of work
dragging that giant contract up and down the court every night. Maybe that’s the problem with Carter…
Trade Warrick!!!
Boy your hate
for Vince Carter sure clouds your judgement.
When Frye and Hill shoot a combined 7 of 28 from the floor and that includes Frye’s 2 of 12 from three ( and that includes the one at the buzzer that doesn’t mean a damn thing) but it always falls at the feet of Carter when this team suffers a loss.
The comment about his contract shows the disdain you have for Carter.
I am not Vince Carters agent, and I also think his best days are past, however when teams lose games, it is a team loss, not a individual loss.
Well he does have a giant contract.
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."
He didn't just blame Carter,
he blamed both Gentry and all the wings. Nobody stepped up and it was poorly coached. Frye is not a guy who is going to create his own offense. Grant couldn’t buy a bucket for most of the game. Dudz played OK, but didn’t make much of an impact. Vince Carter was the one most capable of making something happen with his ability to get to the basket, and he didn’t.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
definitely
should have left Goran in longer. Nash should not have come back with 7:30 left on a 10-point lead.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Jan 23, 2011 9:56 AM MST up reply actions 2 recs
more or less agreed
The thing is, and its been a bit of an issue for years, but has been REALLY apparent this year, this team often struggles to score the ball in the 4th, when other teams tighten up the D and we are a bit tired. We don’t have one really unstoppable scorer, like a Kobe or Durant, so we will struggle more then others, but all teams face this concern in the 4th.
What bothers me is that it was very apparent throughout the game that a) we were being unusually perimeter oriented, b) that we had a very small (teensy, weensy) number of FT’s c) that we weren’t shooting that well overall and that d) offence was becoming an issue. And as Vince is kind of the designated slasher much of the blame lies at his feet, but others contributed. We could have been posting Grant and Frye, Dudley and Grant should have been working harder to get to the rim, and Dragic needed more PT.
Perhaps because there have now been sufficient late game blow ups, more attention will be placed on planning for the end of the game, and who we should be looking to in those situations. We have traded away/let go some of our reliable offence, so this is really where the rubber hits the road for these suns. Now that we are scoring ok overall, and have a set rotation the defence seems fine. But solving this is the key to our success this year.
That's the issue
We need another 4 who can shoot. Warrick, Lopez and Gortat means we have 1 stretch 4. We need another. Maybe if the Nets cut Troy Murphy we can just sign him?
This is a Gentry loss
1. It is his job to decide based on the health and stamina who plays
With both team dragging, put in the depth that is on the team, save the old guys for closing quarters.
2. In the closing minutes DUMB IQ basketball, foul early, go for two at the rim..
ComON! Foul early, don’t let all the seconds go off before we foul
Stay with the ball handlers
Pound the rock into the paint
I have to agree
he pulled a dantoni…same shit even though it clearly wasn’t working
"It's nice to feel good at 32. I don't feel old. I don't feel like this is getting harder. I feel like this is getting easier, if anything." Steve Nash
It's kinda ironic
how our team seems to be “gassed”. we say we have a lot of talent.. so why wouldn’t we play the guys that didn’t played much last game?
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates them to charities.
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