Community Recap: Suns Outplayed in LA (115-122)

by TexSUN on Dec 26, 2007 4:41 PM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

First, thanks a bunch to SueB, jasonsuns1, and srp for diving in on the live blogging yesterday. Second, this was a terrific game to watch while surrounded by tons of Christmas and family-related distractions (somehow, watching with small children in post-Santa bliss bounding around in the background really takes the sting out of having to endure two and a half hours of Laker love-fest). Third, here is my very brief, good news/bad news take on the game:

Bad news: The Suns no longer have the Lakers' number. That psychological barrior has been completely and utterly obliterated.
Good news: I think the same is true for the Suns when they play the Spurs.
The other piece of good news: This game is a great example of how a very small roster tweak and the natural maturation of young players can make a huge difference. Derek Fisher and the improved Andrew Bynum are the difference between last year's sad-sack bunch who looked miserable to even be on the same floor together, and this year's Lakers who reminded me a lot of the 2004-05 Suns in this game with their sheer joy and (dare I say it) camaraderie.

Lastly, there were so many great comments in the game thread that I want to devote the rest of this post to a sort of reader "sound-off". Some of these are edited for length, so be sure to visit the game thread for the full versions.

From srp:

"This one really really hurts. Not only is it LA - who I have HATED for decades - but we are seeing the emergence of a real threat in our own division. And its not as if the Suns were sucking wind tonight. They got beat by a better team. Ouch."

From TwinnerA:

"I am not sure if I am grumpy today because I had to be in at work the day after Christmas or if it is because of the Suns. Maybe all those short practices we are always hearing about should be extended to work on defense only."

From SueB during the game (included because I had exactly the same thought!):

"Find myself swearing too much, which is unfortunate because, unlike most games I watch, the kids are up and lingering around."

Jasonsuns1 on what had to be the quote of the day from the announcers:

"The announcer when talking about Nash, he's ambidextrous with both hands... (like he'd be ambidextrous with one hand..moron)"

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Comments

I'd like to see

how we progress as the season goes on. Lakers obviously get up especially for us, no doubt they are better than last year, but we're not playing at our highest level right now, so I think we'd be able to take them in a series.
I'd like to see how we match up again vs. a healthy spurs team before I make a judgment on that.
Amare needs to step up his game, but he looks more motivated and like the players said, things will only go up from here (hopefully).

by alta on Dec 26, 2007 5:28 PM MST reply actions

laker loss

That was tough to watch, we didn't play horribly, just not great. I'd rate the suns a 6 out of 10 for the game, the lakers on the other hand are a different team with Bynum playing well (maturing) and Odom playing.

I think an important thing to know about rebounding, among other things. I think there are 3 types of rebounds (go with me on this...),

rebounds off pure hustle(marion type of boards), 2. rebounds off judging the ball and hustle (again marion type of boards)
rebounds gotten off of position and strength (skinner is the only player on our team even close to this, and he doesn't play enough for us)

My point is this, we're in trouble unless our offense is in full strength. If Amare could just stop passes from getting to the other teams big guy inside, we'd be 2-3+ games better in record.

Compare D.Howard vs Amare for example, Amare can shoot, Howard from outside 5ft can't, but Howard is the star this yr because of his rebounding and hustle, Amare is slipping away. I have confidence Amare can quickly change this, but it's sure is tough to watch now. Some players play with unending motivation and drive, like Nash, Bell, Barbosa, etc etc. I'm at a loss for what's happening with Amare, there's too many things I don't know to really say, but I do know he is getting torn apart by other teams big men again ad again. And if he could play defense, this simply would not be happening. It's clearly become the way to beat the suns, "THROW IT INSIDE TO THE GUY AMARE IS GUARDING, AND THROW A QUICK BIG MAN ON NASH AND MAKE HIM WORK ON DEFENSE"

As excited as I am about Hill's play, I'm as sad about what is happening with Amare. Here's hoping
things turn around with him.

by jasonsuns1 on Dec 26, 2007 6:34 PM MST reply actions

Kerr interview

Just listened to the Kerr interview via podcast. The focus was on playing away from home on Christmas and talked about the Christmas party, Santa, player's families and Kerr even pondered what the away teams record was on Christmas day.

I don't know. Seems like excuses to me but I guess against a very good team a slight distraction could be all it takes. You would hope that playing on national TV combined w/ the revenge factor from the 1st blow out would have been enough but maybe Santa sapped just enough stregnth...

I guess we will find out when we play LA again on Jan 17 and again on Feb 20.

Did I mention how much I hate the Lakers and their obnoxious fans? Spurs and Mav don't bother me. They are good teams. Great opponents. But the Lakers just inspire a unique level disgust...

by Seth Pollack on Dec 27, 2007 11:45 AM MST reply actions

haha

yep, thats why the last 2-3 yrs have been so sweet for a suns fan as far as the Lakers go. Whatever anyone says, a main problem is Bynum is really getting good and Amare is currently slipping.

by jasonsuns1 on Dec 27, 2007 1:50 PM MST up reply actions

Not over yet

I was reading more about this today - work on Dec 27th? - and a few interesting facts caught my eye:

The Laker's had the exact same record at this point last year as they do now. The Suns had one more win.
Bynum also started well - not this well - last year and by the end of the year was out of gas. While he has improved and reportedly worked on his fitness, its not clear that he's ready at 20 years old to really dominate in a playoff series. In fact, I seriously doubt it.
Can Odom really stay healthy for a full season?

by Seth Pollack on Dec 27, 2007 3:13 PM MST up reply actions

those are good points for sure...

thx

by jasonsuns1 on Dec 27, 2007 4:32 PM MST up reply actions

HAHAHA

Yeah keep telling yourself that the spurs aren't in the suns head if it makes you feel better. Suns have a close win with the big three injured and the suns have the spurs figured out. LOL

by swnbnbac on Dec 27, 2007 8:13 PM MST reply actions