Phoenix Suns Bring the Defense, Handle Kings, 98-84
by Wil Cantrell on Feb 11, 2012 11:25 PM MST
in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage
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PrintTonight the Phoenix Suns clearly had their big boy pants on. They withstood the blood and hits and intimidation of the Sacramento Kings and won the bout of Western Conference light weights, 98-84.
The Suns put in an excellent defensive effort, limiting the Kings to 35% shooting on their home court. The defensive charge was led by Grant Hill, who made Tyreke Evans a non-factor, holding the 6-6 point guard to 4 points on 1-9 shooting.
Down in the trenches, Phoenix narrowly lost the overall rebounding battle 42-38, but 50% shooting and an excellent bench effort more than made up for it.
Jared Dudley led the Suns with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while a bloodied Steve Nash dished 15 assists. Channing Frye continued his improvement from the field, knocking down 6 of 12 for 17 points.
This is about as good as the Phoenix Suns can play in the year 2012. The Kings record isn't very good, but they have put together quality efforts against the WC elite winning against the likes of the Lakers, Thunder, Spurs, and Trailblazers. What is also impressive about this victory is the Suns began to pull away from the Kings early, opening up an 11 point 1st quarter lead, and held the lead without Steve Nash in the lineup for the second quarter. Ronnie Price and Sebastian Telfair put in quality appearances, with Price adding 6 points on 3-3 shooting while Telfair handed out 4 assists. Neither player turned the ball over. This was just one of the things that...WENT RIGHT!
And there were more:
- Marcin Gortat had a rough assignment trying to contain DeMarcus Cousins. Gortat responded by limiting the big new insane guy in the NBA to 8-18 shooting while going 15, 7 and 4.
- Markieff Morris picked up his first technical foul tonight while getting in the grill of Francisco Garcia. Kieff added 18 6 and 3 off the bench. He didn't back down to anyone tonight, and Alvin Gentry rewarded the youngster by keeping him on the floor down the stretch while Marcin Gortat watched from the bench.
- Jared Dudley scrapped and clawed his way to a double-double including 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocked shots.
- Steve Nash once again bled for the Phoenix Suns and their fans. At the end of the first quarter Nash was struck accidentally by Isiah Thomas, who was crushed by a Gortat screen. The hit was so hard, Thomas' arm spasdically extended, his hand catching Nash on the lip. Nash would later return after 4 stitches were sewn into his flesh.
- The Suns bench stepped up, outscoring the Kings 35-27 and didn't lose the lead in the dangerous second quarter.
Next up, the Warriors, on Monday in NorCal.
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What a joke, Rubio outplayed Lin and had one bad play at the end
LOOK AT THE GAAAAAME TAAAAAPE
by hcblankscreen on Feb 12, 2012 1:19 AM MST up reply actions
I did
Rubio couldn’t do crap and hes supposed to be all world status. Yea he held lin to 20 points but he wasnt clutch and fugged up not once but TWICE at the end.
Rubio has more weapons to work with and was still barley treading water. Lin got all in that ass! American history X style.
Rubio was getting his ass knocked around to the ground time after time. he was on the ground more times than the number of assist he had. ppl try to glory his 12pts and 8ast but when you come with that kinda hype you should be pulling Lin-esque type number. with Klove Beas and Dwill on your team there is no way you shouldn’t be getting assist left and right.
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
also in my eyes i dont count rubio as a true, true rookie
hes been playing pro-ball for years and should be a beast. held out on Sota for 2 years because he was pissed off to be drafted by them.
Meanwhile J. Lin, in one week, has blown everything rubio has done out the water. true baller. will probably leave Minny after his contracts up to go to some big market to sell his european shampoos. J. Lin is about the game.
J. Lin &Nash>Rubio…..
the poopstain on drew brees’s face>Rubio
hcblankscreen’s bball ability>Rubio…….well……
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
I'm not saying Lin didn't play well, and it's pretty obvious you just plain don't like Rubio
So there’s not really any point saying any of this, but…
Rubio absolutely hounded Lin on defense and made him a mess. At least 4 of Lin’s TO’s were solely Rubio, who forced him into terrible shot after terrible shot. Rubio wasn’t Clutch? Guess we’re just glossing over the tie-breaking layup against second-team all defense Tyson Chandler with 35 seconds left. He might’ve had those two bad TO’s but those were his only TO’s all game. Lin’s “clutch play”? 1/2 free throws on a non-foul and a swing pass out of a time-out.
