Game Day Open Thread: Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz

by TexSUN on Mar 7, 2008 4:38 PM MST in Phoenix Suns: Game Coverage

Phoenix Suns	vs.	Utah Jazz
40-21		40-22
7:00 PM Mountain / 9:00 PM Eastern
TV: FSN AZ HD, NBA League Pass
Probable starters:
Steve Nash	PG	Deron Williams
Raja Bell	SG	Ronnie Brewer
Grant Hill	SF	C.J. Miles
Amare Stoudemire	PF	Carlos Boozer
Shaquille O'Neal	C	Mehmet Okur

What happens when a bad road team missing its best defender meets a previously-good home team that's now struggling to find it's way without its most versatile defender? What happens when Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur meet the Big Cactus, as he likes to be called these days? What happens when a young up-and-coming point guard meets a former two-time MVP who's trying to re-establish cohesion on a team that's undergoing preseason in March? Your guess is as good as mine. We could see anything from a blowout by either team, to a tough, competitive, hard-fought game that won't be decided until the final minute.

The Jazz are coming into this game on a three-game winning streak, but lost Andrei Kirilenko to that infamous Dirk Nowitzki horsecollar move on Monday. The Suns have been (let's be honest) reeling, and basically playing like a mid-level Eastern Conference team since the Big Trade. At some point, you have to think pride and talent will re-assert itself, and everything will suddenly snap into place.

Reason for hope: The Suns tend to start the season slow, then really get cooking around the start of December. If we look at the present situation as the start of a new season (as Shaq says, a "college season"), then we should be on fire any day now, right? Perhaps tonight is where it begins. [Update]: New member Snowbird agrees with this assessment.

My Utah Jazz has the view of the game from a Jazz fan's side, including this interview with srp. See also, srp's turnabout interview with them.

No formalized live blogging tonight, although discussion of the game in the comments is welcomed and encouraged.

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Comments

Great!

But, will there be punch? What about Chex Mix?

by KJ7 on Mar 7, 2008 3:38 PM MST reply actions

Bump!

Bumping the game thread to the top.

by TexSUN on Mar 7, 2008 4:40 PM MST reply actions

Tad Redundant

But I think tonight it will all start to come together. Kirilenko being out is great for us and hopefully can help swing the battle of the boards our way. Deron Williams also seems to be the only elite point guard Steve Nash can guard without it sticking out TOO much.

Go Suns!

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 4:51 PM MST reply actions

No League Pass

I'm hoping to listen to most of the game via NBA.com's Audio League Pass, but since we'll be furiously getting ready for a party we're hosting tomorrow, I think it'll be me and the refresh button for the better part of tonight.

Lame.

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 5:13 PM MST reply actions

Too bad

And to add to your misery, I can't do live blogging tonight, because I won't be able to watch the game live (Sunday's either). Bummer all around.

Hopefully some other kind folks will pitch in to give a feel for the game to those who can't see it. :)

by TexSUN on Mar 7, 2008 5:30 PM MST up reply actions

Even worse...

I work on Sunday, so it'll be me and the refresh button... on my cell phone (at least it's a Pearl).

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 5:32 PM MST up reply actions

Maybe it's the heady rush...

...of finally getting involved with a Suns community, but I kind of feel a statement game coming from the big guy tonight. And the Suns in general. But I think Shaq, while not frustrated with his team and how they're playing, is probably frustrated with the questions surrounding the trade. He's got a superstar ego that this team has sorely lacked. He knows how to channel disrespect into motivation (a skill that Amare and Marion, despite their alleged egos, haven't developed).

I think he (and the team) are going to want to show something definitive tonight as opposed to the mixed bag we've been seeing.

By the way, I know I'm totally jumping the gun on my 10-game-midseason-preseason theory, but I'm brimming with the optimism that can only be brought about by knowing I'm going to listen to Al McCoy call a game for the first time since I moved to LA.

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 6:06 PM MST reply actions

I'll Chip In A Bit

On whats going on.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 7:02 PM MST reply actions

Good news

Atlanta, who fell to lottery position #10 last night, are losing to Charlotte. The Bibby trade has not had the effect that was expected. They could actually fall to 9th.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:15 PM MST reply actions

Joe Johnson

Joe is definitely not a superstar. His team is losing by 14, and he is nonchalantly bringing the ball up, wasting 20 seconds on the shot clock before splitting two defenders and getting fouled on a drive. With 2:56 left, he is not demonstrating the leadership the Hawks sorely need.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:18 PM MST reply actions

Good Start

19-14 Suns, transition game so far. Suns still not getting back fast enough on defense.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 7:21 PM MST reply actions

Thanks Michigan!

