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Gameday Open Thread: Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors

Sunrise_tiny by TexSUN on in Game Coverage

at
11-2 5-7
8:30 PM Mountain / 10:30 PM Eastern
TV: My45 HD, NBA TV HD
Probable starters:
Steve Nash PG Baron Davis
Raja Bell SG Kelenna Azubuike
Grant Hill SF Stephen Jackson
Shawn Marion PF Al Harrington
Amare Stoudemire C Andris Biedrins

One of the best games of the season happened just about a year ago when the Suns visited the Oracle Arena to take on the Golden State Warriors for the first of four meetings last season. That game ignited a franchise-record winning streak of 15 games (later surpassed by a 17-game streak), and featured one of the most memorable shots of the season, courtesy of Steve Nash. When the Suns met the Warriors a year ago, they were just starting to emerge from some early season struggles that had them heading into that game at 3-6. The Warriors, on the other hand, were blazing along at 7-3. This year, it's the Suns who have gotten off to a hot start, matching their franchise record of 11-2. The Warriors come into the game having struggled in the early going with a 5-7 record. However, that record is a bit deceiving. Six of those losses came while Stephen Jackson was serving a suspension. Since Jackson's return, the Warriors have lost only once, and they have won five of their last six. But much like the Suns, their wins have come mostly against teams with losing records, so it's kind of hard to gauge how good they really are. This game should be a test for the Warriors as well as for the Suns. The Suns won three of the four meetings last season, however the last one was a Warrior win that wasn't nearly as close as the final score. Of course, the Warriors no longer have Jason Richardson to shoot 8-13 from the three-point line, but they do still have the other culprits from that night (Baron Davis, Monta Ellis, and Jackson) with Kelenna Azubuike doing a decent job of filling in the J. Richardson-sized vacancy. The Suns should still be the better team here, but they'll need to treat this more like an 11-2 team facing a 5-1 team than a 5-7 team.

This should be fun. Expect lots of points, lots of running, and a close game down to the last second. For the Warriors' side of the story, see Golden State of Mind (they're a little schizophrenic with their prediction, though).

Live blogging will begin at tipoff, so check back during the game for running commentary, and after the game for the usual recap. As for today's YouTube, I'm sure it's no surprise:

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Last season
I was there for both Suns games in Oakland last year, and the first was indeed magical.  

However, the second was a nightmare.  The main culprit was unbelievable three point shooting by a team fighting for their playoff lives.  Yet, the real problem was Nash's defense, everybody on the floor was posting him up, either on switches or isolations.  Even though Banks is short, he's so strong that the players couldn't post up at will, which is why they came back towards the end.

Tonight, I think Nash will guard Azubikee, who won't be a threat, and Ellis, whom Nash can decently handle.  
If the defensive assignments stay on point, the Suns will probably win tonight.  

by SilverSprings on Nov 26, 2007 4:57 PM MST   0 recs

silversprings
I remember this game also. I agree on the Nash defense points, plus the comeback with the reserves and banks defense being part of the comeback. But, I think in general, (not that night) Nash runs the offense so well, that Banks can't match that, and when Nash runs the offense well, our team is an unstoppable force.

Also, I think with the addition of skinner and especially Hill (silent good to great defender) helps us so much that we're simply a different team than last year.

Should be a fun game.

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 7:20 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

High Scoring Madness
This game should turn into a fast break, three point shooting, dunking barnburner.  Both teams will probably break the 120 mark, but God only knows who will pull it out in the end.  Should be tons of fun to watch, and for that reason I envy you who are back home in Arizona and can watch it.  I on the other hand shall have to settle for listening on the internet radio as i languish in So-Cal.

Prediction:  Suns win 137-129

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

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 4:59 PM MST   0 recs

Over-Under
I don't know what the line is in Vegas, but it's got to be close to 300.
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 5:07 PM MST   0 recs

from friday's game last week
Marion had 21 points, 17 rebounds, five steals and two blocked shots on Friday.

Man, that's amazing. 5 steals!!! 17 rebounds!!! This guy (Marion) has become the most valuable player this season (up to now). Not that it's a competition with Nash or Amare or anything, but wow! Suns are cruising along and finding ways to get it done! I agree with an earlier comment, the Suns half court game is executing much better than last year.

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 7:29 PM MST   0 recs

wow
Dallas down by 11 in 3rd q, if they lose (opposite jinx - we know they'll come back) that would make 3 in a row.

