Monday's News: Crap teams? NBA high 19 road games to 12 home games = Bite my ass.....

[SwingMan]

Suns stay hot on road (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1230suns1231.html)
Stoudemire has 31 points, 17 boards to complement team's 3-point shooting


http://www.azcentral.com/sports/pics/1230sunslive.jpg
Suns center Amaré Stoudemire and Kings forward Justin Williams battle for position under the basket during the first half Sunday in Sacramento, Calif.

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 30, 2007 09:35 PM

SACRAMENTO- Nobody will think much of beating Sacramento without stars Mike Bibby, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest or put Phoenix atop the West because of Sunday's 117-102 victory.

But even as the Kings closed a four-game homestand winless, the Suns did distinguish themselves from San Antonio and Dallas in one regard - road success. Only Houston has played less home games than Phoenix, which has survived that by going 13-6 on the road compared with San Antonio's 5-6 road record and Dallas' 6-8 road record.
Swing's note: To the bold, not true. Houston has played 12 home games (7-5) as well, along with 18 road games (8-10) - STILL less than the shit we've endured.

Even as Sacramento closed to within three points and its crowd got into it Sunday, the Suns withstood by holding the Kings scoreless on the next seven possessions to cinch the game and keep the Suns in a tie with the Spurs for first in the West.
http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gifhttp://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif

The Suns won their third consecutive game against the division also-rans with center Amaré Stoudemire going for 31 points and 17 rebounds and forward Shawn Marion scoring 22 second-half points.

Point guard Steve Nash added 12 points and 15 assists while sixth man Leandro Barbosa scored 22 as Phoenix made 11 3-pointers.

Stoudemire finished Sacramento off on the Suns' last visit here with a game-cinching block as he scaled Kenny Thomas' back. This time, the Suns' offense was on his back early. Stoudemire made his first six shots of the game while his teammates were 1 of 7 from the field in the same time to leave Phoenix ahead 14-12.

Each of the six baskets came in the paint with many on high-energy plays, like stealing a rebound from Brad Miller and dunking or when he scored while being fouled amid three Kings players.

The Suns scored 27 points in the game's first 8:37 but looked like they might suffer again mightily without Steve Nash until Leandro Barbosa caught fire. Barbosa scored 10 of Phoenix's points during a 14-5 run that began with Barbosa's last second 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter, a feat he would repeat by hitting another 3-pointer in the final seconds of the half for a 64-55 Suns lead. Barbosa, coming off a six-point game Friday, finished the first half with 20 points while Stoudemire added another 19 to go with eight rebounds.

The Suns committed only three turnovers but kept Sacramento close with fouls in the first quarter and the offense of swingman Francisco Garcia, who got started with drawing fouls and turned torrid from the perimeter when the Kings had little other form of offense in the third quarter.

Garcia, who set his career high of 31 points against Phoenix earlier this season, had 28 of his 30 points after three quarters Sunday when Phoenix's lead was 93-86.

Sacramento failed to capitalize on Phoenix's punchless offense without Nash early in the third but did close the gap to 99-96 with 6:04 to play before Phoenix got defensive.

Suns report

Cheers

Shawn Marion shook off early foul trouble and a three-point, one-rebound first half by scoring 22 in the second half.

Jeers

Boris Diaw continues to shoot and miss more. With Kings fans pleading for him to shoot, Diaw was 2 for 10 Sunday, making him 20 for 64 in the past seven games.

Player of the game

Amaré Stoudemire, despite missing 6 of 11 free throws, scored 31 points and had 17 rebounds.

View from press row

Now it's clear what happened to Raja Bell's 3-point shot: Shawn Marion stole it. In the past three games, Bell's long-distance touch disappeared until he hit a couple of mid-range jumpers. That led to Bell hitting a big fourth-quarter 3-pointer after going 0 for 14 on 3-pointers in the past three games. In the same time, Marion turned around a sub-30 percent 3-point shooting season by making 3 of 5 in the previous two games, then matching a career high by making 5 of 6 on Sunday. It was a big in-game turnaround for Marion, who had no points or rebounds in his first 10 minutes.

- Paul Coro

[Nodack]

Amare continues to play well and aggressive on both sides of the ball for 4 quarters. :) :)

[frezix]

why does Francisco Garcia always have a big night on us?

