Preseason Tips Off: Suns vs. Kings Open Game Thread

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 5:24 PM MDT in Game Coverage Comment 58 comments

The Suns will open their preseason tonight with a game against the Sacramento Kings. Tipoff time is 7pm Pacific/10pm Eastern, give or take the usual pre-game commentary. Can't you just feel the excitement? We're almost ready to begin this journey for real. Unfortunately, only those who live in the CSNW viewing area (e.g., Sacramento) or subscribe to NBA League Pass will be able to see the game on TV. The rest will have to settle for listening to it on NBA Audio League Pass, which is now free. This is one of the rare times when being a remote-based fan pays off I guess. I will watch as much of the game as my bleary-eyed self can handle, and post a brief report after it's through.

The Suns will be taking "small ball" to the extreme tonight as both Amare Stoudemire and Brian Skinner will be sitting this one out. This should give us an excellent opportunity to see if Sean Marks has anything to offer beyond a Pat Burke-type role, and will also open the door wide for Boris Diaw to channel his 2005-06 self and have the lane all to his lonesome. But chances are most fans are thinking of this game like I am--a first opportunity to take a look at Grant Hill playing alongside three of the four guys he'll be starting games with once Amare returns. I expect the rookies will get some useful minutes as well.

Consider this your open game thread. Feel free to discuss the game in the comments, and check back when it's through for a few brief thoughts. Also, if you haven't already, don't forget to leave your questions for Dan Hilton for Monday's Q&A.

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I don't think League Pass works in the preseason

bummer

by stampchez on Oct 11, 2007 6:23 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Mine does

Right now, I can see the Houston game on DirectTV Channel 752. The Suns-Kings game is supposed to be on channel 751. Obviously, non-DirectTV users will have to check their listings.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 6:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Game on!

Definitely looks like League Pass has access to watch the game, at least mine is working on DirecTV from Texas (channel 751). Only downside is that it's a Sacramento broadcast. But a nicer broadcast than we get for the other preseason games I guess. :)

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

TexSun!

where in Texas do u live?

by Aluminum Foyle on Oct 11, 2007 8:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the heart of enemy territory #2

Dallas

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

try living in...

Austin:

1 hour from enemy territory #1, the SNORES and their annoying and illogical fans, and their fairly new and crappy arena (about 60 to 70% of the fans here are Spurs fans)
2.5 hours from the fairweather ROCKETS, and their dirty and ghetto city (about 20% Rockets fans here)
3 hours from you and enemy territory #2 where Cowboy fans went into hiding and posed as Mavs fans, now those fans have gone back to the Cowboys. Regardless, they have the most passionate fans in the state of Texas by default.

by Aluminum Foyle on Oct 12, 2007 6:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have nothing with Time Warner

bummer

by stampchez on Oct 11, 2007 8:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

running commentary

...we'll see how well this goes

1st quarter

08:30 - Nash up the court to Marion for easy layin. Shawn: You really want to give this up?

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

6:43 - Grant Hill hits a three

I'll go out on and admittedly very sturdy limb and say Hill will set a career high in threes, three % and three attempts this year.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q1 5:54 Sean Marks makes his first appearance

This should be interesting...

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q1 4:48 We have our first injury?

Looks like Shawn Marion got his nose bloodied maybe. LB picks up where he left off last year with a three.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q1 3:44 LB gets annihilated

By Mikki Moore. Every time I see M. Moore in a game I think about that Suns-NJ last year where he and Nash nearly came to blows. :)

Who needs KT to hit the 15-footer when you have Sean Marks?

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q1 2:00 Marcus Banks time

Marcus Banks is in. Grant Hill, LB, and Diaw all in to help out, so let' see if that works better.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q1 :35 Diaw getting defensive

Using those long arms of his. He's looked rather Marion-esque on defense a couple of times tonight.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Early observations

Well, I was going to write that it looks like the Suns are trying to give everybody a shot at the assist category this year instead of setting everything up through Nash, but then here is Steve at the end of one with already five assists. The Suns are passing it around more, but he's still the best on the team by a wide margin at setting other people up. Shawn leads the team in efficient shooting so far with 3-4. Q2 beginning, so abrupt end.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 11:23

That's the right idea from Sean Marks on the slam attempt, but missed. Going to the line for FTs.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

10:23 - There ya go Sean Marks!

Nice put back.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 10:03 First action for DJ Strawberry

My favorite rookie is in. (And maybe has been for a couple of minutes. Was posting a comment on another board and missed a couple of plays).

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:46 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Trans Siberian Orchestra

Their advertising the Trans Siberian Orchestra. If you have never been, I recommend it. Nice place to take a music-loving date around Christmas time.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Sean Marks hit a three?