Lin got “all in that ass”? He didn’t even guard Rubio. Way to just eat the hype up, sheep.
by hcblankscreen on Feb 12, 2012 1:55 AM MST up reply actions
lol sheep?
First of Im kinda disgusted by all the Lin-sational and Lin-sanity talk. Do I think Lins good? yes. As good as the media is making him? no. Better than rubio? hell yea
The only sheep in this convo is ya boi Rubio. Lin got all up in that ass is in he forced rubio to play out of his game. He was joker to rubio’s batman. Sure Rubio defended Lin ok in a game where lin was gas and playing away against a decent team, but at what cost? 12 points in a game where his team scored over 100 at home?
Yea i don’t like Rubio but dont think its just because. I started off hating on Lin as well but hes shut me up. Tonight i came into this game to give rubio a fair shake to see if he would come up big. instead he pood himself at home and from a front row seat from the ground, he was forced to watch his squad become another statistic on the “Lin-sanity”
So what was it? did Lin play really good or did Rubio have a bad game. either answer still leaves Lin as the better PG who I would build my team around first.
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
Thou shalt not thread jack
This is a thread about last night’s SUNS game. There are two fan posts already up about Jeremy Lin, so please have conversation about him in one of those.
Blogging Suns basketball for Bright Side of the Sun from California wine country.
Twitter: @EastBayRaymundo
by East Bay Ray on Feb 12, 2012 10:57 AM MST up reply actions 3 recs
So by your thinking
J. Lin’s numbers should sky-rocket when Melo and Amar’e are back, right?
by hcblankscreen on Feb 12, 2012 2:00 AM MST up reply actions
no because melo and amare will ballstop and ball hog
klove isnt a hog.
Dwill isnt a hog
Beas is retarded but hes not a hog.
they play together and well off the ball. a PG’s dream
When melo and Amare(mostly melo) get back Its up to MDA to figure out how to get those guys not to disrupt The new found flow, other Lins numbers wlll fall, fans will get pissed and ultimately someone will get trade/fired/etf
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
Beas is a hog.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
its the pot
he thinks the ball is a cheese puff, totally different man
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
lulz
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
jeremy lin
Nice story,liked him coming out of harvard last year.I hope he makes millions of dollars and ten all star teams,but in the interim I wish people would stop comparing him to mvsteve 6games vs.16 years!!!!!!~come on!
skitsophrenics are never alone-Just ask scott howard
by stevedavis_ on Feb 12, 2012 10:45 AM MST up reply actions
However...
+1 to this
"We never tried Amar'e, Nash, and a live Grizzly bear." -Scott Howard, January 18, 2010
"All they’re fighting for is to stay as obscenely rich as they are now, based on their ability to bounce a ball and throw it in a hole." East Bay Ray, October 10, 2011
"the players and owners are squabbling over how to divide the pie that WE BAKE FOR THEM." East Bay Ray, October 31, 2011
Im sorry...
but why the hell are you talking about Lin and Rubio in a Sun’s post-game wrap up? Get the hell outta here with that sh!t.
"We never tried Amar'e, Nash, and a live Grizzly bear." -Scott Howard, January 18, 2010
"All they’re fighting for is to stay as obscenely rich as they are now, based on their ability to bounce a ball and throw it in a hole." East Bay Ray, October 10, 2011
"the players and owners are squabbling over how to divide the pie that WE BAKE FOR THEM." East Bay Ray, October 31, 2011
by N8lol on Feb 12, 2012 10:47 AM MST up reply actions 2 recs
my apologies
skitsophrenics are never alone-Just ask scott howard
by stevedavis_ on Feb 12, 2012 10:55 AM MST up reply actions
sixth?
are we gonna make any trades? I feel like we could make some trades
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
Pretty sure
Robin will be dealt, so there is that. Outside of that I don’t know. I am not in the FOs mind so it would just be speculation.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
The game tomorrow is on NBA TV, right? 9:30 CST?
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
That's what I meant.
Thank you. I have class until 9, so I should be able to run home and watch it on TV.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
omaha
sorry man,seen where creighton got pounded.
skitsophrenics are never alone-Just ask scott howard
by stevedavis_ on Feb 12, 2012 10:39 AM MST up reply actions
I was there.
