Gameday Open Thread: Phoenix Suns vs. Orlando Magic

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:22 AM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	vs.	Orlando Magic
11-4		14-3
7:00 PM Mountain / 9:00 PM Eastern
TV: FSN AZ HD, NBA League Pass
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Jameer Nelson
Raja Bell	SG	Keith Bogans
Grant Hill	SF	Hedo Turkoglu
Shawn Marion	PF	Rashard Lewis
Amare Stoudemire	C	Dwight Howard

The Suns get a rematch with the Orlando Magic tonight at the US Airways Center. The Suns will be looking to end a two-game losing skid, while the Magic will try to extend a four-game winning streak. For the Magic's side of the story, visit Third Quarter Collapse.

It's been about three weeks since the Suns' previous meeting with the Magic, which ended in a 10-point road win for the Suns. As always when these two teams meet, the matchup to watch features Amare Stoudemire versus Dwight Howard. Howard won that matchup last time, but his 33 points and 18 rebounds were trumped by Leandro Barbosa's career high 39. Raja Bell missed that game with an ankle injury, and this time he may miss again with a back injury. LB is coming off an ugly 2-11 shooting night, so it would seem he's just about due for another big breakout. Still, I think the key for this game is Amare. So, here's a bit of inspiration for him from our "Amare Day" feature this past summer:

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I can watch this game!!!!!!

YAYYY!!!! Let's hope we see some of THIS! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-cggID2HKA

by whatisboxhappening on Nov 30, 2007 9:40 AM MST reply actions

Let's not forget this

monster block which is currently my desktop and ipod wallpaper:

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/story/2007/11/20/15171/606

by Seth Pollack on Nov 30, 2007 9:53 AM MST reply actions

I'll say this

if the Suns win this game and lose the rebounding battle, I'll shut up about rebounding for a while.

by Ridiculous Matt on Nov 30, 2007 10:36 AM MST reply actions

Hopin for a W

This team needs to find its soul and hopefully this game will help them along. We'll just have to see. The Suns are still very much a work in progress, and i'm confident the peaces will fall into place.

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

by Turambar on Nov 30, 2007 12:21 PM MST reply actions

Good feeling about this game

With all the (well deserved) hype this season about Dwight, I hope Amare takes it as a challenge and plays tonight with some aggression.

by brian13 on Nov 30, 2007 2:47 PM MST reply actions

Hype is the right word

This is the most jazzed I have been about a game this season so far. And I have to say a loss tonight might snap me out of homer mode and be a disappointment and slightly worrying sign.

We know that Orlando is going to come in looking for blood to avenge the beating we put on them on their court and the Suns are, should and better be fired up to "end the streak". Amare and Dwight deffinately have a friendly thing going and that normally brings out the best in Stat.

Can't wait for 7pm to get here.

by Seth Pollack on Nov 30, 2007 2:54 PM MST reply actions

Walking wounded

From Paul Coro's latest blog, Raja Bell is going to play, but the Suns have had quite a list of injuries going, including all of the "seven starters" except for Marion.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 5:49 PM MST reply actions

wow

I didn't realize, that does explain some shooting probably, but I'm still happy with their start, should be a great game. Funny, TexSun can relate, everyone here in Dallas was so excited about the big Dallas Cowboy football game last night, maybe the most anticipated cowboy game in 8-10 yrs, but... for me...its tonight come on...SUNS!!!

LOL

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 30, 2007 7:09 PM MST up reply actions

Looks like we get the Suns' announcers tonight

...on League Pass.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:09 PM MST reply actions

And we're off...

...after a discussion about pink shirts (Suns' announcers) and a bad tip. Suns get the ball. Marion for the quick score.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:13 PM MST reply actions

Q4 11:45 - Huh?

I guess that was a foul on Howard. Didn't see it. Another score, this time from Raja. Nice start so far. Suns up 4-0.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:13 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:27 - Three for Raja!

Nice start from Bell. Not sure why I put Q4 on that first comment. Another turnover from the Magic. Nice start defensively from the Suns, and really nice start all around. 7-0 Suns.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:15 PM MST reply actions

Q1 9:33 - Nice move by Howard

...leads to a trip to the foul line. One make, one miss.

