Gameday Open Thread: Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 8:32 AM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	at	Indiana Pacers
13-4		9-9
5:00 PM Mountain / 7:00 PM Eastern
TV: My45 HD, NBA League Pass
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Jamaal Tinsley
Raja Bell	SG	Mike Dunleavy
Grant Hill	SF	Danny Granger
Shawn Marion	PF	Jermaine O'Neal
Amare Stoudemire	C	Jeff Foster

Stop #2 on the Suns' five-game road trip matches the Suns against the Indiana Pacers in the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Suns swept the Pacers last season, beating them by 11 points on the road and by 25 at home. The Pacers have had kind of an up and down season so far, but seem to be righting the ship somewhat. They've gone 6-3 since a six-game losing streak in mid-November. Their recent pattern seems to be lose one, then win two, and they're one game removed from a loss so the Suns will be looking to break that pattern. But they'll need to be careful not to take this team too lightly: The Pacers have beaten both Dallas and Utah at home, as well as Denver on the road.

Visit Indy Cornrows for the scoop from the other side. I will attempt to live blog again tonight, internet connection willing, although I may be a bit late. As for the YouTube, I was going to go with something more recent, but this one was just too good to pass up:

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Comments

Karma?

It just dawned on me that no one 'round here has mentioned that it was former Sun James Jones that took out TD in the recent Blazers-Spurs game.

It will be very interesting to see how the Spurs do without Timmy in the middle over a few games.

by Seth Pollack on Dec 4, 2007 8:45 AM MST reply actions

Yeah, sort of funny

That JR was the one. But really, unless it would happen right before - or during - the playoffs, it doesn't matter to me at all. Sure, I'd like to see the Spurs lose a few, but in the long run, as we found out last year, seedings don't matter all that much.

by SueB on Dec 4, 2007 9:04 AM MST up reply actions

Thanks, Junior!

I think he caused some kind of hand injury to Ginobli also in that same game. It should be interesting to see how S.A. does against Dallas on Wed. night without Duncan. There are times that Popavich likes to hold out some of his best players in regular season games anyway to mess with people's heads. The most-hated Spur whose name I can't even bring myself to say (who caused the whole suspension thing) just played his first game of the season the other night because he had some kind of personal issues, maybe a sick child or something. If that's the case, I feel sorry for the child, but I hate his father.

by TwinnerA on Dec 4, 2007 4:30 PM MST up reply actions

On tonight

Hoping we can put this game away good and early, unlike last game. We'll just have to see. We got some walking wounded to deal with still with Nash and Bell, so that will probably be a factor. I think we should be fine, but.......all depends on if the team is clicking.

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

by Turambar on Dec 4, 2007 12:59 PM MST reply actions

YouTube clip

just watched that clip - holy crap, that has to be the best "facial" ever! Great find!

by Seth Pollack on Dec 4, 2007 1:33 PM MST reply actions

Q1 10:44 - We're off

Change in the starting lineup for Indiana, Sean Williams in for Jeff Foster (not surprising).

Steve Nash nailed a jumper on the first possession (nice to see), but Indiana got it back on the other end, and the turnover with the three gives the Pacers the early lead at 5-2.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:13 PM MST reply actions

Q1 9:38 - Inside power

...from both teams, first Amare fighting for the second attempt, and now the Pacers taking it in for two.

...and while I was typing the above, Grant Hill gives the Suns the lead back, then scores again for the 5-point margine, 14-9, Suns.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:16 PM MST reply actions

Q1 7:50 - Inside Power II

Nash to Amare for the slam.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:17 PM MST reply actions

Q1 7:21 - Grant Hill is on fire!

I don't think he's missed yet.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:17 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:54 - Strip, steal, and score!

Marion gets a fast-break dunk, courtesy of his own defense and Grant Hill's unselfishness.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:21 PM MST reply actions

Mike D'Antoni

They're showing highlights of D'Antoni as a player on the Pacers' broadcast. (These guys are pretty good, btw).

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:22 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:04 - Going for steals

Several attempts to steal the ball ends in futility, but the Suns get it back anyway after Indiana turns it over. Diaw cashes in with the jumper. Suns up by double digits at 26-16.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:24 PM MST reply actions

Q1 3:21 - Suns pace so far

The game has been at the Suns pace so far. Suns already have 28...make that 30 after Amare's two free throws...with 3 minutes left in the quarter.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:26 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:59 - Suns dodge one

Was about to break out the "ugh" after an offensive rebound by the Pacers off a free throw led to a wide-open attempt by Dunleavy. Fortunately, the shot popped back out. Nash gets fouled on the other end. Chance to go up by 12 after the timeout.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:28 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:38 - No rest for Nash

...since he had to shoot the free throws. He makes good on it with a nice pass to LB who gets fouled. NOW Nash can rest. Skinner is in, along with LB, Diaw, Hill, and Bell.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:32 PM MST reply actions

Q1 2:07 - Must be cold?

