Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns at LA Lakers

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 8:52 AM MST

[Editor's Note: Logged on to create a game thread, and found out we already had a good one in the diaries. Thanks, Hawk42!

Update: srp is doing the recap after the game, so look for it first in the diaries tonight, and on the main page sometime tomorrow morning.]

Phoenix Suns	at	Los Angeles Lakers
26-12		26-11
8:30 PM Mountain / 10:30 PM Eastern
TV: TNT
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Derek Fisher
Raja Bell	SG	Kobe Bryant
Shawn Marion	SF	Luke Walton
Boris Diaw	PF	Lamar Odom
Amare Stoudemire	C	Kwame Brown

Laker Game is Gut Check

Tonight's game in Staples will give us a good read on what's inside the collective heads of the Suns players . . .

We have a talented team that, when motivated, seems to be able to overcome their weak points (defense, rebounding, heart) and beat any other team. We have seen them scratch out victories on occasion when the 3 pointer isn't falling. But we have also seen that the team isn't well rounded enough to prevail against a good team when one of the big three (Nash, Marion, or Stoudemire) are not on their game and the bench does not come through. I don't think it matters who is the opposition. Phoenix's greatest enemy is itself. You can talk all you want about certain teams giving us problems, the truth is , we can beat anyone if the effort is there.

Against the Clippers, we saw a good effort from the three, but LB and Boris had horrible games. We are not going to win many games scoring 90 points. The Clips did not play especially well, either - if Cassell doesn't double his scoring average, we win the game. We miss Grant Hill, of course. I have written here before, and some have disputed it, but I do not think we will win anything this year with Boris playing so badly. This is why Atlanta gave up on him. There is no reason why a player of his talents plays so abysmally. Say what you want about missing draft picks, but this team would be flying high if Boris fulfilled the promise that led us to give him the contract. I believe the other players will fill their roles:

Nash - passing, scoring when we need it, the occasional charge taken
STAT - 20/10, unstoppable around the basket, reliable jumper, average defense PLAYING OUT OF POSITION.
Marion - good defense, hard work, the occcasional 3, rebounding, fast break finisher
Bell - good defense, the occasional 3, still not 100%
LB - scoring off the bench, still loses his man
Hill - passing, good jumper, finisher, slashing to the hoop
Skinner - post defense, an occasional jumper, rebounding
Boris, Banks - we don't know what to expect ($14 million, and we don't know what to expect?)
DJ, Tucker - It's safe to say they will not be given the chance to contribute

I see two problems here. The first is the last two entries (Boris/Banks and DJ/Tucker). The second is there is no room for injuries. Comments?

Poll

How do the Suns do tonight against the hated Lakers?

We win in convincing fashion, overpowering the Bynum-less Lakers by 10+ points

4 votes

Nip and tuck, we lead all the way and hang on for a 6 point win

3 votes

The game is won in the final minute in a seesaw affair

1 votes

The Lakers lead all game, but Phoenix steals it in the end

1 votes

The Suns lead all game, but LA steals it in the end

4 votes

Kobe goes off and scores 50, Lakers win by 6-10

0 votes

LA shows who is boss, Kwame scores 15 with 15 boards, LA by 12

0 votes

Hustle players Turiaf, Farmar, Ariza, and Vujajic run all over Phoenix, LA is a well oiled machine, winning by 15

5 votes

Suns lay an egg, much like the first game, LA in a laugher

0 votes

Fights break out, Kobe, Bell, Kwame, and STAT get ejected, Odom leads LA to victory

0 votes

18 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

good writeup

on Boris, I hope he reads this and thinks to himself, I need to play hard every night, or I need to give back 75% of my contract, because I'm robbing the suns blind!

He's obviously one of those players that only tries or plays hard when on a team on the court with people he likes. It's pretty clear between Amare and a few others that Diaw doesn't feel like he fits here anymore (as opposed to 05 team). If there was a reverse award for player not trying, and for not playing up to his contract, and for not playing up to his potential, Diaw would win it hands down (or lose it I should say). I say we bench him for a
month and put out ads in the newspaper attacking him, nothing else seems to motivate this guy.

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 17, 2008 9:11 AM MST reply actions

and The Most Devolved Player Award goes to....

the 6'9" Point Guard playing Center from France! Boooooris Diiiiaaaaw!!!

Clearly, Diaw should never have been given that contract after just one year where we was the only low post option and the league didn't really understand or respect his game. I think the lesson for GM's is obvious and in fact the GM that gave him that deal is no long in that role. That would be Coach D.

But there is some upside to Diaw so just to be contrarian let's not forget:

Diaw is our most effective weapon against the zone. Remember a few years ago when teams would shut the Suns down with the zone? No long. Diaw getting the ball in the middle and creating has really eliminated this as an effective D against the Suns.
More this year then in the past, Nash is playing off the ball in the half court offense. With Diaw running point and Nash on the floor this really changes what some teams (Spurs!) like to do to the Suns by putting a longer defender on him. This could really be key in the playoff's against certain teams (Spurs!).
Diaw doesn't force anything and he is drawing more double teams in the post and of course passing well. Amare on the other hand sometimes forces too much and while improving still doesn't pass well out of the doubles.
Diaw is a decent perimeter defender and against smaller teams (Warriors) the Suns can switch everything and he can sub for Hill or Marion or even Bell and still have a solid perimeter D and you never see teams (Clips/Warriors) post up guards against him like they do w/ Nash, Bell, LB or Banks.
Diaw can at least try and defend bigger guys. Its not really fair to expect him to defend large talented bigs all night but on occasion he can do it.
Diaw runs the pick and roll better then anyone else on the Suns not named Nash. And with Marion or LB can really keep the offense moving when #13 is laying next to the bench.
Is it really fair for any team to expect their 7th best player to carry the offense?
Diaw is the anti-Iverson. In a league where me-first is the rule our complaint is that he is not selfish enough?
Often Diaw is exposed b/c the Suns don't have another big to play against some of the bigger front lines around the league. Not his fault. We need another big to run out there on some nights.
Most importantly, he can curse Tony Parker in French and not get a T. Of course, I couldn't imagine him cursing Parker or anyone else which is basically his problem - he plays French when we need him to play like a mad Spainard.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 10:20 AM MST up reply actions