[SwingMan]

Adding Brown loses importance (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1231sunsnb1231.html)

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 31, 2007 12:00 AM

SACRAMENTO - Once the end of the year came, P.J. Brown supposedly was going to be more ready to return to play after spending Christmas with his family.

With two months of the season behind them, the Suns were going to be able to show Brown, 38, how much they could use his veteran post play.

But between Brown's reluctance to leave the retirement recliner and Brian Skinner's emergence in the role of Suns reserve big man, the signing that Phoenix chased this summer appears as doubtful as ever.
http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gifhttp://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif

"I've had no indication that P.J. is interested in playing," Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said. "It sounds as if he's retired. It's obviously less urgent with the way Brian has played. This is around the time we thought we could convince P.J. into play for us.

"That said, if he's interested, we'd still be interested in him. We don't have a lot of bigs. You'd always love to have depth inside and playoff experience."

Mr. December

A fake news release was delivered Sunday to Suns forward Grant Hill, who paused briefly on his first read of the headline.

It said, "Hill becomes the first NBA player named in Mitchell Report."

It was a practical joke by Kerr, but people might start grasping at such straws to explain Hill's season. All it took was a transition month, and Hill, 35, is approaching Suns coach Mike D'Antoni's preseason All-Star optimism for him.

In November, Hill averaged 14.8 points, 2.9 assists and 0.5 blocks and shot 46.4 percent from the field and 30.8 percent on 3-pointers. In December, entering Sunday's game, Hill was averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 assists and 1.1 blocks with 56.6 percent shooting and 38.5 percent on 3-pointers.

"I'm more comfortable and getting more comfortable at both ends of the court," Hill said. "It's more instinctive. I'm developing that trust with teammates. I think it can get even better. December has been a lot better."

He said his season turned after he tried too hard in his first return to Orlando on Nov. 10, when he missed 12 of 18 shots. In the next two games, Hill found his comfort zone and went 16 of 22 from the field.

Hill has yet to miss a game but needs his share of ice, whether it is for the recent groin strain, his right elbow or his tailbone. The latter came via former Magic teammate Trevor Ariza's dunk over him on Christmas in Los Angeles.

"I owe him, Hill said. "I may not get him back in a dunk, but I'll get him back."

The Suns leader in charges taken had a point to make to Ariza, too.

"It was a nice dunk, but it was an illegal play," said Hill, who was called for a block. "The refs got caught up in the awe of the moment."

[Phoenix219]

Hill is the Suns leader in charges taken? Wow. Must be pickin up the slack for Stevie and his ailments.

I really hope we find a way to get healthy through all of this...

Once Diaw's shot starts falling we're going to be insane. If Marion keeps up his 3 point shooting, geez, damn!! We just need to get Raja healthy, work Banks or Tuck in a little bit, and I think we'll be good.

Still want to see some of that post footwoork from Boris ala '05!! He had sweet center like skills, what happened to them?

[Bogyo]

Yahoo frontpage:

L.A.'s uniforms draw laughs
Forget that the Lakers and Celtics clashed, the story was L.A.'s uniforms. » Kobe: 'I felt violated'

eyeroll, anyone?

[sunsdotcom]

kobe's short shorts

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/photo?slug=376f876ab93b6a3414e1256c2d08c892-getty-76076011lb023_boston_celtic&prov=getty

other's did not play along

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/photo?slug=6d7b0cbff00f3da57ec78f8c58555f25-getty-76076011ng028_celts_lakers&prov=getty

[sunsdotcom]

the best basketball channel outside the US? look at the schedule!

http://www.btv.com.ph/btv_grid.pdf

[SpecialSauce]

They all played along. They wore them for the first half, but then switched for the second half

[OE]

kobe's short shorts

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/photo?slug=376f876ab93b6a3414e1256c2d08c892-getty-76076011lb023_boston_celtic&prov=getty

other's did not play along

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/photo?slug=6d7b0cbff00f3da57ec78f8c58555f25-getty-76076011ng028_celts_lakers&prov=getty

The team went back to 'normal' shorts in the second half.

:dammit how do you do the laughing smiley? i've tried everything!:

Edit: Beat me to it, Sauce...