I wanted to walk out with 15 minutes left in the game. I’m currently writing the recap of the game. I’m not in a good mood.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
We still did not shoot very well from 3 as a team overall. Grant, Steve, Redd, and Kieff all couldn’t hit form deep. But Channing and Dudz hit their 3s, and that was enough to put us over the top and remain in control of this game throughout. Those two sucking so badly early on really was the biggest reason for us losing so many games. It’s nice to see them both picking up their games.
Also, for all those Bassy haters, 4 assists, 1 stl, 0 tos and a +1 while Price had 6 pts, 1 ast, 1 to, 2 reb and a -3. Ha!
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
still like Price better.
He is a great defender and seems less prone to really bad mistakes.
And yes this season has been all about Channing and Dudley and particularly their shooting…when they sucked, (channing till recently, Dudz kicked in a bit earlier) we were awful..now that they are hitting some (or a bunch in some cases) we are a pretty decent team.. Honestly, this team is one stud away from being a real contender. Mind you, I don’t know how they get that stud without blowing up the team..
why dont we try the Dleague for a PG
worked for NYK. lol sign a guy to a 10 day, see how he works in practice. give him some minutes against a crappy team or in garbage time and see how he does. I have to think the there is one guy in the Dleague the better than price and or Telfair. hell telfair practically is a dleague guy
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
Indeed
I’m, keen on that. Both Blake Ahearn and Ben Uzoh are quality, but very different, PGs.
price
Ive been hoping gentry would go back to price instead of telfair,We dont need to look for another pg we just need patience,aaron brooks in about a month.
skitsophrenics are never alone-Just ask scott howard
by stevedavis_ on Feb 12, 2012 10:29 AM MST up reply actions
Will we still ne in contention
And isnt brooks a rfa? We still have to bid to get him dont we
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
by phxpurple on Feb 12, 2012 11:38 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
Yes we do.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Uzoh got called up to the Cavs with Irving's concussion.
Not sure if he’s still there or not though.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
highly unlikley
anyone pays brooks more than what he can get from us on the qualifying offer.
skitsophrenics are never alone-Just ask scott howard
I have but two words for the people who do nothing but cry "TANK!" on this site...
Get mad.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
by NashMV3 on Feb 12, 2012 1:11 AM MST reply actions 3 recs
We need to win the next 3
@ GS en Denver then at home against the Hawks and we are 0.500!!!!! If we manage that, we should have confidence for the 2 games with the Lakers next week. Go Suns, a playoff miracle could be possible.
Alea iacta est!
Those 3 games are a
back-to-back-to-back (B2B2B). I think a more realistic goal is to take 2 out of 3, split against the Lakers, and clean up at home against the Wizards and Warriors headed into the break.
That would put Phoenix at 5-2 over the next 7 games and back to .500 (17-17) going into their 7 day vacation.
The team has been playing more like I thought they would coming into the season, but we all know how fickle, temperamental, and streaky the Suns can be. The 5-2 wouldn’t surprise me, but neither would 2-5.
They’ve at least put themselves in a position where it’s possible to make a move. Phoenix is only 2-1/2 games behing 8th seeded Portland, who since a hot start is 8-11 over the last 19 games (identical to Phoenix).
It was only called the mildly irritated house on McDowell until I showed up.
by Jim Coughenour on Feb 12, 2012 8:59 AM MST up reply actions
I think a more realistic goal is to take 2 out of 3
Jim, forever the optimist… tsk, tsk, Realistic is 1 of 3, or 0 of 3. GS is the easiest potential win, but it’s still on the road. There’s like a 10% of winning in the Denver altitude against that solid team, and then the hawks will be the third game in 3 nights. Not a good run here.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
Well
he said “realistic goal”, not realistic outcome. I think winning 2 of 3 games is a good goal. Also, as the Kings’ announcers reminded us several times last night, the Suns are much better on the road this year than at home, for whatever reason.
That Denver game scares me
We seem to hit every team with a good player out haha. And we have lost them all except Atlanta and Milwaukee
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Didn't look at it that way
I am le sad.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Grant Hill
Locking down people like a “Boss hog gangsta”. No other Sun has bled as much for this franchise as Nash. Our 2nd unit is starting to take shape. I don’t think we will make the post season but we are playing a lot better.
Considering that Nash and G.Hill are rapidly approaching 40, it's amazing that these guys are still balling the way they do.