diaw devolution

Remember, in 05, we thought we had lightning in a bottle, and we were scared to death someone else would sign him in the aftermath of the JJ fiasco. So don't blame it all on GM Mike. In retrospect, we should have let him play his last year, but we were scared to death he would pull a Joe Johnson. It is like Russian roulette. JJ's play in 03-04 did not warrant a max extension. Who knew he would mature into the player he is now? In the same way, look at Boris. Nobody thought he would regress after performing like he did against the Mavs in the playoffs.

I am firmly planted on the Slam Boris bandwagon. But I don't remember anyone saying, "Lets not sign him and risk he leaves in his UFA year".

'06-'07 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 11:49 AM MST up reply actions

Exactly.

I can't criticize a signing that I was in favor of at the time too much. In fact, when the Suns and Diaw compromised smack in the middle of what the Suns were offering and Diaw wanted, I remember thinking "Gee, some sanity at last!". Obviously, in hindsight it was a bad signing, but under the circumstances at the time, it's an understandable one. Banks on the other hand... (Although it never occurred to me in a million years he would be this much of a misfit here).

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:55 AM MST up reply actions

Diaw

Didn't Diaw have one full year left when they signed him? I think they could have waited until he played at least half of another year before giving him this deal.

I guess at the time they didn't know if/when/how Amare would come back. But still, I don't think you give players a big long term deal after one good season. It was a risk for sure either way.

And hey, it could be a LOT worse. Larry Hughes. Malik Rose. K Mart. Starbury. The association is full of overpaid players and at least we have some bargins as well. Nash. LB. Hill.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 12:20 PM MST up reply actions

Speaking of K Mart

This has to be the best injury excuse ever:

Martin missed the Nuggets' 104-93 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday after having a staph infection on his buttock treated before the game.

http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4251

This takes injury prone to a whole new level...

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 1:06 PM MST up reply actions

diaw

Boris would have been a restricted FA if we had not signed him. He would have belonged to us for one more year, but at the end of that year, he would have been unrestricted. We could have offered him less, like 25 mill instead of 45 mil, but as TexSun pointed out, it looked like a good deal at the time, and of course we had just been through the wringer with JJ because we offered him less, and he did not sign. In hindsight, it was a clever move by his agent, who knew he had the Suns in a corner because of the way JJ's negotiations had gone.

How many wanna bet if we hadn't signed him when we did, he would have had a better year in '06/'07 (contract year player - see Erick Dampier)? Then we would have had to outbid Dallas and LA for him, and we wouldn't be having this conversation. LOL

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 1:07 PM MST up reply actions

Exactly.

If I recall, JJ was a restricted free agent as well. He managed to get a deal outside the Suns' price range after the Suns turned down the opportunity to sign him the year before. I really think that (at the time), neither the Suns nor the fans wanted to go through that again.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 1:13 PM MST up reply actions

Effort Please

I'm tired of trying to figure out just who these Suns are. Time for them to screw their heads on right and play some good b-ball. A win tonight (even against a Bynum-less Lakers) would go a long way to improving moral. Lets just pray that the Suns want to win this game as much as we do.

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Jan 17, 2008 9:20 AM MST reply actions

Effort needed

In response to my own thread questions, I will say this. Boris needs to address the media and explain his performances. And why doesn't the media question him hard on it? It would be nice if Coro or Gambo did a hard hitting piece on Boris.

Boris, why is there a perception that the effort is just not there with you from game to game?

Boris, What do you have to say to the Phoenix fans who expect consistent production commensurate with a $45 million contract

Coach D'Antoni, why do you tolerate spotty effort from Boris, but you sit Banks down the minute he makes a mistake?

'06-'07 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:09 AM MST reply actions

Lakers

I never saw the Christmas Day massacre in L.A. due to family obligations and couldn't bring myself to watch it on tape later, plus I can't even remember the Suns' 1st loss to the Lakers at the beginning of the season, so this almost feels like our 1st game against them this season, at least to me it does. With Bynum out and Kwame in, the lineup is much like past seasons, except this time they have Derek Fisher instead of Smush Parker. Phx better play their collective assess off if they don't want a 3rd loss to L.A. this year!

I agree that Boris should sit his butt on the bench for at least a couple of games.

by TwinnerA on Jan 17, 2008 11:34 AM MST reply actions

hi TwinnerA

not sure what you think about Bynum, but in my view, especially after watching the xmas game, he is as important to that team as marion is to ours! Bynum is quickly becoming very very good. Such a change vs last year. Thats why this game is a throw away for me, with hill out, and bynum, but, it would be nice to win this

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 17, 2008 11:44 AM MST up reply actions

Sadly those games count

I wasn't putting too much stock in the home opener, the score was so lopsided, it's obvious that the Lakers aren't 30 points better than the Suns, Amare wasn't ready, they had playoff revenge on their mind, etc.

Not so at all for the x-mas day game, the Suns were rested, all hyped for a national broadcast (the marquee matchup), the Lakers were playing well, etc.

I'll tell you this--the LA sports media hasn't "forgotten" those wins--after 3 years of getting crushed by the Suns and "busting them in the playoffs every year" that 2-0 record and position in the standings means "order has been restored" for the Lakers--meaning they own us again.