[MTSunsFan]

Interesting stat I read this morning: Suns are 19 & 0 when leading going into the 4th quarter...

I am loving Amare's play as of late. He is really asserting himself the entire time he is on the court. Doesn't hurt that the team seems to be making a concerted effort to get him involved offensively early on in the game. Keep it up...

[scosuns]

Interesting stat I read this morning: Suns are 19 & 0 when leading going into the 4th quarter...

I am loving Amare's play as of late. He is really asserting himself the entire time he is on the court. Doesn't hurt that the team seems to be making a concerted effort to get him involved offensively early on in the game. Keep it up...

It makes sense because if we're not leading, it means our shot is off, or we're in a grinder. We need guys to rest more, especially Raja, or else all these ailing injuries will cost us. *knock on wood*

[Wormwood]

Anyone esle notice DJ played again last nigh? Not as good in some ways as his first two games, but he still leads the D-league in scoring and steals.

[jkalldaway]

We are now 13-2 when Amare attempts 14 or more field goals.

[Superbone]

:dammit how do you do the laughing smiley? i've tried everything!:

I'm not Dammit but type ": lol :"; remove spaces (no quotes, of course), voila!

[tbrkingofthesouth]

I am soo glad that our team figured out what a lot of us have known the whole time...Feed the beast..Wins will pile up

[Shabazz]

From the Tribune

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/105568


Stoudemire scores 31 as Suns top Kings

Jerry Brown, Tribune
SACRAMENTO - Amaré Stoudemire is asking for the ball. His teammates are responding. And as long as the bottom line of every Stoudemire double-double is a Suns victory, everyone seems on board with the plan.

Stoudemire’s offense was strong early (12 points in the first eight minutes) but the Suns needed some defensive stops late to key a 16-4 game-ending rally and finish off the determined but undermanned Kings 117-102 at Arco Arena.

Stoudemire finished with 31 points and had 10 of his season-high 17 rebounds on the offensive end, where Phoenix collected 23 second-chance points and chased away a Kings team missing Ron Artest (elbow), Mike Bibby (thumb) and Kevin Martin (groin).

Shawn Marion added 23 of his 25 points in the second half — tying a career high with five 3-pointers — and Leandro Barbosa had 22 off the bench as the Suns overcame a so-so-shooting night (46 percent) with 11 3-pointers and some well-timed defensive plays late.

“I just got it going early thanks to my teammates,” said Stoudemire, who is averaging 29.6 points during this three-game winning streak and becoming more of a dominant force inside. “Even though we have great perimeter players, we can attack teams inside. My teammates have been looking for me and I feel comfortable with that. Now I have to respond.

“The Kings played hard, but our defense still needs to be more consistent. You might be able to turn it on against a team that doesn’t have all their weapons, but against the Lakers or the Spurs you can’t always count on that.”

Steve Nash had seven of his 15 assists in the first quarter and his main target was the big guy inside.

“He is turned on right now,” said Nash.

“It’s great to see. He’s full of energy and working really hard. He’s mentally focused and in the game. He’s got a swagger and a growl to his game, and I’m really proud to see what he’s doing.”
The Suns kept trying to put the Kings away, but Francisco Garcia continued his strong play against the Suns with 30 points — one off his career high — while John Salmons (23) and Mikki Moore (20) stepped up for their injured teammates with big games. A nine-point Phoenix lead was shaved to three at 99-96 when Dahntay Jones hit a 5-foot runner with six minutes left.

But the Suns took off from there. Stoudemire had a jam off a nice feed from Marion, and Raja Bell, who had nine of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, followed with his only 3-pointer of the night to give the Suns some daylight.

In between, the Suns forced turnovers and clamped down on defense.

“We held them to 16 points in the fourth,” Phoenix coach Mike D’Antoni said. “I would have liked it to be the whole game, but we kind of closed the door when we had to. The lulls don’t help my stomach and my hair and everything else, but the way we’re playing the past three games, we’ve held people to 35, 36 and 43 (percent shooting), so I’m not complaining.”

- Hopefully those quotes put to rest all that "Nash has a vendetta against Amare" talk.

- Amare is now 4th in the entire league in PER, behind only LeBron, Chris Paul and Boozer. Pretty impressive.

