Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns at Philadelphia 76ers

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 4:29 PM MDT in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	at	Philadelphia 76ers
47-24		37-35
4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern
TV: My45 HD, NBA League Pass
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Andre Miller
Raja Bell	SG	Willie Green
Grant Hill	SF	Andre Iguodala
Amare Stoudemire	PF	Reggie Evans
Shaquille O'Neal	C	Samuel Dalembert

The last time the Suns faced the 76ers, it wasn't pretty. In fact, we were using terms like "Clippers fan" (sorry, Phoenix Stan, had to do it) to describe our opinion of our team's struggle to find its way in the early days of the Shaq Era. Little did we know that the Suns were just a week away from starting their second-longest winning streak of the season. That day, much like now, the Suns were coming off of an embarrassing loss. Here's hoping history doesn't repeat itself, because the Suns really can't afford another week of wavering if they want to secure a top-half seed in the playoffs.

I will be live blogging the game, but it will be sporadic at times, as I will once again have to combine cooking (and later eating) dinner with trying to both watch the game and write about it. So, everyone feel free to chime in and help me out!

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Game on

Rare loss of the tip by the Suns. 76ers start off with two offensive rebounds, but get called for the turnover on the Reggie Evans travel.

...Suns get on the board first with the slam off of Raja Bell's pass.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:14 PM MDT reply actions

Time out

Hate to do it, but things are buzzing in the kitchen. Must tend to the cooking for a couple of minutes. (The dark side of 6pm games...)

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:15 PM MDT reply actions

I'd like to watch the game

Does anyone know of an on-line link?

by dvg on Mar 28, 2008 5:18 PM MDT reply actions

Q1 8:45 - Energy wanted

Can't say much about what happened for the past few minutes since I was out of the room, but the 76ers immediately grab a pair of offensive rebounds yet again. Fortunately for the Suns, the 76ers aren't outright frozen from the field, so the Suns lead 6-3.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:19 PM MDT reply actions

Um...make that ARE outright frozen

0-13 start for the 76ers.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:36 PM MDT up reply actions

Q1 8:20 - Speaking of energy

Amare had plenty on that up and under dunk.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:20 PM MDT reply actions

Q1 7:48 - Foul trouble...

...for Grant Hill gives LB an early call. Meanwhile, Shaq's dunk and Raja's three puts the Suns up 13-5.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:21 PM MDT reply actions

Q1 6:49 - Circus shot

...from Nash gives the Suns a 10-point lead, and the 76ers a time out. Good time for me to take a timeout too to tend to the stuff in the kitchen. Back shortly.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:22 PM MDT reply actions

Q1 6:37 - Interesting stat

The Suns have held the 76ers to 0-11 from the field so far. They've survived on free throws, some of which came at the hand of an offensive rebound.

...meanwhile, Diaw nearly causes a turnover with one of his frustrating over-passes.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:26 PM MDT reply actions

Boris Meow at the rim

throws a bad pass to the outside almost picked off

by ZonaFlash on Mar 28, 2008 5:27 PM MDT reply actions

Q1 5:32 - Better from Diaw

That time he takes Nash's pass and puts it into the basket to restore the double-digit lead.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:27 PM MDT reply actions

Q1 4:44 - Lid comes off of the basket

...at the 76er's end of the court, as they connect first via Andre Miller and now Thadeus Young with the dunk. Meanwhile, the Suns have a miss and a turnover compliments of Amare, and the 76ers are back within seven. 17-10.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:28 PM MDT reply actions

Amare trying to PG

he got the TO figured out.

by ZonaFlash on Mar 28, 2008 5:29 PM MDT reply actions

Q1 2:48 - Nice defense by Diaw

...to force the miss, and the Suns are fortunate to dodge paying for allowing another offensive rebound and LB gets himself to the line.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:31 PM MDT reply actions

Stoud's

Uhm, ok, Amare, you weight as much as Dalembert... BOX HIM OUT!!

by KJ7 on Mar 28, 2008 5:32 PM MDT reply actions

LOL

How did shaq miss that?

by ZonaFlash on Mar 28, 2008 5:35 PM MDT reply actions

Kudos for Meow on that one!!!

by ZonaFlash on Mar 28, 2008 5:39 PM MDT reply actions

I love it when the suns start HOTT!!!

38-19, we doubled their score! Nice.

by ZonaFlash on Mar 28, 2008 5:42 PM MDT reply actions

Suns are running away with it

Suns lead by 19 heading into the second quarter. Getting your opponent to start 10% from the field (now "up" to 25%) is a good start, especially when you shoot 61% yourself.

Only blight so far was the 8 offensive rebounds by the 76ers, but part of that was them shooting so awfully. Suns already have 10 assists, and Amare has 3 blocks.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:44 PM MDT reply actions

1Q Impressions

LB has come out very aggressively. He always does well when he comes in and immeadiately starts driving to the rim. It really opens up his outside jumper.