This is a very dangerous game for the Suns much as that game with San Antonio was--win and they get the no Bynum" asterisk, lose, and they drop the "tie-breaker, slide further back in the standings, and get to face the idea that they're not good enough to beat the hated ones without their big man.

by SoCalSun on Jan 17, 2008 12:59 PM MST up reply actions

Sooo

Phx better win and a blowout would be lovely as I am sick of them having to rally and squeak out a win. However, any kind of win by the Suns over those posers, even with an asterisk, is better than a 3rd loss and bragging rights their most obnoxious fans would be spewing!

by TwinnerA on Jan 17, 2008 3:52 PM MST up reply actions

Live Blogging

Since this is about as big as a regular season game gets, I'm inviting everyone to participate in live blogging tonight. Let's see if we can break 100 in the comments.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 4:23 PM MST reply actions

Clarify

Everyone is always invited to participate in live blogging. What I meant is that I'm making a effort to point that out for tonight's big game. OK, that should be 16. Only 84 more to go. :)

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 4:34 PM MST up reply actions

no question about that from me

Definitely a big game, on tv also!!

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 17, 2008 5:16 PM MST up reply actions

blogging tonight

I'll post since it's on in
Dallas.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 5:28 PM MST reply actions

My prediction: Suns by 10

Current betting odds have Suns by 3. I'll go better than that: Suns by 10. Amare will get 30.

by SoCalSun on Jan 17, 2008 5:40 PM MST reply actions

im game for a prediction

suns 108 Lakers 99
especially a good defensive effort from STAT inside bc his lack of ownage last time. Nash decides today is the day to drop 25 on innocent bystander. Success: present and accounted for!

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 7:41 PM MST reply actions

Big win for the Cavs

Tuned in just in time to see them hold on for a 2-point win over the Spurs. Came way too close to going to overtime too.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 8:41 PM MST reply actions

Nash is our kicker?

The Chuckster piling on again--he likes us to win tonite, but sees problems...

wooo MArv calling the game, here we go!

by SoCalSun on Jan 17, 2008 8:49 PM MST reply actions

STAT

Charles is calling out Amare, he says STAT is the key to the Suns taking the team to the next level. He said if he was on the Suns now, he would still be beating on Robert Horry for hip-checking Steve Nash. I don't always agree with Chuck, but I'm with him on this.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 8:51 PM MST reply actions

Barkley attempting the jinx?

On the Lakers "After they lose tonight..." (and then lose another) "they'll be the 7th or 8th seed".

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 8:52 PM MST reply actions

Go Cavs!

I am not sure how putting you head down and ramming into the defensive player's belly isn't a charge but hey, if it takes that and TP missing two FT's then whatever...Go Cavs!

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 8:52 PM MST reply actions

Game on!

Suns win the tip. Nash starts off with a "foot on the line" two-pointer. Odom throws it to nowhere, then steal it back. 2-0, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 8:53 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:23 - Lids on the baskets

Nobody making shots right now.

...of course as I type that, Odom gets a fairly easy one. Marion gets a three on the other end to bring it to 5-2.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 8:55 PM MST reply actions

Q1 9:23 - Slugfest

Looks like both team are going with the "defensive slugfest" strategy so far. Seems to be working at the moment.

...meanwhile, Amare gets his first and-1 of the night. No emphatic dunk this time, but it counts for three just the same after he makes the free throw. 8-2, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 8:56 PM MST reply actions

defense

24 second violation. Good defense. I like the energy

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 8:57 PM MST reply actions

Hang on!

Is that a leprechon?!

oh, its Marv Albert...phew

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:02 PM MST reply actions

ugh!

awful lazy pass by Boris.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:02 PM MST reply actions

woohoo!

Marion for 3!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:03 PM MST reply actions

great

Can they keep this up? 15-6 susn

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:04 PM MST reply actions

Q1 7:02 - Nice defense on Nash

The Lakers are doing pretty good defense on Nash in the half court, making someone else (usually Diaw) make plays.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:04 PM MST reply actions

Go Kwame!

Give him the ball more!!!

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:05 PM MST reply actions

Q1 6:05 - Not so much in the running game, though

Lakers defense is not so good against Nash when the team is in motion. First double-digit lead of the night.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:05 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:18 - Amare with the bloody nose

...just as I was getting ready to eat something. I think I'll wait a few minutes now. :)

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:07 PM MST reply actions

Amare block

Nash assist and Marion layup....and then once again except Diaw block and Nash layup!

Great D on the Suns. We are able to double Kobe and still recover

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:07 PM MST reply actions

Odom rebounds over two Suns

Block out, you fools!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:08 PM MST reply actions

that was a foul

usually jumping over someone's back to get a rebound will get a call...oh and Diaw just scored near the hoop.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:10 PM MST up reply actions

no blocking out

I agree, but they didn't block out. The refs reward blocking out. They probably shouldn't, but they do.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:15 PM MST up reply actions

Odom came from nowhere

I rewatched this play. Amare and Diaw watched the shot go up and got postion for the rebound and Odom was at the 3pt line. He came running in behind the Suns' players who went up soft b/c they much have thought it was just the two of them...

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:23 PM MST up reply actions

Q1 4:41 - OK, maybe I don't know...

..what I'm talking about. I guess Nash has been doing better than I thought, according to the announcers.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:08 PM MST reply actions

Q1 3:35 - Kobe starting to play like...Kobe

Jacking them up.

Meanwhile, Amare nails that 15-footer to restore the double-digit lead at 23-12.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:09 PM MST reply actions

2 fouls for Brown

Skinner can block out. Let's try to foul Kwame out.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:10 PM MST reply actions

No - more Kwame the better!

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:11 PM MST up reply actions

keep it up

The thing is, I have seen the Suns run out several times in the first Q against LA, only to have a terrible 2nd quarter. So I am holding my breath to see if Phoenix can keep it up.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:12 PM MST reply actions

In other news...

Denver is clobbering Utah. Up 116-96 midway through the 4th.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:12 PM MST reply actions

Man Utah can't win on the road!

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:26 PM MST up reply actions

Q1 2:21 - Good point

By Doug Collins on why the Spurs seemingly get a pass on their struggles while the sky is falling at the slightest sign of adversity when it happens to the Suns. Basically saying the Suns haven't earned the right to coast through the regular season. You have to get rings first.

Meanwhile, Nash is on the bench. Time to see if the second unit can keep the lead this time. Skinners emphatic block and Marion's dunk as a result is a good start. 27-16, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:15 PM MST reply actions

Too many turnovers!

but 7 blocks already!

great effort and intensity...

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:17 PM MST reply actions

Q2 00:08 - Unfortunate sequence of events

LB takes a shot too soon, leads to a three-pointer by Farmar, then Raja gets a tech, and suddenly it's a 4-point game. 27-24, Suns.

Is it just me, or are the Suns having a little trouble closing quarters this year? Of course, I usually notice it most at the end of the first, and Nash is usually out for those...

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:19 PM MST reply actions

its all on barbosa for that one

He's just not remotely smart at decisions on the court

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:15 AM MST up reply actions

Barbosa the idiot

Why in the world does he shoot that and let LA get a last shot? Then Shawn allows a three, and now a Raja T? None of that happens if LB uses his head.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:19 PM MST reply actions

Horrible end to the qtr

sloppy play by LB - although he did get fouled but they aren't calling much tonight at all...except for some kind of BS on Raja.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:21 PM MST reply actions

After one

Nash: 6 points, 5 assists
Marion: 4-5, 10 points, five rebounds, two threes

Suns: 63%, Lakers: 36%
Suns: 12 rebounds, Lakers: 9 (4 offensive, though)
Suns: 8 turnovers, Lakers: 3
Suns: 1 free throw, Lakers 5

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:22 PM MST reply actions

Don't forget

7 blocks! 3 each for Amare and Skinner and one for Diaw.

Zero blocks for the Fakers.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 9:25 PM MST up reply actions

Mike not happy

D'Antoni is pissed.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:23 PM MST reply actions

I wasn't very happy myself...

...with the way we ended the quarter. :)

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:24 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 11:43 - Some redemption for LB

Gets the steal which leads to Marion getting back two of those points LB lost for us at the end of the first. 29-24, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:23 PM MST reply actions

Q2 10:44 - When is Grant Hill coming back again?

Geez, that was ugly. LB with a nasty turnover. Fortunately, Turiaf has one of his own, and the Suns expand the lead to 6 on Raja's shot.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:25 PM MST reply actions

new 3 point weapon

skinner shooting threes?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:26 PM MST reply actions

Only in the clutch

He only makes them at the buzzer. Not sure that was a three anyway. Looked like he was a step or two inside the line.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:27 PM MST up reply actions

Q2 9:36 - Who was it that was...

...asking if players who got sent to the D-League ever amounted to anything the other day? Keep an eye on Farmar.

Meanwhile, the lead is back to eight after Marion gets the and-1 without the 1. 33-25, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:27 PM MST reply actions

unforced errors

Suns playing hard. They know we are better, They are playing with patience. LA is making more mistakes. Farmar travels, Kobe goes the other way on an alley-oop.

Our mistakes are hustle mistakes, theirs are mistakes of communication. Phoenix is doing something right.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:30 PM MST reply actions

Sorry haven't posted in awhile, real busy

So far this game is proving why Skinner is so valuble. It also shows how offensively deadly Barbosa is, but average he is in running the offense and distributing the ball.

"Act well your part: there all the honor lies"-Alexander Pope

by PurplePinoy on Jan 17, 2008 9:31 PM MST reply actions

Q2 8:05 - Suns survive...

...Nash's stint on the bench. Lead back to 10 at 35-25.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:32 PM MST reply actions

rest over

Nash back in. Let's turn it on. Skinner is tired. Give him a blow.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:32 PM MST reply actions

Q2 7:45 - Go Diaw!

Diaw isn't doing bad tonight. 3-3 so far, and only one cringe-inducing over-pass that I remember.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:33 PM MST reply actions

Bors with Jumper. 37-27 Suns

2 in a row for Boris!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:33 PM MST reply actions

Crittenden

Crittenden can jump a mile. Did you see that rebound?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:34 PM MST reply actions

Q2 7:20 - Marion quietly getting it done

Marion is 6-7, seven rebounds, 14 points. I take back what I said about him earlier.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:34 PM MST reply actions

Q2 6:14 - Nash with the steal...

...leads to LB with the three, opening up what I think is the bigget lead of the night at 40-28.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:35 PM MST reply actions

LB for 3!

Nice textbook fast break

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:36 PM MST reply actions

Good ball movement

LB making up for the 1st Q gaffe. Three point shot and now a chance for a traditional 3 point play.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:37 PM MST reply actions

Q2 6:06 - Rebounding will be the death...

...of this team, but not this time. Lakers get about 15 second chances at it, but still can't get it done. Meanwhile, LB does it again with some kind of impossible looking, falling-down shot while getting fouled.

...wow, that looked even more impressive on replay. 42-28, Suns, and that's before the free throw.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:37 PM MST reply actions

Lakers out of synch

I just love it when the Lakers have sad faces and are playing bad.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:39 PM MST reply actions

I think I may have aimed too low

We may hit 100 comments before halftime. 200 anyone?