Lygafe
Lionel Gaffen / Fotomix | International Hockey Forums > Europe > ISRAEL
Israel Recreational Hockey Association 2009-2010 & 2010-2011 [ Lygafe ] | Israel Ice Skating Federation - From the Media [ Lionel Gaffen ]
And in this hard season no less
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
by phxpurple on Feb 12, 2012 8:56 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
WIthout being able to invest my undivided attention in the game,
I observed that the Kings strategy was to pound the ball inside, but they were repeatedly stifled in their efforts by the Suns stalwart interior defense.
The Suns had 11 blocks, but it seemed like they altered or affected a great number of shots beyond that. The Kings only shot 35% from the field, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they shot well under 50% from “inside the paint” in post-up situations (Anybody with access to a shot chart should really post it – pretty please…). The defense was so suffocating that the Kings consistently missed contested lay-ups and 5 footers. It looked like the Suns got into the heads of the Kings players.
Game ball goes to the Suns bigs. Great job!
It was only called the mildly irritated house on McDowell until I showed up.
yes, the Suns kept their composure last night. The Kings tried to win the way they’d won previous games – by being phyiscal and waiting for the Suns to eventually fold. Thankfully, last night was different.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
Watching the replay on NBA TV this morning
Markieff played a lot with the starters, and some together with Frye. Looked pretty comfortable doing it, which is a positive sign after he said he wanted to come off the bench because he felt uninvolved playing with the starters a couple of weeks ago.
I’m thinking the bench meltdown Thursday night was the end of Gentry emptying the bench all at once, and that’s the right move.
Blogging Suns basketball for Bright Side of the Sun from California wine country.
Twitter: @EastBayRaymundo
maybee
if he would have given the kieff \frye combo more run in the hou game it woulda turned out different.Marcin was pretty gassed and rolo didnt produce,We won alot of games w channing playing some @ the 5 a couple years ago.
skitsophrenics are never alone-Just ask scott howard
by stevedavis_ on Feb 12, 2012 11:25 AM MST up reply actions
Also
IMO just the THREAT of m redd hitting jumpers has opened up the floor some for the other guys on 2nd unit.
skitsophrenics are never alone-Just ask scott howard
by stevedavis_ on Feb 12, 2012 11:27 AM MST up reply actions
Yea redd is slowly coming along
Btw the jchilly slam was do sick. I wonder why they dont use him more in the second unit offense. Wasted athleticism
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
by phxpurple on Feb 12, 2012 11:40 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
chilly
because he cant shoot nor create his own shot,hes lou in a 6foot 5 inch body!
skitsophrenics are never alone-Just ask scott howard
by stevedavis_ on Feb 12, 2012 12:06 PM MST up reply actions
Isnt chilly like 6'7 6'8?
And hes is actually a pretty nice slasher.
He does habe a decent midrange shot, his shot is ugly like marions but he still hits at a decent clip career wise.
And just because you cant create your own shot doesnt mean you cant be affective. Getting the ball in stride(like brown shown do) would be the best use of his speed and jumping ability.I blame gentry for his in ability to use players
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
by phxpurple on Feb 12, 2012 4:03 PM MST via Android app up reply actions
Lose some defense and rebounding with Frye replacing RoLo, though.
I wish Lopez would get his shot back. He used to have pretty nice range on his jumper but we haven’t seen that from him this season. And it drives me nuts the way he’s slow in the post and holds the ball low, just asking for it to be swiped.
Blogging Suns basketball for Bright Side of the Sun from California wine country.
Twitter: @EastBayRaymundo
by East Bay Ray on Feb 12, 2012 11:47 AM MST up reply actions
Good point about not bringing players all out as a unit
We don’t have the 09 bench anymore so we can’t just throw 5 bench guys out together. Need to mix them in with starters so that they don’t get as flustered on offense.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Great win
Dudley has been really impressive for some weeks now and Frye is starting to shoot a lot better, which is great. Redd is slowly getting there as well. Not looking that bad I must say. And Morris was really good last night! More of the same please!
Good team effort.
Nice to see our D make the difference. When’s the last time we could say that? Chemistry and morale will continue to improve with more wins. Everyone seems to be playing better with the possible exception of Frolo, he of split personality (both weird and cranky). BAMF Frye and Dudz have revived. Redd is starting to shoot. Let’s get to 500 – and then an exciting stretch run could be in the cards.
Wooo-hooo! Gooo Suuns!!
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