- re Diaw: I think he's been playing pretty well lately, but his shooting tends to be a bit of a momentum killer. I think the problem could be improved by Boris just making an effort to be 3 feet closer to the basket when the Suns are running their halfcourt offense. He seems to be catching the ball a lot in the 20 ft range, which is out of his comfort zone, and the defenses are pretty much daring him to shoot. I don't think he's hit an outside shot in weeks.

If he moves closer to the free-throw line extended, to the 16-18 ft range, it's an easier shot and more within his comfort zone. Also, good things seem to happen when he takes it to the hole. Lets hope we see some more of that.

[Wormwood]

If Diaw could consistently hit that 18-20 footer he'd really be helping us out on the court. As it is, he's not, and thus a liability. To beat a dead horse, Austin Croshere would be a better fit than Diaw at the moment, and a hell of a lot cheaper.

[jkalldaway]

Amare's season averages keep climbing. He is at 22 and 9 now and it will only go up as long as we keep feeding him. More shots = more desire to rebound. It wouldn't surprise me to see him average around 26 and 11 when all is said and done.

[ShelC]

Austin Croshere? :roll:

The fact that Boris is shooting it at least keeps the offense going in a sense that hes not holding it or passing up open shots. And the only way hes going to improve is if he keeps shooting them. In 05-06 he wouldnt/couldnt shoot it fromthe outside but gradually, as the season went on, he became more and more confident to where that 16ft jumper was near automatic in the playoffs. You gotta take 'em to make 'em.

[MTSunsFan]

Diaw's had his issues lately that much is clear. But to suggest replacing him w/ Austin Croshere?! That's just plain crazy talk...

[desertcoast]

More shots = more desire to rebound. It wouldn't surprise me to see him average around 26 and 11 when all is said and done.

True. Amare's defense is more keyed off his own offense than any other player on the roster.

Maybe D'antoni really didn't call more touches for Amare....maybe Amare did :wink: . Whatever...it's working.

And purely from a fan perspective...a team based around Amare's athleticism is a hell of a lot more fun to watch too.

[Shabazz]

Austin Croshere? :roll:

The fact that Boris is shooting it at least keeps the offense going in a sense that hes not holding it or passing up open shots. And the only way hes going to improve is if he keeps shooting them. In 05-06 he wouldnt/couldnt shoot it fromthe outside but gradually, as the season went on, he became more and more confident to where that 16ft jumper was near automatic in the playoffs. You gotta take 'em to make 'em.

I disagree. He does have a nice touch from 16 feet, but the shots he's been taking lately have often been out of his range. There's a reason he's been so open; the defense would rather Boris take an open 20 footer than Amare a contested 5 footer. If he gets the ball near the 3 point line, he should take a dribble or two to get within his range. He's just been chucking.

Not only that, but it seems his shot has been regressing a little this year. He was hitting that 16 footer consistently early in the season but I can't remember when the last time he hit one was.

In the case of streak shooters like Barbs and Bell, I agree with the "gotta take em to make em" mantra, but in Boris' case, I'd rather he get going by taking some inside shots first, getting to the line and gradually working his way outside.

[Wormwood]

Austin Croshere? :roll:

The fact that Boris is shooting it at least keeps the offense going in a sense that hes not holding it or passing up open shots. And the only way hes going to improve is if he keeps shooting them. In 05-06 he wouldnt/couldnt shoot it fromthe outside but gradually, as the season went on, he became more and more confident to where that 16ft jumper was near automatic in the playoffs. You gotta take 'em to make 'em.

Seriously. The dude's a 3 point threat, has a great mid-range game, and his rebounding rate is very high (15.2% of all boards ended up in his hands according to Hollinger last year.) He's been under utilized the past two years, but he's still got something left in the tank. If we're using Diaw as a spot up shooter and relying on his rebounding, he's not doing so hot at either...

[Split_T's]

Something I checked out at 82games.com

Stoudemire scores the most and shoots the best fg% when he plays with, who?

Not nash, but ........ Boris Diaw. Not only that, but Diaw scores the most and shoots the best fg% when he plays with........ Amare Stoudemire.

Kinda throws out the, Diaw dosen't play well with Stoudemire idea.