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:39 PM MST reply actions

Q2 5:40 - NICE!!!!

Nice pass by LB leads to rim-rocking Amare dunk. More, please.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:41 PM MST reply actions

w00t!

Blam! STAT with the slam off of an awful shot by Odom.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:41 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:33 - Odom

Killing us on the boards and in the basket too.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:42 PM MST reply actions

Lamar has woken up

Someone has to slow Odom down

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:42 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:14 - Nash bleeding?

...or bad lighting? Looked like he had blood running down his neck in that close-up.

Meanwhile, the lead is back in single digits after Odom's free throws on the other end.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:43 PM MST reply actions

OOF!

Bryant goes into the scorer's table.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:44 PM MST reply actions

Q2 3:52 - Kobe takes a dive...

Over the press table. For naught, though, as the Suns keep the ball and Raja gets the three.

...and Amare just did something impossible while I was typing that. Wow.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:45 PM MST reply actions

Amare to the hoop for 2

Is anyone covering Amare on thaat play? He jumped over Kwwame Brown like he wasn't even there.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:46 PM MST reply actions

Suns up 50-37 late 2Q

PJ is gonna lay the wood to the Fakers at the break. Suns better be ready.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:48 PM MST reply actions

I'm not too comfortable yet...

...given that we "only" lead by 13 after out-shooting the Lakers 64% - 30%. We're giving up WAY too many offensive rebounds.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:49 PM MST up reply actions

Shaving accident?

Did anyone notice that Nash looks like someone garrotted him.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:49 PM MST reply actions

Q2 2:09 - Oh give me a break!

All I had to hear was the word "Diaw" in that call to know that charge call was bogus. Nice flop, Odom.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:50 PM MST reply actions

Bad call

Boris can't get a break. What do you think, Tex?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:51 PM MST reply actions

Q2 1:25 - Ragged end to the half

...by both teams.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:52 PM MST reply actions

offensive interference

Brown, you fool, this ain't Europe.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:52 PM MST reply actions

Q2 00:54 - Whatever works

Weird possession from the botched lob to the chaos under the basket. Ends in an Amare dunk, though, so we'll take it. 54-39, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:53 PM MST reply actions

Q2 00:16 - I'm not sure I like that 2-for-1...

...in that situation. As well as the Lakers are hitting the offensive glass, I think I'd rather focus on getting a GOOD shot first. Instead, Raja misses a rushed one, Fisher hits a three, so now the lead is down to 11.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:55 PM MST reply actions

not the same mistake

Nash knows what to do in the last seconds. No quick shot like LB.

Oh man! diaw to Marion. Greatr play. Take that, LA bums.

By the way, Raja is like a whirling dervish on defense.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 9:57 PM MST reply actions

At the half

Ok, I stand corrected. The two for one worked on the nice Diaw-to-Marion alley oop.

Amare with the half-time interview. Suns up 56-43.

Nice to have a double-digit lead, but the Suns need to clean it up on the glass in the second half. Somehow, I'm not sure they can keep shooting 60+% all night and/or hold the Lakers to 30% all night. 12 offensive rebounds for the Lakers in the first half.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 9:59 PM MST reply actions

Some more numbers

Marion is now 7-8, 16 points, 8 rebounds. Has anybody done it quieter?

Nash is 3-10 -- didn't realize that. But he already has 10 assists.

Amare is 6-10, five rebounds, 13 points, 3 blocks.

Four blocks for Skinner

Diaw has four turnovers, but otherwise is on pace for a respectable evening. LB also with 4 turnovers, with 8 points and three assists.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:03 PM MST reply actions

good defense? maybe?

Kobe
1st- 13 points
2nd- 0 points
Coincidence?

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 10:05 PM MST reply actions

Double team Kobe

The Suns are doubling and traping Kobe as soon as he gets the ball and then making him make a rushed pass and the Suns are still recovering.

Fisher isn't shooting well and maybe Rad Vlad is missed as well.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 10:13 PM MST up reply actions

Time out

Stepping away to get ready for bed. Should be back by the start of the third, or shortly thereafter.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:05 PM MST reply actions

anybody else realize

that we are on track for four of the five TNT games in January?

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 10:07 PM MST reply actions

COOL!!

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:19 AM MST up reply actions

ENjoying this thoroughly...

Nothing better than ending the half on a thunderous oop dunk by matrix. I'm loving it, my kids are loving it, Hollywood elite are booing....eat that, Andy Garcia!

by SoCalSun on Jan 17, 2008 10:08 PM MST reply actions

ESPN trade speculation

That bonehead Mejia is saying some in the Suns FO want to trade STAT. I hope Kerr is prepared to face a riot if he does something stupid like that.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:09 PM MST reply actions

Spurs as bad off as the Suns?

Spurs have lost 6 straight to teams with winning records. Must be bad chemistry...

by SoCalSun on Jan 17, 2008 10:11 PM MST reply actions

maybe they are bored

HAHA. But they have 4 rings.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:16 PM MST up reply actions

Strange stat

LA has more offensive rebounds (12) than defensive (11). I guess that can happen when they are shooting awful, while the Suns are shooting great.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:15 PM MST reply actions

STAT with a quick shot off a pass, gets fouled

Brown with 3 fouls now

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:17 PM MST reply actions

Boris with an open jumper from Nash x2

Why doesn't he do it more?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:19 PM MST reply actions

Who to guard on the Suns?