...and Amare brought his jumper tonight. Suns up 9-3.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:17 PM MST reply actions

Q1 8:14 - Huh Part 2

Amare passes it to nowhere. Magic get it back but Howard misses the easy one.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:18 PM MST reply actions

Q1 Amare!!

Nice Nash-to-Amare for the bread-and-butter play.

...and the blogger's jinx in effect as Amare picks up his second foul on the next play.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:21 PM MST reply actions

Q1 4:13 - LB quick to the board

LB is already on the board after entering at the last break.

...and so is Boris Diaw (nice jumper with no hesitation)

...And now the Matrix for the steal and the dunk.

Suns up 19-10.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:28 PM MST reply actions

Q1 4:02 - Suns dodge a bullet

Jameer Nelson got Nash in the air but somehow avoided the foul. Suns get it back on a three-second violation, and end up with another Matrix dunk. Breaks going the Suns way in the early going.

...and as I type this, another steal (LB this time) ends in another make by Marion. 20-second timeout time.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:31 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:53 - LB makes something from nothing

Didn't look like anything good was coming of that possession, but LB manages to draw a foul. Only hits one free throw, though. Suns up double-digits, 24-12.

...and Brian Skinner enters the game.

...and another turnover from the Magic.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:33 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:20 - Nice rebound from Grant Hill!

Not sure how he came up with that amidst a whole bunch of Magic, but he did. Bell capitalizes on it with a three.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:34 PM MST reply actions

Q1 00:18 - I really like Skinner

Nice hustle for a rebound leads to a Hill make on the other end.

...After one, the Suns are up by 15: 31-16.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:37 PM MST reply actions

After one...

...Suns shooting 56% to Magic's 33%. Suns have the rebounding advantage too, and only three turnovers to the Magic's 8.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:41 PM MST reply actions

wow

great stat...I'm mean start :-)

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 30, 2007 7:42 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:15 - Ugly start to the second quarter

Magic making a run, in part due to Suns' sloppiness. (No surprise: Nash is taking his break). Suns already have turned it over at least twice.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:44 PM MST reply actions

it was my fault

bloggers jinx by me, i had just said what a great start...

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 30, 2007 7:47 PM MST up reply actions

Q1 8:32 - One of life's great mysteries...

...Why do the Suns look like a totally different team when Nash is on the bench? Another turnover. Suns still up but the lead is down to 7. 35-28.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:47 PM MST reply actions

Q2 7:08 - How did Amare do that??

I guess Mike D'Antoni didn't like the way the Suns' offense looked either. Nash came back into the game after that last timeout. Suns score right away.

Amare just made an impossible tip-in as I was typing this.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:51 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:54 - Turnovers continue

Boris nearly saves the day by blocking the layup but gets called for a foul.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 7:53 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:13 - LB for three!

I guess he brought his shot with him tonight. Much better than last time!

..and now a steal leads to a layup by Bell. Suns on a run again. Lead back to 9, 48-39.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:00 PM MST reply actions

Q2 2:56 - Hello again, double-digits

50-39 after the jumper by Bell. He created that himself, too.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:02 PM MST reply actions

Q2 2:12 - I guess Bell is feeling better

Scores on two straight possessions.

..And now LB for steal and the rare dunk!

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:03 PM MST reply actions

suns aren't doing to well

opposite jinx :-0

by jasonsuns1 on Nov 30, 2007 8:05 PM MST reply actions

Q2 1:03 - Nice from Howard

Shows why (according to the announcers) he's leading in dunks.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:06 PM MST reply actions

At the half

The Suns take a 10-point lead into halftime as Marion forgets to beat the buzzer.

Suns are shooting 58.7% to the Magic's 47.6%, and still have the edge on the boards as well as turnovers (amazing given the start to the second). Raja Bell is working on a Player of the Game night with 7-10 shooting, including all four threes. Steve Nash with only 2 points (and that was on a goal tend), but seven assists and only one turnover. LB with some hot shooting as well, and several hustle plays by Marion also stand out.