Stoud needs somebody to show him how to rebound. His lack of boxing out just kills me. I think that he may have actually gotten WORSE since Shaq has arrive. Likely he gets lazy as a result of Shaq because with Shaq taking up so much room, it's almost like Shaq boxes out TWO guys. Then, when Shaq heads to the bench, Amare kind of forgets.

The jury is still out on Diaw for this game. He didn't get a ton of touches. Hopefully he'll be aggressive when he does.

by KJ7 on Mar 28, 2008 5:46 PM MDT reply actions

Suns have made a trade

Those of us listening via League Pass are being treated to some commentary from EJ.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:46 PM MDT reply actions

...and I agree with EJ

EJ agrees with my MVP pick (CP3).

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:47 PM MDT reply actions

Go Meow!

by ZonaFlash on Mar 28, 2008 5:47 PM MDT reply actions

Q2 9:45 - Diaw going places

...and not in a good way. Travel gives it back to the 76ers. Suns continue to double up, leading now 42-21.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:50 PM MDT reply actions

Meow ow!!

by ZonaFlash on Mar 28, 2008 5:50 PM MDT reply actions

Q2 9:01 - That was quick

LB channels Nash with the full-court pass to Diaw, who graciously lays it in. 44-23, Suns.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:51 PM MDT reply actions

Time out

Gotta tend to the kitchen for the final time.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 5:55 PM MDT reply actions

enjoying

Wow,
First time this year I can watch a game (thanks everybody for the tip to catch it on the web), second time in three years... and I love it. Huh, I understand what you are calling a bad pass from Diaw! By the way, it seems he's ok tonight!
Thanks very very much for all of these weeks reading your recaps (since the trade indeed, which I use to really HATE, but try to love every day a bit more), your comments and all the stuff your blog is providing. GO SUNS!
sorry for my poor english...

Warmup in full french we trust

by warmup on Mar 28, 2008 6:08 PM MDT reply actions

warmup,

your English looks perfect to me. Glad you got to see a game finally!

by TwinnerA on Mar 28, 2008 8:28 PM MDT up reply actions

Hey Warmup - Bienvenue

Are you a Boris Diaw fan?

I think if you have been reading this site you notice that he isn't exactly loved by Suns fans.

People expect a lot from him because he is so talented and seems to turn down shots.

Thoughts?

Phx - where molehills happen

by Seth Pollack on Mar 28, 2008 8:36 PM MDT up reply actions

Q2 1:40 - Going small

Suns going small to end the half with Nash, Bell, LB, Hill, and Diaw.

Suns up by 18 at 58-40.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:12 PM MDT reply actions

Half French Already?

Just got back, any game notes?

by slyguy183 on Mar 28, 2008 6:15 PM MDT reply actions

Q1 00:82 - That was lame

Hill called for a charging foul by not being able to change direction in mid-air to avoid hitting Reggie Evans.

76er's waste no time taking advantage of it with the Carney three, but Nash gets it back at the buzzer.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:15 PM MDT reply actions

...or nearly gets it back

Toe on the line looks like.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:15 PM MDT up reply actions

Good Start

Lets hope that the energy and focus stay there for the second half. 76ers are going to the foul line an awful lot. Can't complain with the score what is is but still. I really like the way Gordan is merging into our system nowadays.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 28, 2008 6:19 PM MDT reply actions

At the half

From what I've seen of the game between trips to the kitchen, the 76ers have looked like a young team that expected to catch the Suns looking "old and slow" again. The Suns came in and took care of business on the defensive end first, keeping the 76er's something like 0-11 in the early going. Hollinger seems to have jinxed Nash in his article today about the top international players:

If Nash closes the season strong, he could end up in even more exalted territory -- the first player in history to join the 50-50-90 club. To do so, based on his current average of five 3-point attempts a game, he'd need to hit 60 percent from downtown (33-of-55) over the Suns' final 11 games.

Nash is having a tough night from the field, at 2-7, including his last-second make at the buzzer, and 0-2 from three. He's got 7 assists already, though, and only one turnover.

Speaking of assists, how about Raja Bell with 5 assists and four three-pointers? I guess that ankle is feeling better!

Diaw came to play tonight after a couple of shaky plays earlier (passes that should have been shots, what else). He's now 4-5 from the field, and seems to be looking for his shot when the opportunity is there. (A "warm" welcome to Warmup, btw, our new French reader).

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:24 PM MDT reply actions

sweet

Thanks

by slyguy183 on Mar 28, 2008 6:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Q3 11:12 - Great game going on...

...between the Celtics and Hornets. League Pass cut over to that game during the break. Meanwhile, the broadcast switches back to the Suns just in time to see a shot clock violation by the Suns.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:32 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 9:30 - Raja is on fire tonight!