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 8:18 PM MST   0 recs

Huh...?
Thought the game started at 8:30.... what's going on!?!?!?

by whatisboxhappening on Nov 26, 2007 8:43 PM MST   0 recs

Just tipped
Steve already 2 for 2 from the line.

Amare going headband tonight.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 8:45 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

YAYY!
OOOOOOH headband nice!

by whatisboxhappening on Nov 26, 2007 8:46 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Q1 11:02 - Game on
Sorry I'm late. The game started a few minutes ago. I'm having internet troubles on my end, so I may lose this, but anyway...

So far, we have the shootout I predicted going on. 8-5 Suns with both teams hitting one from outside.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 8:46 PM MST   0 recs

Q1 9:30 - All tied up
I'm not sure Amare on Harrington is going to work very well. Harrington is making the three tonight.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 8:47 PM MST   0 recs

yep
I agree, and as I type this, another basket by Harrington

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 8:50 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Wow...
Shoot out ... Suns should maybe slow it down a bit tonight.

by whatisboxhappening on Nov 26, 2007 8:49 PM MST   0 recs

Q1 8:39 - TimBER
...so says the Warriors announcers as Amare falls down trying to guard Monta Ellis. Suns dodge a bullet since the foul was before the shot. ...and now, Amare just annihilated Harrington.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 8:49 PM MST   0 recs

Q1 7:54 - Sweet move by Marion!
Wow! Nice move by Marion to get free for the dunk. Equally impressive by the Warriors on the other end, thoughh.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 8:50 PM MST   0 recs

nice to see
Nash hitting the 3!

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 8:51 PM MST   0 recs

Q1 6:13 - Defense need not apply
Geez... There's no "D" in "basketball" I guess. Three straight possessions, three straight scores (I think; it's hard to keep up). All tied up at 23.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 8:52 PM MST   0 recs

Out of the way
Aare getting out of the way of a driving B. Davis was his best defenseive move ot he night.  Last year, he would've made a dumb foul.
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 8:52 PM MST   0 recs

ick...
Cut down on their layups please >_<

by whatisboxhappening on Nov 26, 2007 8:52 PM MST   0 recs

23-23 halfway through ...
Can we have a 50-pt quarter for BOTH teams?

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 8:52 PM MST   0 recs

oh my god
Score tied at 23 with 6:32!!
You called it Tex, high scoring game!!!!!

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 8:52 PM MST   0 recs

Maybe we'll see a 100 point quarter?
They're just about on pace for it at the first timeout.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 8:53 PM MST   0 recs

AND WE HAVE 22 COMMENTS
and its still the first Q, we could break 100!!

lol

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 8:53 PM MST   0 recs

Geez my internet connection is bad tonight.
If I suddenly stop sending messages, somebody else feel free to take over.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 8:54 PM MST   0 recs

OMFG
Wow this is gonna be a incredibly high scoring game.  God willing we'll get some D going.....at some point
"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 8:56 PM MST   0 recs

Why STAT out?
he only has one foul doesnt he?
"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 8:57 PM MST   0 recs

Wow
Warriors can do no wrong!!!
"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 8:58 PM MST   0 recs

Bleh
This is gonna be a very crazy night, and very one sided if we dont get some kind of D going i the paint
"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 8:59 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Going to reset
I couldn't get my last two comments through. In event this one makes it....I've gone to reset the cable modem. This has gotten unusable.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 8:58 PM MST   0 recs

i was afraid of this
The warriors are really up for this, early still, we should be playing better D with Marion, Bell, and Hill in there.

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:00 PM MST   0 recs

Could be a long night...
It's ridiculous... can't play D >_<

by whatisboxhappening on Nov 26, 2007 9:00 PM MST   0 recs

GS Half-Court
The Warriors' half-court offense is befuddling the Suns.  They move into it quickly and have run a high screen-and-roll (or something more like a "scrape" and roll) before the Suns can get enough guys back to rotate over and help on the dish.
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 9:01 PM MST   0 recs

Harrington
He can't hang with Amare -- either in the post or on the break.  Let's hope the Suns exploit that.
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 9:03 PM MST   0 recs

i agree
Amare can score 30+. tonight is a night we need him to do it.