For keeping us posted...!

by PanamaSun on Mar 7, 2008 7:23 PM MST reply actions

Q1 6:04

Suns up 21-14, Steve is playing more aggresively. Looking to score finally.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 7:23 PM MST reply actions

!Q

Good defense by Amare on Boozer. Agressive O-Rebound on the other end by Diaw follows his own missed shot for two, and Suns lead 21-14

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:24 PM MST reply actions

Hill playing like Marion?

Is Hill replacing Marion as the slasher of the team?

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 7:25 PM MST reply actions

1Q 5:50

More good defense by Amare, makes Boozer travel. Nash for 3, and lead 24-14

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:27 PM MST reply actions

Q1 5:05

Amare fouled on a drive. Suns defense just forced travelling on consecutive possessions. Suns up 26-14.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 7:27 PM MST reply actions

1Q 5:06

I love the defense by Diaw, causes turnover, and Amare gets fouled at the other end 26-14

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:28 PM MST reply actions

1Q 4:00

Amare 3:60 spin piroette gets it to go, 28-18

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:31 PM MST reply actions

Q1 3:14

Boozer fouls Amare again, two personals on Carlos. Suns up 30-20.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 7:31 PM MST reply actions

Amare WORD!

I saw that play again, it loked like a 6'10 Michael Jordan. Wow

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:33 PM MST reply actions

STAT on fire

Right now, I give it to Amare every time. He is either scoring or getting fouled every time.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:37 PM MST reply actions

Giricek is awful

DJ is better than him

by Bruno on Mar 7, 2008 7:40 PM MST reply actions

End of First Quarter

Suns lead 33-28. Jazz mounting a comeback with Steve sitting. Suns seem to be controlling fast break better tonight.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 7:43 PM MST reply actions

Giricek is streaky

We've just never had a good streak out of him.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 7:43 PM MST reply actions

1Q ended

Amare with 13, team kind of slowed down with him out, lead 33-28

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:43 PM MST reply actions

Don't like...

Utah shooting 52%. That's gotta come down.

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 7:45 PM MST reply actions

they have to give the ball to shaq

nad Barbosa's defense is getting worse

by Bruno on Mar 7, 2008 7:52 PM MST reply actions

2Q 41-35

Bell for 3!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:53 PM MST reply actions

Q2 8:37

Amare with his second personal on Okur. Suns holding onto a 41-37 lead. Steve should be heading back in to take control.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 7:54 PM MST reply actions

Raja D

Bell is getting inside Korver's head

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:57 PM MST reply actions

Grant Hustling

Nice hustle by Hill, grabbing rebound amid Jazz players

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 7:58 PM MST reply actions

STAT free throws

Someone said Amare was 89% from the line for the last two months. Who woulda thunk it?

Thena t 5:40, Amare makes it a 4 point game.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:01 PM MST reply actions

great job by bell on Korver!!!!!

by jasonsuns1 on Mar 7, 2008 8:01 PM MST reply actions

Q2 5:03 Suns up 50-44

Huge dunk by Shaq caps off a wild play.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 8:03 PM MST reply actions

2Q 5:03

Suns playing physical. Oneal slams, then sprints down court and hustle gets turnover on DWilliams

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:04 PM MST reply actions

2Q 4:51

Boozer can't handle Shaq. Gets his 3rd, Amare hits one of two

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:06 PM MST reply actions

Amare, sorry

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:06 PM MST reply actions

Oreb, score

Great huustle by Shaq. He is getting better every game

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:08 PM MST reply actions

2Q 2:52

Blam, Amare again, Williams back, two point game

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:09 PM MST reply actions

Q2 2:35 Suns up 55-53

Playing at our pace, hopefully we'll wear them down. Most of the Jazz seems to be in foul trouble.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 8:09 PM MST reply actions

We want DJ

Barbosa doing absolutely nothing, why not put in DJ to cool off Williams?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:11 PM MST reply actions

Let's go

STAT slams

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:12 PM MST reply actions

Bell 3, 60-54

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:13 PM MST reply actions

2Q 0:38 63-56 Suns

Bell another 3!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:15 PM MST reply actions

2Q 0:26 66-57 Suns

Nash 3

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:17 PM MST reply actions

At the half Suns lead 66-59

Great little run at the end. Suns did a great job of controlling turnovers in the second quarter. Will be a tough game to the end I think. I'd love to see more from LB, Diaw, and Hill. Also, we really should run offense through Shaq when Steve sits. Shaq offense beats no offense.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 8:19 PM MST reply actions

Listening on Radio

Sounds like we are havin another good first half. Let us pray they can do something different and continue playing well or even improving in the second half.

"I have heard that in war haste can be folly, but have never seen delay that was wise." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Mar 7, 2008 8:22 PM MST reply actions

Q3 6:16 Suns lead 79-78

Off of a 7-0 Jazz run.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 8:43 PM MST reply actions

Suns Offense

stagnating now...

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 8:44 PM MST reply actions

Okur and Williams

Are the only Jazz players keeping it together.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 8:44 PM MST reply actions

bad defense in 2nd half

where are the stops?

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 8:45 PM MST reply actions

3Q 5:16

Nash 3, 82-80

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:47 PM MST reply actions

3Q 4:10 87-81

Bell 3

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:50 PM MST reply actions

Good D

Nash takes charge

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:51 PM MST reply actions

Q4 2:25

Amare AND 1! See Amare, Thats why you rebound.

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 8:52 PM MST reply actions

3Q 2:15 89-83, free throw to come

Nash to Amare and-1

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:52 PM MST reply actions

Q3 2:25 Suns lead 89-83

Amare sinks the shot and is fouled. Timeout, the Suns are taking back the game after briefly losing the lead. Steve to sit again, lets hope we hold down the fort until he returns.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 8:53 PM MST reply actions

3Q 1:06 92-83

Shaq with the tip of his own miss

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:57 PM MST reply actions

15-3 run 94-83

Suns weathered run fron Jazz

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 8:59 PM MST reply actions

End of Third Suns On Top 94-85

Just need to keep battling. Great effort so far particularly from Raja and Shaq.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 9:00 PM MST reply actions

Suns zone

giving Jazz problems. When have you ever heard that?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:00 PM MST reply actions

Nice

We've won each quarter thus far. Statistically, it looks like a prototypical suns game, except that rebounds are even.

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:00 PM MST reply actions

End of 3Q: 94-85

Just have to hold on to the lead until Steve returns!

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:01 PM MST reply actions

too much to hope for

*shakes head*

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:08 PM MST up reply actions

Q4 8:28 Jazz Lead 97-96

Off a total goddamn collapse.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 9:08 PM MST reply actions

Barbosa can't shoot tonight...

already has 5 fouls but I don't even think he has 5 points...

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:10 PM MST reply actions

Babry only took 4 shots - 3 from 3

didn't make squat.

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:13 PM MST up reply actions

big 3

LB is back!!!!

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:18 PM MST up reply actions

Shooting contest

The Suns have gotten by on outshooting the Jazz so far. They haven't put a dent in that 52% shooting percentage by Utah.

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 9:16 PM MST reply actions

Q4 5:27 Suns Back Up 106-104

Off a three by LB.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 9:17 PM MST reply actions

??? LB

Why isn't DJ playing? Where is Diaw?

Oh, there's an LB 3. Finally

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:17 PM MST reply actions

OK...

Hearing Al yell "Shazaam! LB for 3!" made my evening. And the travel doesn't hurt. Momentum swinging back, perhaps?

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 9:17 PM MST reply actions

Jazz fouls

Amare is going to foul out Boozer and Okur if he keeps it up.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:19 PM MST reply actions

From the sound of it...

...the defense has a long way to go. And "they HAVE to get Shaq back in the game" is not something I like hearing.

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 9:22 PM MST reply actions

wuhoo

Nash steal assit, Barbosa!

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:23 PM MST reply actions

Oh, man...

I can feel gray hairs coming in already. This is coming down to the wire.

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 9:23 PM MST reply actions

OK

Boris ties it 114-114

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:24 PM MST reply actions

Tie Game

Now who can win the last 2:09??

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:25 PM MST reply actions

Q4 2:09 114-114

Please God let us pull this one out.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 9:25 PM MST reply actions

a foul on nash????

what happened?

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:26 PM MST reply actions

Offensive foul

not sure what happened tho

*"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton*

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:27 PM MST up reply actions

come on

Notice Amare didn't take it to the basket the last two times. He gets free throws every time.

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:26 PM MST reply actions

NASH

NOOOOOOO DONT BE HURT

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:28 PM MST reply actions

Amare to the hole and -1

Why did they stop doing that?

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:30 PM MST reply actions

Oh no, Shaq fouled

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:31 PM MST reply actions

5th foul on Boozer!

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:31 PM MST reply actions

its a little late

for it to matter...

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:34 PM MST up reply actions

Oh goody...

Shaq shooting late game free throws....

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:32 PM MST reply actions

This looks like another loss courtesy of the bench

...

What can you do?