So far, a nice game for the Suns.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:15 PM MST reply actions

Thumbs up

Not a perfect half by the Suns. Lots of TO's. Spotty shooting. But REALLY great to see Raja hitting 3's, and some intensity on the defensive end translating into points.

Can't expect Orlando to just roll over and go away though.

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 8:18 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 11:18 - Steve at 46

Steve Nash just hit his 45th and 46th straight free throw. The streak continues.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:26 PM MST reply actions

Q3 10:41 - Sweet!

Steve Nash WAY up to the Matrix for the alley-oop!

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:27 PM MST reply actions

Q3 8:54 - Nice "D" by Orlando

Forces the Suns into two straight empty possessions.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:30 PM MST reply actions

Q3 8:30 - At least we don't have to...

...see Amare shoot three's very often.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:31 PM MST reply actions

Q3 8:14 - After the near-jinx

...I'll keep quiet about Nash's free throw streak. :)

...Lead back to 13 after the steal and lay-in. Timeout Orlando. Suns up 70- 57.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:32 PM MST reply actions

YouTube alert

SueB: Any chance we could get a YouTube of that dunk by LB?

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:35 PM MST reply actions

See what I can do

That was a good one.

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 8:49 PM MST up reply actions

Q3 6:46 - And-1

I think that's the first one for Amare tonight?

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:36 PM MST reply actions

Q3 6:20 - Technical foul on Reddick

As for the free throw...mum. :)

Amare hits two as well, so three point play on that one.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:38 PM MST reply actions

Q3 5:35 - A little D?

Wide-open three for Orlando (albeit by Nelson so maybe that was the plan). Lead back to single-digits at 77-68.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:39 PM MST reply actions

Q3 4:57 - Nice move by Diaw!

Reminds me why I liked him so much a couple of years ago.

Magic getting technical. This time on Turkoglu.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:41 PM MST reply actions

Q3 4:25 - Reddick

Nice "D" attempt by the Suns, but better shooting by Reddick on that one.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:42 PM MST reply actions

Q3 3:47 - Would rather have the three

Blocking foul called on Orlando, but would rather have the three Raja made right after the whistle.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:43 PM MST reply actions

Q3 3:32 - Amare sends it away!

Amare vs. Howard Part 2? Another screen saver for srp.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:44 PM MST reply actions

Q3 2:50 - I like the balance tonight

Healthy dose of Nash-to-Amare, while also keeping everyone else involved too.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:46 PM MST reply actions

Q3 2:15 - Moment of truth time

Nash on the bench, Skinner in for Amare who just picked up a third foul, and Orlando just closed the lead to eight. Suns need to play better than they did during Nash's second quarter break.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:49 PM MST reply actions

Q3 1:25 - ...and that got it off to a good start

Three by Grant Hill, and looking perfectly comfortable while doing it.

...now Skinner gets a nice rebound for a second opportunity. Didn't work, but nice try.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:51 PM MST reply actions

Q3 00:27 - Comparisons between Howard and Amare...

...end at the free throw line. Howard gets one-of-two.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:52 PM MST reply actions

After three

Grant Hill preserved the double-digit lead by taking the charge. LB smacks the shot clock on the buzzer-beating attempt. After three, Suns still lead by 10. 88-77.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:54 PM MST reply actions

Q4 11:11 - Skinner caught me looking away

I'll have to go back and see that again on Tivo. I thought it was a three, but apparently not. A long jumper just the same.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:57 PM MST reply actions

Q4 10:00 - Magic coming back strong

Lead down to six.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 8:58 PM MST reply actions

Don't have a good feeling about this

Will Nash come back in now, or wait another couple minutes?

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 9:01 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 8:56 - Saving their best for last

Wow, the Magic seem to have really kicked it into another gear in the 4th. Three by Turkoglu cuts the lead to three.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:01 PM MST reply actions

Q4 7:04 - Amare blows the highlight

Wow, that dunk would have been sweet, but it clangs off the rim. Amare gets to the line for the one-of-two. Guess I jinxed him with my Howard comment.

LB makes a highlight of his own.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:06 PM MST reply actions

Okay, feeling better now

Suns showing some determination and grit tonight. I like it.