6 for 8 from 3 for GS, we can't beat that unless our D wakes up

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:05 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Three Pointers Aplenty
Both teams stroking it from downtown (especially Warriors).
"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 9:05 PM MST   0 recs

Taste of Our Own Medicine
Golden State games are the only games where I can actually feel like the other teams we play. The effectiveness of their offense is soooo amazing, and scary. This is going to be fun, and worrysome.
If ya can't jump 'em out, then box 'em out!

by PurplePinoy on Nov 26, 2007 9:07 PM MST   0 recs

Uber Barnburner
THis is gonna be one of the highest scoring games ever, calling it right now.  Not sure if GS can keep up the shooting they have now, and i'm sure the Suns will get a nice scoring streak.  Overall though this is gonna be a huge scoring game that will go down to the wire.
"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 9:08 PM MST   0 recs

45-37 after one
Too bad Amare didn't find an outlet on that last rebound instead of trying to imitate Nash and drive the length of the court. There was time to get a last shot up.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:08 PM MST   0 recs

it always
amazes me how many times with 4-5 seconds left, I see a player dribble up and shoot a 30-40 footer instead of pass for a much better shot! Mental, Amare doesn't have it

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:11 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Boris is playing well
Maybe he read my comments dissing him during the Kings game. ;)

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:10 PM MST   0 recs

Defense the Key?
It'll be funny when the headline tomorrow reads, "The Suns Win With Defense" because that looks like the only way they're gong to do it.  Actually, the team that plays a little defense is probably going to win it.
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 9:10 PM MST   0 recs

50-40
Everything out of sync. Time to get Steve back in there.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:14 PM MST   0 recs

Slowing Down
Everyone's slowing down, and SueB is right that Nash will get back in now.  Let's hope GS stays in its funk when Nash comes in to get the lead back.
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 9:16 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Defense
I agree, JSun. The Suns have the better defense I think, they just need to start using it.

Let's make the "live blogging" a group effort tonight. My internet connection is too slow to do this effectively.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:16 PM MST   0 recs

Matrix vs. Davis
So long as everyone else plays good enough defense to make sure that Matrix doesn't have to play defense on everyone and can focus on Davis, Shawn can shut Davis down.
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 9:21 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Good Pass from STAT
Assist to Hill.  Much better than the offensive fould he almost took.
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 9:18 PM MST   0 recs

Ok, that does it
No more live blogging for me tonight. Every time I try to send a comment, the connection hangs or drops out altogether. I'm having trouble keeping up with the game because of it, so I'm just going to put the keyboard aside and just enjoy watching the game. I'll be back for the recap after if I can get connected then (or if someone else wants to take the initiative, feel free).

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:20 PM MST   0 recs

3 fouls on Amare
Yuck. Boris back in. No Skinner tonight? Guess he doesn't match up that well against this team. But maybe he'd get a few rebounds/blocks.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:20 PM MST   0 recs

another layup
Thats killing us!

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:21 PM MST   0 recs

It's just crazy!
Even Shawn let somebody drive right around him.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:24 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

At least LB is hitting
Keeping it sort of close. But the matador defense by everybody is driving me crazy. Yay, a 3 for Steve. 60-52.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:22 PM MST   0 recs

ok
5-7 is the GS record so far this year, yet the way they're running and shooting, you wonder why their record isn't better! Is it we're playing that poor defensively, or something else?

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:23 PM MST   0 recs

They got off to a bad start
Not sure of the details, but they had some injuries, I think, and started 0-6. Since then, they are (obviously) 5-1.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:26 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

thanks sue
makes sense now.... I haven't followed much of the other teams

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:26 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

i think
GS is hustling more, that's the difference so far

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:26 PM MST   0 recs

At least he's shooting...
Diaw keeps missing but at least he's putting it up there.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:26 PM MST   0 recs

yes
Great to see him so aggressive.

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:27 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Finally a hard foul
Thank you, Shawn.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:27 PM MST   0 recs

Grant Hill!
Two nice finishes in a row. 62-56.

Damn.  Finally force a miss and allow a gimme on the offensive boards. Grr.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:29 PM MST   0 recs

Praise Allah for Hill!!!!
Grant Hill is one of the few bright spots in this game.  Dang i love having him on the Suns!!!
"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 9:29 PM MST   0 recs

amen :-)

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:31 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

not only
is it cool to get a player worth 8-12 million a yr for 1-2 million, but he's smart and unselfish, a great fit for us!!!