Kobe on Raja--it makes you think--if you were trying to defend the Suns, who would you put your best defender on? Suns spreading the wealth makes them hard to stop.

by SoCalSun on Jan 17, 2008 10:20 PM MST reply actions

Best defender goes on Nash

If I am playing against the Suns it's a no brainer. The Suns have proven time and time again that if Nash isn't functioning effectively they just aren't the same team so I put my best on our best and always make sure Nash is covered

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:29 PM MST up reply actions

i agree also

It's a no brainer, hence kobe and bowen often guarding nash in the playoffs

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:20 AM MST up reply actions

Q3 10:30 - Trash night

...no that's not a reference to the Lakers. It really is trash night here, and I nearly forgot to put it out on the curb for the second week in a row due to a late-night TNT game. Meanwhile, looks like the Suns added a few points to the lead while I was away, now at 62-46.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:21 PM MST reply actions

who to cover

Obviously Nash, like Bowen does for SA, however, with Hill, that strategy may not work.That is why they still can win, despite all the problems

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:23 PM MST reply actions

Spurs have won 4 championships!!

SoCalSun don't get me wrong. I hate the Spurs more than anyone but the simple fact is that when you win it all as often as they have you get a lot more slack than a team that is perpetually on the door-step like the Suns.

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:23 PM MST reply actions

Q3 8:37 - Laker fans are brutal

Booing Kwame every time down the floor. Hey, it's not Kwame's fault Bynum got injured. (It is, however, Kwame's fault that Kwame stinks).

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:24 PM MST reply actions

Kwame Meltdown...

Love it.

by SoCalSun on Jan 17, 2008 10:24 PM MST reply actions

Go Kwame

Brown is really hurting LA right now.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:25 PM MST reply actions

Q3 7:36 - Diaw for three?

Didn't catch that one.

Next time down, Marion gets a nice steal, Diaw gets blocked, but Amare gets two at the line.

...make that one. Gotta make those.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:25 PM MST reply actions

This is the night to play the horses.

Boris hits a 3?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:26 PM MST reply actions

ball

is as slick as a greased monkey it seems whenever Kwame Brown has it. only guy even close to in rhythm is (gasp!!) Boris Diaw! It's as if Nash only sees number 3 out there.
But hey im not complaining; 19 point lead and real production from player seemed to be allergic to hitting the nylon.

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 10:28 PM MST reply actions

Zout Alors! Diaw c'est en feu!

They need to put the Lakers away now. Nite, nite, hollywood!

by SoCalSun on Jan 17, 2008 10:28 PM MST reply actions

Need to win big

The way the Lakers are stinking it up we need to put it to them like they did us at the home opener. BLOW THEM OUT

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:32 PM MST up reply actions

1st half highlights

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 10:30 PM MST reply actions

cool srp thanks

one thing, it's silly, but I can't help but think of it while watching this cool video, many of the suns bench that don't play, I saw them jumping and stretching, you wonder why they even bother...

it seems to me our coach is becoming more and more of a jerk, whenever I hear him being interviewed, he seems like a jerk, he didn't 2 yrs ago, but he does now. Even tonight, the tv announcer asked him a question (and he wasn't even looking at the camera or person talking, like it was a waste of his time to be there or something), then he goes off on this rant, take the best player in the league out of the game b.s, Nash is good, yes, very good, yes, but he's not the best player in the league. For what he's got, maybe he is, but the bigger, stronger players, he just can't compete with some of them. It seems like a dumb move on the coaches part to say stuff like this about Nash (Best player in the world type stuff), there's nothing to gain by saying it, and plenty to lose. If I was Amare or Marion, I'd get pretty sick of my coach saying this sort of thing. It divides... even if it isn't meant to. Part of the chemistry problem in my mind, it's the coach, he's
not as good as many think.

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:31 AM MST up reply actions

Q3 5:51 - I think that Marion...

...is trying to show he's serious about that DPOY thing right now. That's about the third time I've seen him basically take it out of somebody's hand right under the basket.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:31 PM MST reply actions

Fine

Marion, if you play like this every night only a tramashamockery will prevent that

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 10:34 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 4:21 - Was about to get on Diaw's case...

...for passing that, but it led to LB's three, so never mind. 69-52, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:33 PM MST reply actions

Absolutely love the drive and kick

from BD to LB

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 10:33 PM MST reply actions

Marion

Shawn is working hard. Some sloppy play by the team, though

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:35 PM MST reply actions

16 rebounds!!!

Marion is awesome, skinner with 9 also. Amare with his normal less than impressive number.

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:32 AM MST up reply actions

DPOY try or no, a stupid foul

D'A upset

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:36 PM MST reply actions

Q3 2:37 - That softens it

Kobe miss a FT, so at least it's not going to be a three-point play.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:39 PM MST reply actions

Make that two free throws

We dodged one there, then Marion redeems himself with the and-1 on the other end.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:39 PM MST up reply actions

Save some timeouts

I expect coach Mike to call some needless t.o.'s to rub it in on Phil

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:39 PM MST reply actions

Marion hustles for a 3 pt play. 75-55

Nice second effort by Shawn

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:40 PM MST reply actions

Q3 1:44 - Kobe trying to win it by himself

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:42 PM MST reply actions

Don't think he has a choice

Nice to the Suns keep a lead.

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:44 PM MST up reply actions

Welcome!

And nice username!

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:45 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 00:54 - D'oh!

Three Suns end up tapping the rebound right to the Lakers. Doesn't matter, though, as the Lakers can't make good.

Skinner knocking people around.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:44 PM MST reply actions

Q3 00:07 - Ok, keep the ball...

...out of LB's hands at the end of quarters. Sorry, LB, it's just not working for ya.

At least it didn't hurt is this time.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:46 PM MST reply actions

Sean Marks Warning

Keep this up and we just might see the Aussie before the halfway point of the fourth

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:48 PM MST reply actions

Good.