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 9:08 PM MST reply actions

Q4 5:53 - ENERGY!!!!

From the Suns and the crowd. This is really great to see!

Amare annihilates Arroyo, then LB gets the three. Crowd goes nuts. More, please.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:08 PM MST reply actions

Q4 5:15 - Amare gets the And-1....

...and the fifth foul on Howard. Amare misses the FT though.

...Nice defense on the other end saves the 10-point lead.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:12 PM MST reply actions

Q4 3:13 - The time used on that possession

...helps more than the made shot would have. Still, the Magic are in striking distance with an 8-point lead for the Suns.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:14 PM MST reply actions

Q4 2:39 - Ditto

Same comment as before. Suns use time due to Orlando playing great defense. If the Suns can keep getting stops (or sending Dwight Howard to the free throw line), they should be fine, but a steal and an easy basket would be nice.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:16 PM MST reply actions

Q4 2:12 - That hurt

Three by Reddick. And Nash can't answer on the other end. Ugh.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:19 PM MST reply actions

Q4 1:35 - Ugh continues

Another three for the Magic. That make by Shawn helps, though. Suns still up, but only by four. 106-102.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:19 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:16.7 - Win by rebound?

If the Suns win this, major kudos go to Raja Bell for that rebound. Suns up by two with the ball and 16 seconds to go.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:22 PM MST reply actions

Suns trying to hold on

Just need to get it inbounds to Steve.

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 9:22 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:15.8 - Nash's FT streak ends

...at a very inopportune time. I'm calling overtime for this one.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:24 PM MST reply actions

Q4 00:15 - Good foul (I think)

Giving up the free throws instead of a three.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:26 PM MST reply actions

Nash streak

They just said he was at 53 for the season, and 74 dating back to last season. Guess he was due for a miss, but man, what an awful time for it!

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:27 PM MST reply actions

Q4 09.8 - Ugh

Marion misses the free throw. Magic only down by two now. Do the Suns have 10 seconds of defense left?

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:29 PM MST reply actions

Phew, Lewis can make those

But not this one. Good hand up by Shawn.

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 9:31 PM MST reply actions

Q4 3.8 - Luck!

Shawn got a hand in the face, but I still feel like we dodged one. Steve gets a second chance to ice the game.

...and does.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:31 PM MST reply actions

Yay

Great game. Good job, Tex.

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 9:32 PM MST reply actions

And that's the game...

No overtime, but that's about the only thing this game lacked. Great play by both teams = easily the most entertaining game I've seen this season.

(Major gripes to League Pass, though, for cutting the broadcast before the postgame interviews...grr...)

Recap coming up shortly. Thanks to everyone who participated and/or followed along on the live blogging.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:33 PM MST reply actions

Is it just me?

I hate it when League Pass cuts out prematurely. Right in the middle of them interviewing Nash.

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 9:34 PM MST reply actions

I didn't even get that much

Mine cut out before the interview even started. Very annoying. All of you who are local will have to fill the rest of us in if he said anything important.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:35 PM MST up reply actions

Arg I hate these final minute game....

but we won!!!!!!!
Woot woot. Much better effort than the previous nights. Just gotta close out in the last minutes better.

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

by Turambar on Nov 30, 2007 9:35 PM MST reply actions

I LOVE last-minute games

Especially when both teams are playing well and my team wins. :) Those are the best kind.

Surprised that Steve "dirked" the free throw though.

by TexSUN on Nov 30, 2007 9:38 PM MST up reply actions

Meh......

Well I would love these kinda games but giving up a lead like that and having it go down to the wire makes me as nervous as a tick.

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

by Turambar on Nov 30, 2007 9:43 PM MST up reply actions

Okay, guess not

I don't get it because a lot of other team's broadcasts, they at least stick around for an interview.

by SueB on Nov 30, 2007 9:35 PM MST reply actions

Ice cold

If it werent for our ice cold shooting down the stretch this game probably would have been won by 12 or so points. I think Bell got iced as soon as he went to the bench after his hot streak. Oh well a W is a W and this was a nice, important win.

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

by Turambar on Nov 30, 2007 9:37 PM MST reply actions