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:32 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

I see now
why GS is such a fun and competitive game for us, and a game to look forward to. I think we're better, but I hope we don't face them in the playoffs

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:31 PM MST   0 recs

Hilarious commercial on NBATV
They have Steve and Amare sitting there listening to Barkley on TV talk about how Steve is the best PG, etc. Then on best big man, Charles lists Shaq, Yao, etc, every body but Amare. Steve with the big grin...until Amare looks over. LOL.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:31 PM MST   0 recs

cool haha
that sounds great!

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:33 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Great TNT ad
With Steve and Amare watching Charles Barkley and the TNT crew. Hadn't seen it before. Anybody seen it? They're talking about the best point guard, and Charles says "even wearing flip-flops, with one hand tied behind his back, it's Steve Nash". Then they talk about the best big men. I won't describe it all if I'm the only one who never saw it ... hilarious though.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:33 PM MST   0 recs

Hee hee.
Guess I took too long to type. ;)

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:33 PM MST   0 recs

Awesome play by the Warriors
Seriously. I wish it were the Suns playing this way, but the Warriors are really putting on a show for their crowd. This team can REALLY focus when they want to.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:34 PM MST   0 recs

yep
they are a threat, too many people thought the mavs fell apart last yr, for me, i thought GS was on fire.

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:39 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Things arent looking so good for our heros
Well lets see what the second half holds for the Suns.
"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating your enemy without ever fighting." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Nov 26, 2007 9:35 PM MST   0 recs

after hearing nash get the ball stolen by davis
I remember reading the stat when GS was playing the Mavs last yr, how 2 of the top 5-10 players in the league for steals were on GS, Davis and Jackson or Barnes

Nash for 3!

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:35 PM MST   0 recs

Boris to Trix
Did you see that pass??  Over his head?
Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Nov 26, 2007 9:36 PM MST   0 recs

SueB
If you know how to make YouTubes, can you make one of the Brian Grant three-pointer the other night?

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:37 PM MST   0 recs

Was that from the first Kings game?
Only if somebody sends me a tape of it. I don't have that game on my DVR anymore.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:47 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Thanks, I was gonna check
before I make it, just in case it was already out there. Funny stuff.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:46 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

If it helps any...
...they just said Sacramento is up by 14 on San Antonio right now in the third.

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:43 PM MST   0 recs

nice

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:43 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

wow
dallas did lose again, we're 3 up on them

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:44 PM MST   0 recs

If it helps any...
...they just said Sacramento is up by 14 on San Antonio right now in the third.

...of course, by the time my connection posts this, that game will be over...  Grrr....

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:44 PM MST   0 recs

haha
funny... i mean..thats too bad, what do you have for internet, cable? fios? dsl?

What have you tried? I'd try another laptop if you have one, or unplug the modem/router and plug it back in. Could be something you can't fix, how old is your house, older homes = older lines = :-(

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:47 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Ugh
Sorry for the double-post. I didn't think the first attempt went through. Good lord, this is worse than a dialup connection.

jason: Do you have Time Warner internet? If so, are you having trouble too, or is it just me as the lucky one tonight?

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:46 PM MST   0 recs

tex
no, I'm in a new neighborhood, so I was lucky enough to get fios, no problems here. But hey, at least your able to watch it. I was going to ask you if you wanted to go to a mavs / suns game in December, but I think the tickets would be too much $$$

I looked on ticket exchange, for good seats, which I'd want, they'd be $200 each, but...it'd be worth it

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:49 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Dallas
Thanks for the head's up on Dallas jasonsuns1. They just showed the score. That was a home game for Dallas. Against the Wizards. Without Gilbert. By double-digits. Wow.... Suddenly, I feel much better about what we're seeing here. Night of the underdog perhaps? :)

by TexSUN on Nov 26, 2007 9:48 PM MST   0 recs

yep
I was thinking the same, and w/o Gilbert, wow is right.

Only Celtics and Spurs still around. Have to be happy with our start!

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:50 PM MST to parent up   0 recs

Nearing midnight ... body growing sleepy ....
May have to skip out at some point. We'll see if the start of the second half rejuvenates me.

by SueB on Nov 26, 2007 9:50 PM MST   0 recs

sue
where are you at? state?

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 26, 2007 9:51 PM MST to parent up   0 recs