Another three to restore the Andrew Jackson lead. 66-46.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:35 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 8:36 - Poster by AI

The "new" AI, that is. Iguodala flies in sky high for a dunk over Grant Hill.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:37 PM MDT reply actions

torture

the link seems to be broken. Can't watch the game anymore... what a pity.
Have to "read" the game old style!
full french coming in. I've got a good feeling...

Warmup in full french we trust

by warmup on Mar 28, 2008 6:44 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 5:42 - Getting sloppy

Turnover ends in AI three-point play.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:45 PM MDT reply actions

sorry for the good feeling ...

followed by a turnover..

Warmup in full french we trust

by warmup on Mar 28, 2008 6:46 PM MDT reply actions

Doris passes the ball

Another wimpy pass by Boris.

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

by Hawk42 on Mar 28, 2008 6:47 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 5:03 - Tough break for Amare

Gets called for his fourth foul as momentum carries him into Iguodala while going for the rebound. Suns lead down to 13 points, btw, at 73-60.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:48 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 3:59 - Penalty is good

76ers in the penalty means the Suns have made two consecutive trips to the line off of what would have been non-shooting fouls. LB's two and now Raja's two puts the lead back to 17 at 77-60.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:51 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 3:45 - Smack!

Shaq's ultra-emphatic swat won't count because Raja had already committed the foul, but it looked sweet. Meanwhile, Iggy (because "AI" confusing and I'm tired of scrolling up for the correct spelling of "Iguodala") knocks down the free throws.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:52 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 2:50 - Not so fast

We nearly have a game here. 76ers with the three and now the stop, and all the sudden we have a 12-point game. Nash draws a timely charge to stop the bleeding for now.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 6:53 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 00:52 - Sticking with it

Suns have managed to keep the 76ers at arms length, and now lead by 13 after the sweet pass from Diaw to Shaq for the easy one. 84-71, Suns.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:00 PM MDT reply actions

After three

76ers can be proud of their team's effort in the third, but the Suns ended up redeeming themselves for the most part, pushing the 76ers back to a comfortable distance after letting the lead drop to 10 at one point. It almost seems to me like the Suns are playing better during Nash's breaks on the bench. Seems like in the second half, with Nash in the game, the 76ers are having great success slowing down the whole team by slowing down Nash, but without him (and Amare too for the moment), Shaq and Diaw are teaming up nicely.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:03 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 11:14 - Adventures in free throw shooting

After splitting a pair, Shaq is now 2-7 from the line.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:05 PM MDT reply actions

Q3 10:51 - That was a bizarre call

Boris called for an offensive foul? Don't see that every day.

...meanwhile, Shaq takes a seat and Amare enters. Time to test my Shaq+Diaw theory.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:06 PM MDT reply actions

Q4 9:27 - Diaw and Amare

Pick up where Shaq and Diaw left off.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:08 PM MDT reply actions

Q4 9:06 - Early call back for Nash

...Was about to comment on how that might not be a good idea, but then Diaw cans a three.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:08 PM MDT reply actions

Q4 7:31 - Diaw making Warmup proud

Sticks in the jumper off of Nash's assist to bring the lead back to 17 at 94-77.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:14 PM MDT reply actions

Q4 6:37 - Saw that from a mile away

Nash to Amare for the routine SLAM.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:16 PM MDT reply actions

Q4 4:10 - Digging in the knife

Nash to Diaw to LB for the three makes it 101-82. Intensity long ago checked out as the 76ers look resigned to their fate.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:22 PM MDT reply actions

Raja Bell's line

How's this?: 18 points, 5-10 shooting, 5-8 from three, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block. Yeah, I'd say that ankle is feeling better.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:24 PM MDT reply actions

Q4 3:40 - Diaw can't miss

Hits on the move this time.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:26 PM MDT reply actions

Q4 3:00 - That assist-by-committee thing

...between Nash and Diaw is working pretty well. Nash to Diaw to (this time) Raja for the three.

...Won't get to see it again, though, as Diaw takes a seat after fouling out. Crowd is so subdued that they don't even react.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:27 PM MDT reply actions

Q4 2:38 - Victory cigars start to take the stage

DJ in for Nash, Skinner in for Diaw, along with Raja, LB and Giricek.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:28 PM MDT reply actions

Did we get French and a half?

Diaw gets a well deserved break, get the yoots some time!

by slyguy183 on Mar 28, 2008 7:30 PM MDT reply actions

And that's the game

Final score 107-93. Sixers gather for what looks like a post-game moment of silence.

Nice bounce back game by the Suns to resume their winning ways after stubbing their toes a couple of times. Announcers say they're the only team in the league not to have a 3-game losing streak this season. Didn't know that.

Thanks everyone who followed along with the live blog. Sorry it was so sporadic in the early going (in what proved to be the most fun and interesting part of the game). Phoenix Stan has the recap duties tonight. I'll be back tomorrow to cover the game against the Nets.

by TexSUN on Mar 28, 2008 7:34 PM MDT reply actions