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:33 PM MST reply actions

Boozer hits it, 122-118 30 sec left

We're in trouble

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Mar 7, 2008 9:33 PM MST reply actions

30 seconds....

down by 4....come on....

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:33 PM MST reply actions

Q4 :30.9 Jazz up 122-118

I can't take this shit anymore. I'm so sick of losing.

by MichiganSunsFan on Mar 7, 2008 9:33 PM MST reply actions

oh no...

4 points behind with 30 secs left...

I almost can't watch anymore...

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:33 PM MST reply actions

Grant Hill

any reason hes on the bench?

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:34 PM MST reply actions

Diaw

needs to be cut. Now.

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:36 PM MST reply actions

if we lose this game

i think that's it for the season...even if we are lucky enough to get to the playoff, we will lose in the first round.

we have played as well as possible in this game...

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:36 PM MST reply actions

come on!

This is a good close game. I think it's pretty encouraging that we stayed with Utah.

If we could play Nash 40-45 minutes we would win this game for sure.

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:39 PM MST up reply actions

BOOZER

FOULED OUT YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS LETS DO IT

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:37 PM MST reply actions

remember when...

Diaw was good. Man, that was a fun year. What happened?

by dvg on Mar 7, 2008 9:38 PM MST reply actions

He's getting good again

Losing the matrix is giving us 3D back.

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:39 PM MST up reply actions

Diaw

was experiencing "contract year phenomenon"

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:39 PM MST reply actions

third loss at home...

but i think we will come around to be the Spurs on Sunday just for the heck of teasing us...

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:39 PM MST reply actions

If we are still fouling and trying...

Why is STAT shooting threes? D'Antoni looks like hes in a ton of pain.

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:40 PM MST reply actions

SIGH!!!!

Man!!!

Looking so so so much better, but just still not there yet as a team. Damn these tough losses blow!!!!

"I have heard that in war haste can be folly, but have never seen delay that was wise." Sun Tzu

by Turambar on Mar 7, 2008 9:41 PM MST reply actions

If we lose to spurs...

I can already see Monday's ESPN Daily Dime Title: "Shaq Did Not Help Against Spurs, Suns Screwed"

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:41 PM MST reply actions

Nah, it aint shaq.

We lost this one with Shaq and Nash on the bench in the 4Q.

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:41 PM MST up reply actions

Damn, we just need a

win here and there! We are soooo close!

"You can never have too many shooters." - Cotton

by ZonaFlash on Mar 7, 2008 9:41 PM MST reply actions

Maybe

We can steal one against the grizzlies? (/sarcasm)

by RealTangiblesGuy on Mar 7, 2008 9:41 PM MST reply actions

Its the defense

We literally can't stop anyone. Why not play DJ for his defense. The kid is great, at least put him in as a defensive stopper down the stretch.

by dvg on Mar 7, 2008 9:44 PM MST reply actions

we lost to a better team tonight

but I believe there are just too many better team in the West.

I am not from Pheonix. I just hopped on the bandwagon because of Nash. I will support the Suns now no matter what but this is just too painful.

The thin bench is hurting us. How come D'Antoni didn't learn anything from the past few years? Look at how good the Jazz team is, even without AK!

On the other hand, we may not make it to the playoff. Even if we do, we will lose in the first round against the top seed (the Suns will only be the 8th seed). So the pain will be over soon. I just feel bad for Nash...

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 9:47 PM MST reply actions

Agree on the thin bench

Our guys are getting gassed. We've got 2 underused defenders in LJ and DJ that are stuck on the bench for one reason or another. Allowing Utah to shoot 57% is ridiculous.

I'm giving them one more game (alas, against the Spurs) to figure it out. After the Spurs game, though, they're on borrowed time.

by Mike Lisboa on Mar 7, 2008 9:52 PM MST up reply actions

On the bright side...

Atlanta lost tonight.

by dvg on Mar 7, 2008 9:48 PM MST reply actions

BTW, great game for Nash

One last thing. Nash played exceptionally well tonight. He scored, assisted, lowered his turnovers, even great defense! He drew an offensive foul on Boozer to get him fouled out. But guess what? None of these matters when the team lost.

In fact, I don't even think other Suns played poorly tonight. (Of course, LB could have shot better in the first 3 quarters.) I really believe using only 8 guys is what hurt us tonight. Look at Kyle Korver from Jazz. He was shut off by Raja Bell in the first half. So Sloan used other bench guys. Then at the end, he just came back in and made key free-throws. THAT's how the bench is supposed to be used...

by sonicking on Mar 7, 2008 10:01 PM MST reply actions