Nash's Big Night Not Enough As Suns Defense Flounders, Suns Drop Third Straight

Steve Nash shot 11-15 from the field (including 4-4 from three), dished out 15 assists and snagged 5 rebounds. Heck, he even got a steal. But unfortunately for Nash and the Suns, it wasn't enough as the Bobcats outshot, outrebounded, and out-everything'd their way to a win.

There was a period in the third quarter where it seemed like no one in a Suns jersey could miss. There was also a time in the third quarter where it seemed like no one in a Bobcats jersey could miss. Unfortunately for the Suns, those two times were happening concurrently.

And so went the game. After a rather uninspiring first half, the Suns found themselves only down by two points. Not bad, considering the body language and overall play from the home team. All the Suns had to do was come out, play their game, and get some stops. They did two of the three, but left out the most important part: getting stops. After being beat handily in Philadelphia, you'd think the Suns, losers of two straight, would come out on their home floor and give 110%. You'd think.

Phoenix, now losers of three straight games, now sits 4 games out of the 8th seed in the Western Conference. And with 10 games left until the All-Star Break, the team needs to take a long, hard look into the mirror and ask themselves exactly what it is they're trying to do.

The State of the Suns

There comes a time in every losing season where the team in question takes a look at their options. You can blow up the team, tanking your season for a shot at a young prospect. You can desperately cling to the hopes of a playoff berth, praying the teams ahead of you struggle enough for you to sneak in. You can make a trade to try and put you "over the hump."

None of these options, however, look appealing to Phoenix. Do the Suns fall into the "Free Nash" campaign, trading away their future Hall of Fame point guard and face of the franchise? Do they try to use Vince Carter's hugely expiring contract as trade bait at the trade deadline? Or do the Suns stand pat, trying to will their way to what will probably be the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs?

I, for one, do not have any answers for you. Sure, I could pull numbers showing why the Suns should roll with Player A over Player B. I could offer some insightful, profound comments explaining what the team should do. But I won't. The Suns simply are not playing good basketball, and I've accepted the fact that this season is not going to be as magical as last year's. We all knew that about 10 games into the season.

However, just because this team doesn't have the chemistry or cohesion that last year's squad did, that doesn't mean that we should give up on the team. There's a difference between a good team in rebuild mode and a team that makes rash decisions to keep the fan base happy. The Cavaliers stood pat after LeBron left, delirious in their rage that the team, as constituted, could still win games. The fan base didn't want someone to fill in LeBron's shoes. They wanted to rub it in LeBron's face when they won games without him. However, with Cleveland sitting at 8-37 and losers of 18 games in a row, it's clear that the team is in a bad place.

The Suns are not the Cavaliers. There is still plenty of talent on this team, and while they may not be contenders (or even truly in the playoff race), there is no reason to panic. The team needs to make moves and retool, but desperation breeds failure. We may not be looking at a smooth road ahead here in Phoenix, but we're definitely not at the point where we just drive the car off the cliff and accept whatever happens.

Quick Thoughts

• I liked what I saw from Goran Dragic tonight. His confidence has been all over the map this season, and I think we saw the driven version of Goran. While it may not have reflected on the stat sheet (5 points, 2-8 shooting, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal), I saw quick decisions. It may not have translated to box score success, but it's a step in the right direction.
• Steve Nash should not be traded. The whole "Free Nash" campaign going around is complete garbage. What can we honestly get back for him? He's a week and a half away from 37, and while still incredibly productive, no team is going to give up a potential star for a fading one. I would like to see Steve's heart pay off, but I don't think it's in the team's best interest to shop him around.
• I respect Alvin Gentry. His team is struggling, but he's sticking with his rotations. Some may call him out for a lack of vision and will likely suggest what will magically fix the Suns. However, with his fluid rotations early in the season not equating to success, you stick with a more traditional 8-9 man rotation. It will also give young players like Goran Dragic a sense of continuity, which will (hopefully) get him familiar and comfortable.

Yes, tonight's loss was disappointing. In the next 10 games, we'll find out just what it is the Suns are going to be for the rest of the season. And yes, some of us will probably be disappointed with what happens. However, we may just be surprised with what the team does. Until then, all we can do is continue to tune in and support the SUNS.

[Note by Seth Pollack, 01/26/11 10:30 PM MST ]

Phoenix Suns Lacking Fight Late In Game, Lose To Charlotte Bobcats 114-107 - SB Nation Arizona

"I just think it's concentration and discipline, I think we lack a little bit of that at times. We had a good stretch there and then we take a step back a little bit. We don't have the talent or efficiency to not win those battles, the 50-50 battles," Nash said.

"It's not really something you can practice. It's something you have to have the determination to go out there and finish plays. I think at times we lack that a little bit."

Postgame Audio:

• Gentry postgame 012611
• Nash postgame 012611
• Dudley postgame 012611
• Frye postgame 012611
• Carter postgame 012611

Game Notes

1^st Qtr

• Game starts with Steve Nash passing up a lay up to dish the ball to Robin...a nod to Boris Diaw?
• Seeing Kwame Brown reminds me of how fun it was playing the Lakers in the playoffs when Kwame was their starting center and Smush Parker was their starting point guard. Good times.
• Watching Boris and Channing "get after it" reminds me that I have some cherry/cheese Danish at home from my favorite bakery, Karsh's.
• This is a fairly unimpressive display of basketball from both teams so far...a point reinforced by Vince Carter missing his second wide open corner three.
• Robin wasting a foul on Kwame Brown's shot attempt is not very smart basetball.
• Grant Hill is pretty much the only reason to still watch the Suns on offense (aside from Nash of course).
• Suns now 5-15 from the field and it's not b/c the Bobcats defense is that good.
• Suns Game Opns puts up a "Congrats Vince Carter On 20,000 Points". Probably to remind him that he used to be a good player and the Suns need him to at least score the ball a little bit.
• Boris Diaw came to play....or to eat. Maybe both.
• Gerald Henderson in for Gerald Wallace...just reminds me of the original Gerald. This guy.
• Vince Carter hits a three and does a big show of looking up to the heavens in thanks...b/c he's sucked for that last few games and he wants us all to know how happy he is to have made one. Good show, sir. Good show.
• 31-26, them. It could be worse

2^nd Qtr

• Two minutes into the quarter and I have nothing to say.
• Warrick missed a mid-range shot. Not exactly news but I'm trying here.
• Gortat is 1-1 on jump balls against guards tonight.
• Gentry for a time was using Carter as the offensive punch w/ the bench unit but he's given up on that and is going with Grant Hill now. Smart move.
• Twice I've seen the ball kicked but no kicking violations called. This must mean that Joey Crawford is a soccer fan. Or that he's blind. Not sure...you decide.
• Now that was an impressive pick and roll finish from the Polish Hammer. Mid-air adjustment plus two-hand slammer hammer jammer.
• Gortat with 12 points so far. Nice.
• Shaun Livingston posting up Steve Nash. Guessing we are going to see that a few more times... like now
• Carter hits two threes in a row! That's kind of cool. Especially b/c he's not playing much defense so at least he can even it out by scoring a bit.
• Bobcats up 53-51.
• Jared Dudley, you are not going to iso, drive and score on Boris Diaw. Sorry. Boris Diaw once shut down Tony Parker in a playoff game.

3^rd Qtr

• The Bobcats offense was described to me before the game by a Suns asst. coach as being "old school" b/c they always just look to post up a mismatch or run a pick and roll w/ DJ Augustine. Pretty much spot on w/ what I've seen so far.
• Kwame Brown has three fouls. That's good news for the Suns! Get that guy out of the game!!!
• Suns take 65-64 lead off Nash three which came after Hill steal. Hill is on S-Jax btw with Carter "hiding" on G. Wallace. Wallace not taking advantage for some reason.
• ‘Nother Nash three off a screen by Robin.
• First three points for Frye. A three of course.
• Nash has gone into Hero Mode. 17 points so far. 8 in the 3^rd qtr.
• Robin goes out...unlikely we will see him again tonight.
• Frye drains his third-straight three. That's how he do.
• Turnovers not helping the Suns keep their lead.
• Oh hey, Goran and Nash playing together. That's fun. Probably b/c Vince has 4 fouls.
• Hey Channing, if you are going to close out on Gerald Wallace shooting a 18 foot baseline shot at least put a hand up. Please?
• Well, at least the Suns are scoring the ball. 85-88 in the 3^rd.
• Lord, I probably just jinxed the Suns into a 12 points fourth quarter. Sorry.
• Stephen Jackson gave Dudley an approving pat on the ass after the sweet pump fake and make. No one pats my ass when I write a nice sentence. Just pointing out that difference between what I do and what they do.
• 87-92, Bob's

4^th Qtr

• I think some dude dunked himself off the trampoline. As in he went through the rim...but I missed it b/c I was talking to you people. Thanks.
• Gortat hurt, Robin in. Doesn't look serious....I mean Gortat. Robin does look very serious.
• Frye trying to be a thug by wrestling w/ Wallace and gets called for it. Can't win for trying sometimes.
• The Suns have given up 99 points to the Bobcats who played last night. They are shooting 53.8% so spare me the "fast pace" crap. The defense has been horrible but then again, it almost always is.
• Gortat and Lopez on the bench now. Frye and Diaw battling for the Best Undersized Center in Phoenix award.
• Shaun Livingston is out-playing Goran Dragic on both ends of the floor. Fact. But Goran does have better hair.
• Dudley passes up an open three so he can drive the lane and toss up a prayer at the rim.
• 6:34, Suns down 99-95. Nash at least was able to get some good rest. Should be back in now after this time out.
• Nash back in as predicted. It's almost like I can read Gentry's mind of something. Scary.
• 100-102, 5:00. Looks like I am not going to be able to get my recap done early. I would really appreciate if someone ran away with this game so I could save about 15 minutes of work. Help a brother out?
• Dudley fouls S-Jax taking a three....not the smartest move Mr. Dudley ever made. Might be his worst decision since those crazy long braids he used to rock.
• Suns down 108-104 w/ 3:25. For some reason I don't think the Suns are going to get the stops they need to win this game.
• Make that 110-104 w/ 3:15. Point made.
• Kevin Durant had 47 points and Kevin Love went 31 and 21. Wish those guys played here.
• Nash three cuts it to...forget it, Henderson got an open look 4 feet from the rim.
• Nash beats Gerald Wallace to a rebound.
• Tough foul on Frye...actually replay shows it was a good call.
• Ok, that's about it. 114-107 w/ 1:50.
• Carter passed that ball right at Marcin's face...clearly his nose knocked it out of his hands. (Yikes, that was mean).
• Not sure why Grant Hill wasn't on the floor to close out this game. Might be a good question for someone to ask in the press conf.