Then I can go to bed in peace. I need to already be there, actually. Early meeting tomorrow morning.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:51 PM MST up reply actions

Only KB can save them now

Kobe's going to try and score 20 pts in the 4Q. Why doesn't Skinner just hip check him into the scorer's table?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:49 PM MST reply actions

although

crisp passes and breathtaking beauty are down, shooting and especially team energy on the rebounding, both ends
Kobe watch
1-13
2-0
3-8

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 10:49 PM MST reply actions

After three

Suns lead by 18 at 79-61. Suns have allowed 16 offensive rebounds, but maybe it's not as bad as it looks because the Lakers continue to shoot in the low 30's percentage-wise. Suns have 7 offensive rebounds of their own, and are shooting over 52%. Diaw, aside from turnovers, is having a nice game, and leads us in plus/minus. Nash having an abysmal shooting night, but has 14 assists. Shawn has the scoring lead at 8-11 for 20 points, 13 assists, and three steals. 16 points for Amare and 15 for LB.

Team turnovers tied at 20 each.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:50 PM MST reply actions

You have got to be kidding

8-0 to start the fourth!!!

Frustration thy name is SUNS

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:53 PM MST reply actions

Vujacic killing us

Whose man is that?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:53 PM MST reply actions

Why do role players have career nights against us

Every night it is some other no name player having the game of their lives against the Suns

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:55 PM MST reply actions

Q4 9:37 - Kobeless Lakers are hurting...

...my plans to be in bed by midnight (five minutes from now where I live). 81-71 after the Nash jumper.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 10:57 PM MST reply actions

They won't let you off that easy

Same old suns. No lead is too big to surmount or lose sorry for keeping you up late

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:59 PM MST up reply actions

Nash stops the bleeding.

Can't blow this one, can we? Now Diaw hits one.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 10:58 PM MST reply actions

Put Kwame in

The guy may as well have a purple uniform on as bad as he was playing

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 10:58 PM MST reply actions

hey i bet

Laker fans are saying man how can fricking boris diaw be killing us?

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 10:59 PM MST reply actions

Kwame - secret weapon

Come on, PJ, put him in.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 11:00 PM MST reply actions

Q4 7:30 - I'm not writing the recap tonight...

...but if I were, I'd be giving Player of the Game to Marion hands down.

...well, then he goes and shoots an airball while I was typing that. Blogger's jinx I guess.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:00 PM MST reply actions

no hints! :)

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 11:01 PM MST up reply actions

Hey, you don't even have to hand out that stat

if you don't want to. Just saying what I would do.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:02 PM MST up reply actions

So far its Kwame - hands down

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 11:03 PM MST up reply actions

Marion still player of game

If we had five players like this we would never lose

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:04 PM MST up reply actions

4 players...

we need one who can dribble

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:34 AM MST up reply actions

Here comes Kobe

STAT has to play some more. Can he play with 5 fouls?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 11:02 PM MST reply actions

Not if past experience is any indicator

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:03 PM MST up reply actions

11 pt lead not good enough

I want Laker blood. blow them out!

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:02 PM MST reply actions

Crunch time

let's see it boys. Put this game away!

We are really missed Hill in the early part of 4th w/ Amare and Steve on the bench.

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 11:03 PM MST reply actions

In other news...

D'Antoni and Kerr aren't at odds...

...so says Paul Coro:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0117sunsnb.html

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:03 PM MST reply actions

Hang on, Suns!

Need to hit some shots to open up the paint. Lakers are clogging it up and getting deflections. We are missing a lot of close in shots.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 11:04 PM MST reply actions

Q4 5:03 - Timely shot by LB

...making up for the untimely one on the prior possession. Restores the double-digit lead at 91-80.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:06 PM MST reply actions

Big Shot Raja

We needed that

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:06 PM MST reply actions

LB hits a layup

Boy, he is fast!

Now RB hits a 3! And Kobe matches it!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 11:06 PM MST reply actions

Q4 4:24 - It's a three for all

Raja and Kobe exchange threes.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:07 PM MST reply actions

Q4 3:00 - Automatic

Nash for three, and you'd hardly know he was 4-13 before that shot. Mr. Clutch.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:12 PM MST reply actions

and the effort by #3!

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 11:12 PM MST reply actions

What a mean joke

I didn't catch all of that, but sounds like someone played a mean joke on LB telling him he had been traded to the Knicks.

What I got from that story is that LB really, really, really likes playing for the Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:13 PM MST reply actions

LB

I think they said that someone (??) left LB a phone message at the hotel telling him he had been traded to the Knicks and LB went to find Dan D'Antoni's room in tears (or practically in tears?) saying "I thought you (meaning the team/organization) liked me and was really upset until he was told he wasn't traded. They (TV guys) said that someone told LB that it was a prank because he used his real name in registering at the hotel or something like that. LB does seem like a gentle kind of guy and maybe a little gullible too.

Gotta love Kwame's itty bitty baby hands that can't dunk half the time or even hold onto the ball.

Two big games from Boris lets us know again that he is capable of more than he's cheated this team out of the past two seasons ($$$ too).

A lot of good things out of this game, but way too many turnovers, a lot it seemed by LB.

It seems Marion and Stat got benched there at the end of the game??

by TwinnerA on Jan 18, 2008 12:07 AM MST up reply actions

Don't play thier game

Why are we trading threes

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:14 PM MST reply actions

Q4 1:03 - Lots of risky plays

From both ends. Launching threes all over.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:14 PM MST reply actions

General Nash sets up Leo

LB, then KB my head is spinning

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 11:14 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:46 - Suns spoil Diaw's nice block

...by failing to get the rebound. Odom at the line. Suns still have them at arms length at 102-96. Ok, a very petite child's arms length.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:15 PM MST reply actions

quick stats

diaw 19-6 pts-reb
nash 11-19pts-ast

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 11:17 PM MST reply actions

Is anyone else worried

Lakers without Bynum still keeping it this close. Not good enough

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:17 PM MST reply actions

I think Grant Hill...

...might have helped that a bit.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:18 PM MST up reply actions

not worried

No, we are without Hill, and STAT is playing a bad game. Plus it is a road game.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 11:20 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 00:24 - Go Diaw!

Ok, I can live with Diaw having a good line every other game--for now. Hey, it beats ever 20th game.

Big clutch shot from 3D pushes the lead back to eight. 104-96, Suns.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:17 PM MST reply actions

yep...me also

Its been a few good games now recently for Diaw, I think he's turning a corner, he's been getting way too much attention the last few weeks from people saying what a regression he's had, nice to see this...

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:38 AM MST up reply actions

Lucky we didn't get a foul called there

That's all we need

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:18 PM MST reply actions

my prediction

pre-108-99
real-106-98

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 11:20 PM MST reply actions

A win is a win

i would still like to have seen a bit more breathing room against a team missing a star player like Bynum

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:20 PM MST reply actions

Bynum a star?

13 points and 10 rebounds don't make you a star. Let's not overstate this. He may be a star in 3 years.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 17, 2008 11:22 PM MST reply actions

He's a star when he plays us

He holds Amare down and provides a post presence the Suns would be lucky to have. Your right he's not an all-star (except when he plays Phx.) but with him in tonight I am not sure we win this game

Thoughts?

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:24 PM MST up reply actions

There you go

Barkley is no sage but even he knows a Laker team without Bynum is a different team and winning without him there is nothing to crow about

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:29 PM MST up reply actions

your totally right dunk it boris

Hawk, look at bynum stats for xmas game

11-13 fga, 12 rebounds, simply said, when suns play against big players that are ok to good, they often have their best games of the season. This is no accident against us, Marion can only guard so many people at once, and skinner isn't playing 30 minutes...

The big question is, Hill for us vs Bynum for them, how does the scale change with these 2 back in action. And I say it's still tips in their favor, just because of Bynums athleticism, but Hill is awesome...

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:44 AM MST up reply actions

Bynum a star?

Yes, he does play well against us, but Hill makes a difference also, and the 20 turnovers are uncharacteristic. It would have been a different game with the teams at full strength. I think we would have pulled it out anyway.

Amare had a sub par game due to his insane offensive fouls.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 18, 2008 7:12 AM MST up reply actions

I'm reading this...and I think...hmmm...

when do we play them next, even w/o Bynum, curious to see next game also...wed. feb 20th, not to far away...

Amare gets more calls called against him that are incorrect than anyone I've seen in a while, of course, I don't follow other teams too closely. Is there another player like this that's famous for getting fouls called on him that are bad calls?

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 4:44 PM MST up reply actions

I love Nash's post game interviews

Never pulls any punches got to love the honesty. You can tell they are sick of all the second guessing

by Dunk it Boris on Jan 17, 2008 11:22 PM MST reply actions

Boris Sucks

Mark it down. Straigh from Steve' mouth! :)

Orangutans are this year's Lemurs

by Seth Pollack on Jan 17, 2008 11:25 PM MST up reply actions

And that's the game...

Suns win 106-98. Not exactly the pounding we were hoping for, but counts just as much in the standings.

Was it my imagination, or were there audible cheers from some of the Staples Center crowd there at the end?

Steve Nash has your end game interview: "We suck" he says. Either the lighting on the broadcast is abysmally awful, or else Steve has one horrific looking scratch on his neck.

srp has the recap tonight. Look for it in the diaries first, and on the main page sometime tomorrow morning.

Thanks for all the great participation in the live blog. 'Night everyone.

by TexSUN on Jan 17, 2008 11:23 PM MST reply actions

7

man rotation no hill or banks but it got the job done

by jacksonian on Jan 17, 2008 11:24 PM MST reply actions

About Friggen TIME!!!

Great game!!!! Now they need to play like this all the friggen time!!!!! And please God let Boris continue playing like tonight!!!!

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Jan 17, 2008 11:37 PM MST reply actions

Job well done

It's games like this that make me forget my gripes about any of the players' performance, and remember why I support the Suns in the first place. Congratulations to Boris for drilling the open shot, this team is up to championship level when he plays this well.

by SilverSprings on Jan 17, 2008 11:38 PM MST reply actions

OMG

I was too busy coding at same time to look up and notice I've been posting to the l.a. clipper blog

haha

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 1:12 AM MST reply actions

Clippers?

So why were you on the Clippers blog in the first place? :)

by TexSUN on Jan 18, 2008 7:27 AM MST up reply actions

haha

I noticed a new comment or 2 I had missed reading, so I went on there to read them, but then got caught up in the tv game, and my work....funny....

by jasonsuns1 on Jan 18, 2008 4:45 PM MST up reply actions

201 posts, Tex!

We smashed your expectations. Double for your money!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 18, 2008 7:17 AM MST reply actions

Yay!

Great work, everyone!

by TexSUN on Jan 18, 2008 7:27 AM MST up reply actions

Lakers to be tested, we have already gone through

It might be awhile before you hear about the Lakers sitting atop the Pacific Division again. It's not just the absence of Andrew Bynum, which was acknowledged when Lakers fans cheered Kwame Brown's first exit and booed when he had the ball. Next week, the Lakers play Denver and Dallas with San Antonio in between. Both Texas games are on the road, but that's nothing like the trip the Lakers begin Jan. 31, with nine road games in 14 days. By the time the Suns see the Lakers again in Phoenix on Feb. 20, the Lakers might have to worry more about another division team - Golden State.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Jan 18, 2008 7:27 AM MST reply actions