Ok, this is why I don't like trying to type and watch at the same time. I totally missed a three by Sean Marks apparently. Maybe he's going to fit in here better than I thought... :)

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 07:55 - Banks beats the buzzer

That will get you playing time

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 7:14 - Banks goes flying

Banks steals the ball from Bibby but falls into the lap of the cameramen.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:53 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 6:14 - TexSUN jinx in effect.

I guess I jinxed Shawn Marion by commenting on his efficiency. Really ugly miss on the pay before, now misses an and-1 opportunity.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 5:37 - Umm, a little "D", guys?

Salmons hits a three.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 4:50 - Standard Nash to Bell for three

As the commentators said, automatic.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 8:58 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 3:38 - Marion says Get that outa here!

Nice block!

...but then they let Bibby get it back. Lead down to six.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 2:12 - Nash hits

Nash finally scores. Only his second attempt, but seven assists.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 1:45 - Typical Suns play

Rebound -> Up the floor -> Pass -> Dunk. Time to execute: About 2 seconds.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q2 00:48 - Nice Nash->Marion

Nash->Marion->And-1. There ya go...

But you've gotta defend on the other end. Come on guys!

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

AT29!?

Where's Alando Tucker!?!?!?

by whatisboxhappening on Oct 11, 2007 9:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good question

I was going to comment on that but was checking the sites to see if he was injured. I'm guessing he was just on the inactive list for the night maybe to give guys like Doug Thomas who won't be around come November a chance to play? Not sure on that.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Q1 00:30 - Ugliest Nash free throw miss ever!

Ugh! I don't think I've ever seen him miss one that badly. Other than at the end of a game when he was trying to miss on purpose I guess. And it happened while the commentators were "predicting" that this will be his last year to play at this level before he starts to break down. Maybe his free throw shooting is already in decline? :) Nope, guess not. The second one was perfect.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

At the half

The Suns lead by nine. They're on pace for 110 points. Shooting 46% with Marion and Marks leading the way in the accuracy department. As usual, the Suns are doubling up the opposition in the assists department. Despite the ball moving to every player on the floor, Nash still continues to pile up the majority of his team's assists.

Biggest surprise so far: Sean Marks. Nine points including a three. Also has four rebounds and a steal, all in only nine minutes. So far, I'm kind of wondering why he wasn't ahead of Pat Burke in the rotation last year.

Biggest disappointment: Where's Alando? Also, DJ hasn't done a lot yet. Come on DJ - don't let me down! :)

Double-duty: Marion and Hill are both working on one apiece. Steve Nash would be on the brink of one as well if he had shot the ball more. Already with eight assists.

Boris Diaw has looked like 2005-06 Boris at times tonight, and has looked like 2006-07 Boris a couple of times too. Hopefully the 2005-06 version will win out. He's played better than his stat line in the box score indicates, though.

Ok, enough stats-dumping for now. 2nd half begins.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:26 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 10:19 - Scoring in threes

Suns continue nailing threes. Marion makes it look easy. Now Raja Bell gets three the old-fashioned way....or not. Missed the free throw. (Darn it! You messed up my comment, Raja!)

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 10:00 - Boris finally shoots

There ya go! When you don't think about it and just put it up, it goes in. More, please.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 08:05 - Boris again

We return from a short phone call break in time to see Boris hit again.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 7:05 - Brad Miller and his goofy hairstyle sits

...with five fouls

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 5:55 - Nice tap out by Boris

..no shot though, and now the Kings hit a three.

...which the Suns get right back with LB.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 5:06 - Nash gets burned

...By somebody named Quincey Douby. Bet he gets some grief from the guys for that one.

Marks is back in along with Banks.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 3:13 - Rebound by tap-out

That time it didn't work, but right idea by LB. Nice to see them get back to "tap it to a teammate" rebounding.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 2:56 - Nash sits

Nash sits with a typical "upside down" Nash line. 11 assists with three points.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 2:18 - So that's why Marks doesn't play more..

Ugh. That catch-attempt looked almost Kwame-like.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:46 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 2:00 - But he made up for it..

...with a nice rebound.

LB clanks a technical FT, then that Douby guy steals for the open layup... Then scores again. (Who is this guy!?).

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:48 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Q3 00:44 - Nash-less lineup still needs some work

I think it has potential to be better than previous years, but it's not there yet.

Another nice rebound by Marks followed by a Nash-like pass up the court. That's right, Sean, if you have to imitate somebody, make it Nash not Kwame. :)

End of the fourth, Suns up by 11.

by TexSUN on Oct 11, 2007 9:52 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs