Saturday's News: If they're Wizards, we're f**king Merlin

[SwingMan]

Suns too much for Wizards (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1207sunsonline1208.html)

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/pics/1208sunsgamer.jpg
Amaré Stoudemire goes to the basket in front of the Wizards' Andray Blatche during the second quarter Friday in Washington.

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 7, 2007 10:34 PM

WASHINGTON - The Suns are streaking again. The Suns are beating up on the East again. The Suns are scoring again and again and . . .

The source of their success is as repetitive as the above paragraph. In the Suns' fifth consecutive win Friday night, point guard Steve Nash set a season high for assists (19) for a third consecutive game in a 122-107 rout of the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center.

The Suns are picking on East teams, with an 11-1 record in interconference games this season.
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It does not get any tougher tonight in Minneapolis against the 2-15 Timberwolves, but the Suns are getting better at retaining leads since Tuesday's scare at Indiana.

They did not increase their scoring for a fifth consecutive night, but they led by double digits for the final 20 minutes Friday, had their season's third-best scoring total, shot 55 percent, scored 100 by the end of the third quarter for a second game in a row and set an NBA season high for assists, with 42 on 50 baskets.

"We're kind of humming along," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said.

Just like their point guard. Nash is averaging 16.6 assists and 2.4 turnovers in the past five games. Two months shy of turning 34, Nash has posted the best five-game assist total (83) of his career. He had set the arena's single-game assist record with 18 by the end of the third quarter and fell short of his personal best (22), returning for only one more in 5 1/2 fourth-quarter minutes.

"This is the kind of run we expect to be on," Nash said. "We expect to be there at the end and be champions, so we should play like this."

It's not just Nash who is setting the table. The Suns had six players score between 12 and 27 points (Amaré Stoudemire's team high), because Grant Hill had eight assists, Leandro Barbosa had seven, and Raja Bell had five.

"It's an infectious thing," said Bell, who made a season-best six three-point shots. "It starts from the top with Steve. When you've got guys sacrificing decent looks for great looks, you want to return the favor."

The Suns scored 30 points in the first quarter, the total they have reached or surpassed in each game during their win streak. But an easy-come offense led to easy-go defense, and the Wizards' big men kept the game close. Reserve Andray Blatche had a 12-point, six-rebound half after reaching neither of those totals in his six previous games.

With a 66-61 lead, the Suns had a 9-0 run in the third quarter and were not threatened again.

"We came out in the second half and put a stomp on them real quick and got the game over with," Suns forward Shawn Marion said.

All the recent offense makes Marion believe that the Suns can score 150 with a full effort.

"No matter who's in the game, they are going 100 miles an hour on both ends," Washington's Antawn Jamison said.

View from press row

Only 15 NBA players had committed flagrant fouls this season entering Friday. How could bring-home-to-Mom-nice Leandro Barbosa join that group? Barbosa became the first Suns player to commit a flagrant foul this season but did not seem to earn it on his Level 1 infraction against Washington's Antonio Daniels. Not only did Barbosa get in front of the play and between Daniels and the basket on a fast break, but Barbosa also tried to block the shot with his left hand. Barbosa being whistled for a "dirty play" is similar to thinking that Boris Diaw was going to fight when he left the bench during last season's playoff game in San Antonio.

Cheers

To the Suns' ability to win and improve on the road. They have a chance tonight to match Orlando's NBA-best road record (11-2).

Jeers

The Suns made it interesting in the first half because of sluggish defense.

Player of the game

Steve Nash, again. His 19 assists were a season best for the third consecutive game.

Saturday's game

Suns at Timberwolves

When: 6 p.m.
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis.
TV/radio: My 45/KTAR-AM (620).

Minnesota update: The Timberwolves (2-15) have lost five in a row after Thursday's 90-89 loss to Atlanta on a Joe Johnson buzzer-beater. Minnesota is led by Al Jefferson (19.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg), acquired in the Kevin Garnett trade, and leans on rookie Corey Brewer and guard Marko Jaric. Antoine Walker (ankle sprain) missed Thursday's game. Coach Randy Wittman (back surgery) has been out two games but might return tonight.

[SwingMan]

Numbers growing for Hill (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1207sunsnb1208.html)

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/pics/1208sunshill.jpg
The Wizards' Antawn Jamison tries to block the shot of Grant Hill during the first quarter Friday.

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 7, 2007 10:06 PM
WASHINGTON - When your point guard is the planet's most generous basketball player, the passing exploits of others can get lost.

During Steve Nash's recent remarkable run of assists, Suns teammate Grant Hill is creating like he did during the point-forward days earlier in his career. During the first four games of this trip, Hill is averaging 7.5 assists per game.

"I'm just trying to find my spot," Hill said. "I think every time out there, I feel a little more comfortable. Early on, I was pressing and trying to show what I can do."
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Hill has had enough time to learn his teammates' tendencies, and that has coincided with their increased health and conditioning.

"(Now) I can throw any pass to Amaré (Stoudemire), and he's going to catch it," Hill said.

Hill's average of 3.8 assists per game this season is his best since the 2002-03 season, and he is shooting 36 percent from three-point range after making nine of his past 17 attempts.

"All those things are becoming more instinctual than before," Hill said. "I was thinking, 'Where do I go?' and 'What do I do?' to not get in the way," Hill said. "It's fun."

Message from 'Hawk'

There has been an outpouring of concern from Suns fans over the past month for Hall of Famer and former Suns All-Star Connie Hawkins since his serious health issue came to light.

With Hawkins' consent, a Suns intermediary reported that "Connie has been going through treatment for a serious illness, and over the last three weeks, his condition has shown positive improvement. The long-term prognosis for his full recovery is excellent. All the calls and well wishes and prayers are very much appreciated."

Hawkins, 65, has been a Suns community-relations representative since 1992.

Take the day off

The Suns' next off-day practice will be Tuesday. The Suns' most recent practice was last Saturday.

With a veteran team, the staff aims to get more out of resting players on off days than shaving minutes during games. Unless it is the second game of a back-to-back set, the Suns can get nearly as much out of a morning shootaround with a similar regimen of video, walk-through and shooting.

"It's important not to burn them out early," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "I'm not going to make them show up and go through the motions of it (a practice between road games). Mentally, that's probably worse." Free throws

Stoudemire has seven games of at least 40 points and 10 rebounds since Jan. 1, 2005. That is more than any NBA player, even though Stoudemire played just three games in the 2005-06 season.

• Forty Suns fans can win a pair of tickets for the Jan. 3 Seattle game in a 40th anniversary season contest. To enter, fans must write a 40-word essay on their favorite Suns memory. Information: suns.com.

[SwingMan]

(The latest from Paul Coro's blog)

Washington in awe (http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaulCoro/12204)


The fans in Washington, D.C., always seem to enjoy watching the Suns more than other away fans. Maybe it's the democracy of the Suns offense with all of its equal rights and privileges to score.

With one of their area sons rejuvenated (Grant Hill) and another initiated (D.J. Strawberry via college), they seem to enjoy the show even more. When Amare Stoudemire, Caron Butler and Shawn Marion had three consecutive dunks in the first half, there was a bigger gasp for Stoudemire's and Marion's dunks than their Wizard's slam.

Even the Wizards sounded in awe.

"Tonight, we got to see a big-time playoff team," Washington center Brendan Haywood said.

Wizards fans do boo the Suns but it's funny. They put up photos of Dallas Cowboys, like Troy Aikman and Jerry Jones, or the Cowboys star to incite their fans during Phoenix free throws (What would happen if they put up Calvin Hill, Grant's father?). Don't take much from the boos. They even booed Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, obviously there to cheer on his hometown Suns.

But just in case you're getting too excited about the Suns beating up on a bunch of mediocre teams, here's your daily dose of Steve Nash. He basically said the Suns are just doing what they should be doing.

"I think it's just a little run that we are on," Nash said. "I think we still have a lot of work to do even though we're playing well."

In other words, check back with him in two weeks after they have played Utah, New Orleans, San Antonio and Dallas consecutively.

[SwingMan]

Suns notebook: Healthy Hill playing like an All-Star (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/103650)

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/images/photos/2007/12/07/sv3lpbj6.jpg
GIVING MOOD: Suns guard Steve Nash (13) passes in front of the Wizards’ Roger Mason during Friday’s game. Nash finished the night with a season-high 19 assists.

Jerry Brown (jbrown@aztrib.com), Tribune
December 7, 2007 - 10:12PM

WASHINGTON - Tonight against the Timberwolves, Grant Hill will play his 21st straight game for the Suns. That might not sound like anything extraordinary. But for Hill, it will represent the longest regular-season run of health since he was a Detroit Piston eight years and a half-dozen surgeries ago.

Not only is Hill playing, but he’s playing at a level few thought they would see again. Over the last 13 games, Hill was averaging 18 points and shooting 57 percent from the floor. His 3-pointers are starting to drop (7-for-13 over the last five games) and his athleticism belies his 35-year-old birth certificate – injury history or not.

To watch Hill flash from the deep corner to the hoop on one dribble or race ahead of the pack on the fast break is becoming more and more common.

“There have been a few moments here lately when I said, 'Wow, that’s a move I haven’t made since Detroit.’ I can’t tell you how good that feels,” Hill said after collecting 18 points, eight assists and five rebounds in front of his dad, former NFL star Calvin Hill, and about a dozen other friends and family Friday night.

Hill grew up in nearby Reston and starred at South Lake High School before moving on to Duke and the NBA.

“I wanted to keep trying, keep coming back because I really felt like this was still there. And to play with players who are so talented, unselfish and enjoy playing together, with a guy like Steve (Nash) orchestrating … even if two or three guys are off on a given night, we have the firepower to keep going. I don’t know how teams go about preparing for that.”

Coach Mike D’Antoni feels having Hill around makes it that much harder for foes.

“He was an All-Star before he got hurt, I guess he shouldn’t be surprised that he’s playing at an All-Star level now that he’s healthy,” D’Antoni said. “He’s not 35, you know. He hasn’t played for years, he’s taken care of his body, he’s the first one in to work and he’s dedicated to his craft. He’s getting more comfortable showing us what he can do, and I think there is even more to come.”

MOVIN’ ON UP

The same night he set a Verizon Center record, Nash also moved among the top 25 on the NBA’s all-time assist list. His 19 assists Friday gave him 6,133 in his career and allowed him to pass both John Havlichek (6,114) and Clyde Drexler (6,123) and into sole possession of 25th place, just two behind No. 24 Scottie Pippen (6,135).

“That some great company. It’s very cool,” said Nash, who usually doesn’t have much use for number crunching. “That’s three big names in the sport. Bet I won’t catch them in points though.”

Nash has at least 14 assists in each of the last five games and has set season highs in each of the last three. His 19 on Friday were just three off his career high, set in a triple-overtime loss to the Knicks almost two years ago (Jan. 2, 2006).

“We take what the defense gives us and right now I’m getting a lot of opportunities to set up teammates instead of shooting,” he said. “Whatever is there, we take.”

Nash said this five-game winning streak is more impressive than the eight-game run last month because the team has “become a little more whole” and is in better rhythm.

“We’ve played four of five teams that we have a better record than, so we expect to win and get on a run,” he said. “But the last two games, we’re concentrating better and not losing our focus, which is more encouraging.”

IMPRESSIVE STATS FOR 'STAT’

Amaré Stoudemire continued a dominant road trip with 27 points and eight rebounds, moving his average to 30.5 points over a four-game stretch that has seen him shoot 75 percent from the field (48-for-64).

“And they haven’t all been layups and dunks, let’s get that on file,” he said with a smile, talking about his ever-improving eye from 16-18 feet “Right now, we’re all putting up the points and having a ball. If we don’t have a good shot, we make the next pass. And you know it’s going to come around again next time, so everyone is benefiting.”

Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said he adjusted his pick-and-roll defense to stay with Stoudemire and stop him from dunking the ball uncontested – on one first-quarter jam, he had enough time to throw in a double-clutch move.

“That worked for about three possessions, then Steve and Amaré adjusted to that,” Jordan said. “We adjusted, we switched, we did everything. They just capitalized on our adjustments.

BONUS SHOTS

Ex-ASU star and Baltimore Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs was among those in the crowd. He was booed by the fans – because he’s not a Redskin, not because he’s a Suns fan. …

Leandro Barbosa, the Brazilian bully? The slight guard was charged with a flagrant foul after a collision around the basket with Washington’s Antonio Daniels in the second quarter, although replays clearly showed him going for the basketball. …

When the Wizards game operations people want the crowd to boo at Verizon Center – when the Suns are at the free-throw line, etc. – they flash the faces and logos of the hated Dallas Cowboys. It works every time.

Did you see that?

Steve Nash’s 19 assists were a season high for him and set an arena record at the 10-year-old Verizon Center. Three other players held the previous mark of 17. Nash has 13 or more assists in nine of the last 12 games and at least 15 in each of the last four.

Player of the game: Amaré Stoudemire missed only two shots for the second straight game (12-for-14) and finished with a game-high 27 points. Stoudemire is averaging 30.5 points and shooting an incredible 75 percent from the field (48-for-64) during this perfect 4-0 road trip.

Unsung hero: Raja Bell is finding his legs and his shot. He hit a season-high six 3-pointers on 11 tries, scored a season-high 22 points and was one of four Suns to register at least five assists.

Thumbs up: After scoring 45 in the third period in Toronto Wednesday, the Suns put up 40 more in the same quarter Friday. All eight players had at least one field goal in the quarter.

Thumbs down: The first half was a little lazy from an energy standpoint, but Phoenix still scored 61 points. But when the third quarter started, the game ended.

[CNY_xplant]

I haven't seen this posted yet, but an interesting playoff prediction machine by Hollinger.

Hollinger's Playoff Odds (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds)

[sunsdotcom]

http://www.forbes.com/business/forbes/2007/1224/DONOTTOUCH050.html

On The Cover/Top Stories
Phoenix Rising
Kurt Badenhausen 12.24.07, 12:00 AM ET

Robert Sarver became rich sprucing up small, mundane banks. Now he is doing the same thing with the Suns of the NBA.

For a banker, Robert Sarver's having too much fun running the Phoenix Suns basketball team. At various times the team's new principal owner could be found courtside at games waving a huge "Go Suns" purple foam finger, dunking a basketball at halftime off a trampoline,or being propelled from a giant slingshot during a time-out, all to the delight of fans. Doing a somersault off a bank counter just can't compare.

In just three years Sarver, 45, turned the Suns from a loser on and off the court into the most exciting team in the NBA. His game plan: spend on star players and a renovated, revenue-enhancing arena, and market like time is running out. Last season the team posted a record of 61 wins and 21 losses and reached the second round of the playoffs. Fans and sponsors love the team. With attendance at 755,000, the Suns generated revenue of $145 million, up 10% from the previous season. Operating income (in the sense of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was $37 million last year, compared with $9.8 million for the average NBA team. FORBES estimates the Suns are now worth $449 million, eighth-highest in the league.

Sarver, along with partner and former player Steve Kerr, had originally wanted to put a team in Las Vegas. NBA Commissioner David Stern nixed that, instead sending him to Suns owner Jerry Colangelo. Kerr and Sarver met with Colangelo, and a deal was in place four weeks later. In June 2004 he paid $401 million for the Suns and the operating rights to America West (nyse: LCC - news - people ) Arena (the price eventually rose another $3 million because of bonuses based on team performance).

Sarver is majority owner with a 40% stake. The 15-person group includes Phoenix entrepreneur Samuel Garvin and diet guru Jenny Craig. "I like competition. If you like competition, owning a professional sports team is the ultimate," says Sarver.

When he was 23 Sarver raised $4.5 million and became the youngest person to ever start a bank, National Bank of Tucson. He sold it ten years later for $64 million to Zions Bancorporation (nyse: ZBPRA - news - people ). He next led a group that acquired Grossmont Bank in 1995 for $50 million and unloaded it three years later for $210 million. He's now chief executive of Las Vegas' Western Alliance Bancorp.

The team was spiraling downward when Sarver bought it. Bad personnel moves--like the one in 2001 that shipped out point guard Jason Kidd and replaced him with Stephon Marbury--turned the team from a perennial title contender to one that would miss the playoffs two of the next three seasons. During the 2003--04 season the Suns won only 35% of their games and season ticket sales, the lifeblood of an NBA franchise, bottomed out at 6,000 in the 19,000-seat arena. Revenue stalled near $110 million.

Sarver had little time to waste. Player free agency began seven hours after the Suns sale closed. "We thought we had a good team, but we needed a senior leader to bring it all together," says Sarver. The Suns lured point guard Steve Nash away from the Mavericks with a five-year, $65 million deal. It was a gamble because Nash was an oldster of 30. But with Nash at the controls, the Suns in 2004--05 led the league in scoring for the first of three straight years.

Now it was time to financially get a payoff from the on-court success. The team completed a $70 million renovation to its arena, to add luxury seating, two club restaurants for high rollers and a 6,000-square-foot children's area called the Jungle. The team went from 125 floor-area seats to 504 priced as high as $1,500 per game. The new pricing and premium seating added $10 million to revenues.

Overall revenues have jumped 30% since Sarver took over. Season ticket sales were capped at 15,000 this year, and the team will have 120 straight sellouts by season's end. "The Suns are one of the best brands in the league, right up there with the Lakers," says Salvatore Galatioto, president of the sports banking firm Galatioto Sports Partners.

The Suns also have benefited from the growth of Phoenix. Population is up 39% and the median income 56% over the past ten years. The Suns, founded in 1968, had the Phoenix pro sports market to themselves for 20 years. Since then teams in football, baseball and hockey have arrived.

Part of the Suns' financial success stems from investments on the business side by the new owners. The team invested heavily in software to target new ticket buyers. It hired eight people to work with sponsors, bringing revenues from this source up 30% since 2004. A new group was formed that works solely to retain current season ticket holders.

Despite these investments and a payroll that went from $45 million in 2004 to $71 million this year, Sarver is perceived as a parsimonious banker in the Suns' blogosphere and among diehard fans. They point to his selling draft picks for $3 million a pop to the Portland Trail Blazers the past two years (no one ever accused Portland owner Paul Allen of being cheap). Next was a trade of forward Kurt Thomas and his $8 million salary to Seattle--widely seen as a salary dump that hurt the Suns' roster. Sarver defends himself: "We're knocking at the door of winning a title, and a draft pick is not going to help us win a title."

Sarver says the money from draft picks will go toward $151 million in contract extensions for players recently signed, like Leonardo Barbosa and Amare Stoudemire.

Some of Sarver's actions can be traced to the NBA luxury tax. Teams whose payrolls exceed $68 million this year are on the hook for a tax rate of 100% for the amount they surpass the threshold. Those teams also relinquish the right to funds distributed to non-taxpaying teams. The Thomas deal saved the Suns $16 million in salary and reduced taxes. The strategy: pay for performance, but don't pay too much.

[Dustbuster]

The first half was more the game I expected last night. The second half blew my expectations. The assists right now are insane. Nash makes it seem so easy to get a lot of assists, but its obvious from the rest of the league that is just isn't that easy. The passing spirit is spreading around the team, and to me, that indicates that chemistry is coming up and the guys are starting to have fun. This is great news!

BTW, I thought back in that year's draft that Andre Blatche would be great in a Suns' uniform. He had a scary time back when he got shot, but last night certainly did nothing to change my opinion. He is the kind of versatile big that would be absolutely great behind Amare - or next to him.

Question: if Diaw continues to be incompatible with Amare (like for the duration of this year), and management has determined that we are building around Amare for the future, should we start shopping him? Is he movable? At his production level in 05-06, he is well worth his current contract. At his current level, he is at best an MLE type player. I always feel like Diaw is soon going to turn a corner (particularly coming into this season) - but he just hasn't. Will he?

[AlanS]

Suns' Nash Is in MVP Form
Guard Riddles Wizards Defense for a Season-High 19 Assists: Suns 122, Wizards 107
By Ivan Carter | Washington Post Staff Writer | Saturday, December 8, 2007

The Washington Wizards made nearly half of their shots, had 10 assists and only five turnovers and scored 55 points in the first half last night and still went into the locker room trailing by five.

Such is life when you are playing two-time MVP Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns, a rare team that manages to balance entertainment with brutal efficiency. The Wizards found that out the hard way as the Suns opened the third quarter with a 13-6 run and never looked back en route to a 122-107 victory at Verizon Center.

Nash led the way with 12 points and a season-high 19 assists, Amare Stoudemire repeatedly rocked the basket supports with ferocious dunks on his way to scoring 27 points on 12-of-14 shooting. Phoenix shot 54.9 percent as a team.

Andray Blatche paced the Wizards (9-10) with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Antawn Jamison added 16 points and 11 rebounds and the team got a season-high 51 points from its reserves. But with Gilbert Arenas looking on in a suit from the bench, the Wizards lacked the firepower to keep pace with the Suns, who were coming off a 136-123 win at Toronto on Wednesday night.

"They got a lot of dunks in the first half, so in the second half we tried to step in and stop them from getting those and they started hitting three-pointers," said Wizards guard Roger Mason, who came off the bench to match a season high with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting. "It was one of those things where no matter what you do, they hurt you."

It was the fifth straight win for the Suns (16-4) who will close a five-game road trip tonight at Minnesota.

If Nash and his teammates had anything resembling tired legs, it didn't show during the crucial third quarter when they took over by outscoring the Wizards, 40-21.

Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan tried to stop the bleeding with a pair of timeouts, but the breaks seemed to only energize the Suns, who shot 77.3 percent in the period and made five three-pointers, including one by Leandro Barbosa that gave them a 100-76 lead.

The run came despite a defensive adjustment by the Wizards. After the Suns picked them apart with pick-and-rolls in the first half, the Wizards started switching on screens in an attempt to keep Stoudemire from getting easy dunks off passes from Nash.

However, Nash simply stayed patient, kept his dribble when confronted by a switching defender and began finding teammates for open perimeter shots. "We tried to devise a game plan against their pick-and-roll," Jordan said. "It wasn't working, so we had to make some adjustments and they capitalized on our adjustments. We wanted to go one-on-one instead of being caught in rotations. That worked for about three possessions, and then Steve and Amare adjusted to that."

By the time rookie Nick Young (13 points on 6-of-11 shooting) energized the sellout crowd with a spectacular breakaway dunk with 4 minutes 27 seconds remaining, it was too late.

Grant Hill added 18 points and eight assists for Phoenix while guard Raja Bell (22 points) made 6 of 11 three-pointers, including all four of his long-range attempts in third quarter.

The 122 points scored by the Suns were the second most registered by a Washington opponent this season. Phoenix's 50 field goals were the product of 42 assists.

The Wizards will attempt to bounce back tomorrow night against Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets, who dropped to 9-11 with a loss to the Houston Rockets last night.
"Steve Nash is a lot like the guy we are going to see on Sunday in Jason Kidd," Jordan said. "He can just control the game without scoring a whole bunch of points."

WIZARDS NOTES: The teams will meet again on Feb. 10 in Phoenix. . . .

In the last two games, Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson has two points on 1-of-8 shooting. . . . Jamison has 13 double-doubles on the season. . . .

Nash has finished with 13 or more assists in nine of the last 12 games. . . .

Phoenix rookie D.J. Strawberry, who starred at Maryland, received a nice ovation when he checked into the game with just less than two minutes remaining. Strawberry, who missed his only shot last night, has appeared in six games.

BY THE NUMBERS

6 Three-pointers made by Suns G Raja Bell, including four during the 3rd quarter

11-1 Suns' record this season against the Eastern Conference.

QUOTABLE
"It was like, will somebody please miss a shot? They made everything." Wizards G Antonio Daniels, on the Suns 3rd quarter, during which they made 17 of 22 shots and outscored the Wizards 40-21.

[ShelC]

The suns are rolling, but its important to not get too high or too low. Im not hating, not debbie downer, but its early december and im sure we'll go thru another funk or 2 where we look out of sorts, guys are lagging a bit, the shots arent falling....This team is fine. We just cant expect to play 82 games with the same efficiency that we've had the past 3-4 games. ITs not possible. Still, when everythings working we're pretty impressive offensively and that trickles over to the defense. We just have to make sure we pace ourselves a bit and hit this kind of stride at the end of the year and in the playoffs.

Also...great thread title Swing. Probably my favorite so far!

BTW, I thought back in that year's draft that Andre Blatche would be great in a Suns' uniform. He had a scary time back when he got shot, but last night certainly did nothing to change my opinion. He is the kind of versatile big that would be absolutely great behind Amare - or next to him.

Word. Hes got legit perimeter skills but credit the wiz' coaching staff. They stayed on him and made it clear that he wouldnt get time unless he committed to the defensive end and on the boards.

Question: if Diaw continues to be incompatible with Amare (like for the duration of this year), and management has determined that we are building around Amare for the future, should we start shopping him? Is he movable? At his production level in 05-06, he is well worth his current contract. At his current level, he is at best an MLE type player. I always feel like Diaw is soon going to turn a corner (particularly coming into this season) - but he just hasn't. Will he?

Boris is moveable if the right team comes along and determines that he fits their system and theyre willing to give him the ball enough times to make plays. I think he'd fit in with a team like detroit, where hes playing with intelligent bball players that can play off of him and vice versa. I think Cleveland would be a good fit as well where he could take some pressure off of LeBron handling the ball. But i think he'll work out here so long as we stay committed to him.

In just three years Sarver, 45, turned the Suns from a loser on and off the court into the most exciting team in the NBA.

Thats a bit of revisionist history. Doesnt BC deserve some credit?

The team was spiraling downward when Sarver bought it. Bad personnel moves--like the one in 2001 that shipped out point guard Jason Kidd and replaced him with Stephon Marbury--turned the team from a perennial title contender to one that would miss the playoffs two of the next three seasons.

I wouldnt say "spiraling downward", more like hit their ceiling and werent going anywhere. Perennial playoff team defintiely, not perennial title contender seeing that we were 1 and done in the playoffs every year. The Kidd era ran its course and the suns made a pretty equal trade at the time, getting to the playoffs with Marbury in his 2nd season.

Who wrote that article? Sarvers mom?

[LazarusLong]

Probably would never happen, but I wouldn't mind the Suns considering a Diaw for Troy Murphy trade. Contracts are similar. Murphy is a decent shooter from behind the arc, and also can rebound. At 6-11 250, also can run the floor. Downside is that he has been injury prone. Indiana might do the deal as Diaw is younger and has the potential to play multiple positions.

[AlanS]

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/teams/report/PHO/10519632

Suns report: Getting inside
Dec. 8, 2007 | The Sports Xchange

SUNS 122, WIZARDS 107: Amare Stoudemire has regained his stamina. Grant Hill has found his "Suns legs." Raja Bell is finally healthy. Leandro Barbosa has rediscovered his shooting eye.

And when Steve Nash is finding all of them with the basketball, this sport doesn't get much prettier to watch.

Remember the Phoenix team that was winning, but still searching for its mojo? The Suns have it now and used it to roll out another 40-point third quarter and bust open their fifth straight win, 122-107 over the Wizards.

Nash set a season high and Verizon Center record with 19 assists, his fifth straight game with 14 or more helpers, and the Suns finished with an NBA-high 42 assists as a team. In four games on this road trip, the Suns have racked up 155 assists (38.8 a game) and the points are coming fast and furious.

And in the last two games, the Suns have closed out opponents early, avoiding the stress and anxiety of losing big leads. Phoenix is now 16-4 overall and 10-2 on the road -- with a bullet. And next up Saturday night is 2-15 Minnesota, who might be praying for a blizzard to hit town before the Suns do.

The Wizards had seven players in double-figures for this first time this season. They shot 48 percent and put up 107 points -- and were down by as many as 24.

----

Saturday against the Timberwolves, Grant Hill will play his 21st straight game for the Suns.

That might not sound like anything extraordinary. But for Hill, it will represent the longest regular season run of health since he was a Detroit Piston eight years and a half-dozen surgeries ago.

Not only is Hill playing, but he's playing at a level few thought they would see again. Over the last 13 games, Hill was averaging 18 points and shooting 57 percent from the floor. His three-pointers are starting to drop (7-for-13 over the last five games) and his athleticism belies his 35-year-old birth certificate, injury history or not.

To watch Hill flash from the deep corner to the hoop on one dribble or race ahead of the pack on the fast break is becoming more and more common.

"There have been a few moments here lately when I said, 'Wow, that's a move I haven't made since Detroit.' I can't tell you how good that feels," Hill said after collecting 18 points, eight assists and five rebounds in front of his dad, former NFL star Calvin Hill, and about a dozen other friends and family Friday night.

Hill grew up in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Reston and starred at South Lake High School before moving on to Duke and the NBA.

"I wanted to keep trying, keep coming back because I really felt like this was still there. And to play with players who are so talented, unselfish and enjoy playing together, with a guy like Steve (Nash) orchestrating -- even if two or three guys are off on a given night, we have the firepower to keep going. I don't know how teams go about preparing for that."

Coach Mike D'Antoni feels having Hill around makes it that much harder for foes.

"He was an All-Star before he got hurt, I guess he shouldn't be surprised that he's playing at an All-Star level now that he's healthy," D'Antoni said. "He's not really 35, you know. He hasn't played for years, he's taken care of his body, he's the first one in to work and he's dedicated to his craft. He's getting more comfortable showing us what he can do, and I think there is even more to come."

Copyright (C) 2007 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved

[DrSublime]

anyone else STILL have problem saying Washington Wizards?

they are and always will be the Washington Bullets as far as im concerned

[LazarusLong]

wizards sounds like a name for a rec soccer team of 6-7 year olds ...

[MTSunsFan]

Stoudemire has seven games of at least 40 points and 10 rebounds since Jan. 1, 2005. That is more than any NBA player, even though Stoudemire played just three games in the 2005-06 season.

Trade the guy? Yeah, whatever. He's a frickin' beast and is only getting better w/ age...

[ShelC]

I love that we're showing the killer instinct in the 3rd qtr. It shows our awareness of the game and the fact that we can control our level of play.

Also, i dont want to open up a can of worms but i guess Banks is out of the rotation for good now? I thought he had finally "gotten it".

[LazarusLong]

I was curious about that, also, Shel.
Maybe Banks will get some run today against his old team, Minniehaha.
Banks has far more talent than Piatkowski ...

[Spanky]

anyone else STILL have problem saying Washington Wizards?

they are and always will be the Washington Bullets as far as im concerned

Didn't you know, PCness is all the rage... :roll:

[DrSublime]

Spanky, didnt you know

im not very PC ;)

[DrSublime]

wizards sounds like a name for a rec soccer team of 6-7 year olds ...

HAHAHA i love it

[AlanS]

http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/4018-NBA-Phoenix_Suns-No_Quarter_Given_Playing_the_Phoenix_Suns_-241107

Don't know if this has been posted...

No Quarter Given: Playing the Phoenix Suns
by Aaron Keel (Columnist)

http://www.bleacherreport.com/image/file/678/lead/nash.steve.1.jpg

Tick tock.

You’re an NBA team.

You’re in Phoenix to play the Suns, the most explosive club in the league.

The Suns have two-time MVP Steve Nash, the Matrix Shawn Marion, and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Leandro Barbosa—among others.

That’s okay, you think. We aren’t chumps. We have good players too.

Little did you know the timer started ticking as soon as you got off the plane.

Tick tock.

The first quarter starts and you’re feeling good—you like this run-and-gun tempo the Suns force everyone to play.

Phoenix is shooting cold, and you’re up five when the quarter ends.

What’s everyone complaining about, you wonder. We can score as many points as these guys.

Tick tock.

Now it’s the second quarter and the Suns are warming up—but you’re on fire, and you match them shot for shot.

The only problem?

You’re also getting tired.

The first half ends—and you need the break. The Suns don’t even seem winded.

These guys must do their offseason training in Kenya, you think as you reach for the oxygen mask.

Tick tock.

But then again it’s not all bad—you’re up by a point, and Nash only has three assists, which is great considering he averages 10.5.

Tick tock.

Unfortunately, like a gazelle taking a drink from a crocodile-infested lake, you’re oblivious to the destruction that awaits you.

Tick tock.

The third period opens and you swear you can hear something ticking around you.

Tick tock.

First Amare Stoudemire hits two buckets.

Then it’s Nash.

And then back comes Stoudemire.

That ticking you hear gets even louder.

Tick tock.

Suddenly you realize what the sound is.

But it’s too late.

Boom.

The ticking time bomb that is the Phoenix Suns has finally detonated—and you’re in the center of the blast.

You spend the rest of the game in a state of shock, amidst a barrage of dunks, three-pointers, steals, and blocks.

When the dust finally clears, the scoreboard reads 113-94—and all you can do is wonder what happened.

As you leave the arena, you shake your head and feel sorry for the next victim on the Suns’ schedule—because you know what awaits them.

The timer has already started.

They just can’t hear it yet.

Tick tock.

[DrSublime]

love that above column

[SwingMan]

Also...great thread title Swing. Probably my favorite so far!

Thanks, Shel. :-D

Allow me to add this:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/pics/1208hillcov.jpg

Think Hill ain't diggin' being on the best team of his career? :cool:

[cap]

I haven't seen this posted yet, but an interesting playoff prediction machine by Hollinger.

Hollinger's Playoff Odds (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds)

That’s pretty cool.

[triplethreat06]

That’s pretty cool.

Yeah except that Atlanta is going to be a lottery team and it's saying there is absolutely no chance of that happening.

[Suns_Dave]

The suns are rolling, but its important to not get too high or too low.

Ha ha ha! This is PHXSUNS.NET we're talking about--the most emotionally volatile fangroup on the internet! Dream on, ShelC, dream on...

[INFORMER]

The Suns are streaking again.

And they allow this in Phoenix?

[Dammit]

Anybody know off the top of their head what Grant Hill's career highs are in scoring, rebounding and assists?

[mmpetric]

.7% chance lottery WINNER for the Hawks, not in the lottery in general.

[CNY_xplant]

Anybody know off the top of their head what Grant Hill's career highs are in scoring, rebounding and assists?

48 Points against Washington
18 rebounds twice
14 assists twice

Most minutes played = 55 minutes against Phoenix on 12/3/97

[mmpetric]

Anybody know off the top of their head what Grant Hill's career highs are in scoring, rebounding and assists?

25.8 PPG - 99-2000
9.8 RPG - 95-96
7.3 APG - 96-97

Between 94 and 2000 he was a top 3 player in the league, and well worth that huge contract Orlando gave him expecting similar results.

[CNY_xplant]

.7% chance lottery WINNER for the Hawks, not in the lottery in general.

The chart is claiming that Atlanta has a 0% chance of being a lottery team. I don't buy it, but that's how the simulations have come out.

I love the fact that the odds are worse for Dallas to make the playoffs than the Lakers and Houston.

[mmpetric]

The chart is claiming that the Hawks have a 41.8% chance of being a lottery team.

The Suns have the Hawks pick, and as such, the probability that the Hawks win the lottery is listed under the Suns row. (See *)

[AlanS]

Yeah except that Atlanta is going to be a lottery team and it's saying there is absolutely no chance of that happening.

It's not beyond reason that ATL makes the playoffs. Right now, it looks like at least one sub-.500 team will make the Eastern playoffs. And with the Heat, Bulls, and Wizards all struggling, some team that hasn't made the playoffs recently has a chance to get in.

[Superbone]

Also, i dont want to open up a can of worms but i guess Banks is out of the rotation for good now? I thought he had finally "gotten it".

Yep, so much for the pact...

[tbrkingofthesouth]

Stoudemire has seven games of at least 40 points and 10 rebounds since Jan. 1, 2005. That is more than any NBA player, even though Stoudemire played just three games in the 2005-06 season.

Wow, Trade him for Camby whoever said that should put that crack pipe dooowwwwwnnn!!