Several players blowing on their hands. Maybe the arena is chilly.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:33 PM MST reply actions

Q1 1:41 - LB makes his toughest shot attempt yet

Couldn't hit the wide-open three earlier, but now makes a very difficult shot that was by far his toughest attempt so far in this game.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:34 PM MST reply actions

Q1 00:59 - No three for LB

Was hoping that last shot would get him going, but he just missed another open three on the previous possession. After a Pacers score and another Suns bucket, we're up 38-24 with 55 seconds to go.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:35 PM MST reply actions

Q1 After one

The end of the first quarter could have been better, as the Pacers close within nine after the 5-0 run in the last minute. Still, looking good so far.

The broadcasters just mentioned "breaking news" about the "latest Pacers transaction".

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:37 PM MST reply actions

Q2 11:49 - The Pacers have acquired...

...Dan Majerle for the second quarter. Kinda figured that's what they were talking about, but wanted to share the "suspense" with the readers. :)

Grant Hill makes a quick trip to the line for two, bringing the Suns back to the double-digit lead, 40-29.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:40 PM MST reply actions

Q2 10:22 - The secould-quarter lull is upon us

Suns still looking for their first FG of the quarter I think. Fortunately, the Pacers aren't exactly scoring lights out either, but they have closed the lead to five (30-35).

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:42 PM MST reply actions

Q2 9:03 - Reverse jinx in effect

Brian Skinner hit a jumper and now Raja nails a three since I typed the last comment. But they need to stop some guys on the other end! Suns lead by seven, 44-37.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:44 PM MST reply actions

Q2 8:47 - Blocked!

By Skinner. I guess that last bucket from Raja was at two, otherwise the score doesn't make sense.

Skinner hits a second jumper. Definitely better than advertised on those.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:47 PM MST reply actions

Q2 6:07 - Right idea...

...but wrong result. Amare tried to pass it, but it got picked off. Rigth idea, though.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:53 PM MST reply actions

Q2 4:22 - Jermaine O'Neal in foul trouble

Picked up his third on the offensive end.

Suns take advantage right away with an emphatic slam by Amare. (That might be one of those YouTube-worthy slams!)

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 5:59 PM MST reply actions

Q2 3:04 - Matrix at the line

Makes both for the second time tonight. Maybe he got some practice in after that close call the other night.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:02 PM MST reply actions

Interesting stat

The Suns haven't hit a three yet (apparently that shot from Raja earlier was a two). The Suns are 0-5 from three with 2:43 left in the half.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:04 PM MST reply actions

and yet have only scored 65 points

such great balance :)

by Seth Pollack on Dec 4, 2007 6:05 PM MST up reply actions

Another interesting stat

...or make that STAT? Amare already has 21. Suns up 66-53 after the slam on the other end.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:06 PM MST reply actions

Q2 1:49 - Make that 23

I can't count. I think he had 20 before, so the three-point play would make it 23.

Fastbreak from the Pacers and jumper by Dunleavy, though, pulls them within seven. Second straight end-of-quarter lapse?

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:09 PM MST reply actions

Q2 00:40 - Still no three

Bell misses. They'll get one more chance to make it a 70-point quarter. Meanwhile, the Pacers score again, so we have 69 points and only lead by five.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:10 PM MST reply actions

At the half

Good news: The Suns have 69. Bad news: That's only good for a five-point lead as the Pacers went 8-0 to close out the half.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:14 PM MST reply actions

Dinner time

Between that and the internet connection issue rearing its ugly head again, comments may be slow at the start of the third. Going to try to stick with it though.

Announcers just reminded me of something I forgot to mention--Nash had 9 assists in that first half. Grant Hill is 5-6 and Amare is 7-11, Skinner 3-3.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:30 PM MST reply actions

Q3 10:13 - Back to 10

Lead is back to 10...make that 12. Suns came out running in the third. 76-64.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:31 PM MST reply actions

Q3 6:42 Amare with 30

A little sloppy on that possession, but the Suns manage to come away with the score anyway as Amare beats the shot clock buzzer.

Suns lead back up to 10 after the Nash score.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:38 PM MST reply actions

Q3 5:30 - Redemption

Marion makes the alley-lay-in after blowing the easy one on the play before.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:40 PM MST reply actions

Q3 Nash's rest...

...doesn't get off to a good start as LB turns it over (looked like he slipped on a wet spot).

Back-to-back "And-1s" by Indiana cuts the lead to six. 84-78.

...make that 86-78 after the Amare make while I was trying to get this comment through.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:42 PM MST reply actions

Q3 3:37 - Amare going for 50?

That makes 34 for him I think. If this game stays close, he could break the 50 mark.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:44 PM MST reply actions

This would be a blowout...

...if the Suns were hitting threes. 0-9 so far.

After the free throws by Indiana, the Suns lead is down to four. 88-84.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:49 PM MST reply actions

Q3 2:02 - Reverse Jinx II

Raja nailed a three while that last comment was taking forever to send. And now the technical make by Nash brings it to 92-86.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:51 PM MST reply actions

After three

Nash's free throw shooting has taken a hit since that long streak. He missed on the three-second violation with about a minute to go. Two more scores by Indiana, and one more by the Suns brings it to 96-90 headed into the fourth.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:55 PM MST reply actions

Q4 11:39 - Opening with a score

...on both ends. Interesting that Nash played off the ball on the first possession. He ended up with the assist, though, to Skinner for the (eventual) dunk. But Indiana has scored twice since, so the lead is back down to four. 98-94.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 6:58 PM MST reply actions

Q4 9:12 - Play with fire...

...you get burned. Pacers finally tie it up after the Suns got a little sloppy.

...and now Indiana takes the lead at 100-98. First team to 100 wins? Hopefully not tonight.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 7:03 PM MST reply actions

Q4 8:19 - Amare again

...hits the jumper, then Marion gives the Suns back the lead. 102-100.

...Indiana doesn't waste any time getting it back. All tied at 102.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 7:07 PM MST reply actions

Q4 3:38 - Lagging behind

Comments are once again lagging several minutes behind real time thanks to interNOT connection (sigh). Indiana is back on top by five 112-107. Not looking good, folks.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 7:12 PM MST reply actions

It's hopeless

Not the game, but my internet sure is. I guess I'm going to shut it down as much as I hate to. Tech support is supposed to contact me tonight, so hopefully we can get this thing resolved. Sorry everyone, hate to bail on such a tight game, but the internet issue is becoming a distraction to watching the game. Back for the recap, although that may be a little delayed as well (look for it tomorrow morning).

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 7:16 PM MST reply actions

AAAGGGH!!

NAAAASSSSSSSSSH YEEEESSSSSS

by whatisboxhappening on Dec 4, 2007 7:23 PM MST reply actions

Beat me to it

Geez louise, it's now taking about 4 minutes for my comments to get through. ARGH. Oh well, the guy's supposed to call me any second. Glad this didn't go to overtime. Totally fed up with computers at the moment. LOL.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 7:31 PM MST up reply actions

Recap

...actually, if somebody else wants to take a stab at it be my guest. I'll check back after the support call to make sure someone didn't beat me to it before writing one myself.

Thanks everyone who followed along on this.

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 7:24 PM MST reply actions

Good W!!!!

For a night when there seemed to be a lid on the rim from beyond they arc the Suns still pulled through. And holy crack was Amare on fire or what!?!?!?!?!? I wish I could have seen the game on TV, but he must have strode through the painted area like a titan. Hill was proving yet again why we picked him up. And Nash was being the MVP that he always is.

I worry about LB and Diaw's lack of production. I can understand LB is working through injury (sprained ankle i think) but Diaw has got to step it up and finally find a niche in this team. Diaw needs to improve in order for this team to take it to the next level. Overall he's looking better than last year, but he's still very hit or miss. God I wish the team can just sit down and talk to him, or something

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

by Turambar on Dec 4, 2007 7:45 PM MST reply actions

actually......

Thought for a bit about Diaw and I realized that overall he's been mediocre at best on average. We've seen more flashes of the old Diaw but it's still just "ok" playing that's coming from Diaw. God I hope the coaching staff is on his case right now because we need him to be deadly off the bench, not lukewarm.

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

by Turambar on Dec 4, 2007 7:55 PM MST up reply actions

Recap

Hill, Nash, Skinner, Stat, Bell played great. Negatives were Diaw (no big surprise there) and Barbosa. Matrix missed a ton of layups but got 12 rebounds so I can live with that. Nash leaving the game in the 3rd quarter with 5 min. left and then having to come back in with 2 min. left just shouldn't happen. I just hope the long minutes tonight for some of the guys don't spell doom for the game against Toronto tomorrow night who won last night without 3 players.

by TwinnerA on Dec 4, 2007 8:00 PM MST reply actions

Killin' me!!!

Nash with the dagger.

Man, that was a fun game to watch. Does Amare make every 18 footer he takes.

Congrats on the W.

by Tom Lewis on Dec 4, 2007 8:05 PM MST reply actions

cornrows...

Thanks...on Amare, he really has worked himself into becoming a great 15-18 ft shooter. I remember watching him last year during a game, and in warmup, and it seemed every shot was a swish from that range, it's cool to see players develop things into their game, Amare sure didn't have that shot 3+ yrs ago.

Take care....

Also, it's funny you'd say that was a fun game to watch, and yet your team lost...I was saying the same thing about a suns game i went to, in which they lost, but it was still fun...weird huh.. A few years ago, if we lost, I lost with them...but some of these nba teams have become more fun to watch, even in defeat.

by jasonsuns1 on Dec 4, 2007 11:54 PM MST up reply actions

Recap by committee?

If no one is busy writing a recap (email me if you are), I'm going to just compile today's recap from the comments left in this thread. So jot down your thoughts here, if you haven't already. Still waiting for tech support (although a reset of everything seems to have temporarily cleared the problem). I have some stuff to finish up for work, and will check back when I'm done. We'll say an hour (although it will be a lot longer if that support guy finally calls me)

by TexSUN on Dec 4, 2007 8:15 PM MST reply actions

Dump Diaw

Diaw had an uncontested layup tonight and he passed it out to the three point line. He is a deer in the headlights. How long is D'Antonie going to keep making excused for him. Teams can always double team Nash or Amare because they know Diaw won't shoot if you put him on a step ladder.

by OneSunsFan on Dec 4, 2007 8:24 PM MST reply actions