Nash also had his highest shooting percentage when Diaw plays. One other thing I noticed is Hill plays better than any one else with the 2nd unit.

[Wormwood]

Split-T,

I have to disagree. My personal favorite stat is the +/- per 48. Of all the regular players, Stoudemire's +/- is the worst when paired with Diaw...

http://82games.com/0708/0708PHOP.HTM

[Split_T's]

true, but Diaw does have his 2nd best +/- with Stoudemire

[BobbyDogg]

Finally the Coaches and players have figured it out!

Get Amare the ball and let him go to work. When he gets going offensively his defense and overall energy seems to really pick up, as does his teamates.

It is so much fun to watch the inside out game with this team because Amare is relentless and the other players are great slashers, passers and scorers. Who are you going to guard?

Teams have been either keying in on Nash or the threepoint shooters to stop the Suns. With Amare demanding the ball down low and drawing fouls early it opens the floor up for Nash to do his thing and find the open shooters.

It's been very refreshing to see Amare get into position and demand the ball and his teamates willingness to get it to him.

[LazarusLong]

Woodster ... Croshere seems like he would be a good fit with the Suns, but why would the Suns trade for a guy now whom they could have signed as a free agent last summer?

[ShelC]

What are Boris' numbers with Hill and Skinner on the floor?

[Velo]

i hear dan langhi is waiting for the call.

[JediSkywalker]

Something I checked out at 82games.com

Stoudemire scores the most and shoots the best fg% when he plays with, who?

Not nash, but ........ Boris Diaw. Not only that, but Diaw scores the most and shoots the best fg% when he plays with........ Amare Stoudemire.

Kinda throws out the, Diaw dosen't play well with Stoudemire idea.

Nash also had his highest shooting percentage when Diaw plays. One other thing I noticed is Hill plays better than any one else with the 2nd unit.

I disagree. There is not a large enough sample size to draw the conclusion. STAT and Diaw don't play together that much.

Nash's shooting percentage does not really depend on what Diaw does. Nash basically does what the team needs at that point in the game.

I am not sure we have a large enough sample about Hill playing better than anyone else in the second unit either. The Suns have been so inconsistent that it is not possible to draw these conclusions right now.

[misteradiant]

If Diaw could consistently hit that 18-20 footer he'd really be helping us out on the court. As it is, he's not, and thus a liability. To beat a dead horse, Austin Croshere would be a better fit than Diaw at the moment, and a hell of a lot cheaper.

seems that horse still lives. moo said the cow in agreement.

[misteradiant]

Only Houston has played less home games than Phoenix, which has survived that by going 13-6 on the road compared with San Antonio's 5-6 road record and Dallas' 6-8 road record.

Swing's note: To the bold, not true. Houston has played 12 home games (7-5) as well, along with 18 road games (8-10) - STILL less than the shit we've endured.

waa! we should be doing better! we should have the best record in the league playing the most games away. boris diaw is just fine! no, that's not a plank in my eye, it's a contact lens. why should i give a shit about the bible, it never paid me for a blowjob!

not directed at you swing, but a random gunshot wound to the body of boris apologists and those who say we don't have a chance at the championship. boo you guys. go drag another party down. maybe in san antonio where you'll be liked.


Amare continues to play well and aggressive on both sides of the ball for 4 quarters.

like he's supposed to. if he can do this regularly, we win everything.


why does Francisco Garcia always have a big night on us?

why do we care? the suns kicked their ass, like usual. let some second-rate punk go off for nothing. he lost. we own his mamma's breast milk. francisco garcia. sounds like an illegal immigrant cop killer. who gives a fuck about him? i am concerned with guys like kobe and ginobili.

misteradiant for president of hell. because you know alcohol will be free.


Once Diaw's shot starts falling we're going to be insane.

hi. i'm rumpelstiltskin. you owe me.

sose and i went on a motorbike ride today. we hit a biker bar and then a cajun restaurant that had a bar. we drank turbodog beer on tap. he asked me about what three things i thought the suns needed to win the championship. i said we only needed one of three things.

1) amare engaged on both ends of the floor.
2) mike d to go deeper and play banks 10 minutes a game.
3) boris to average 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

it doesn't matter which of the three. just one will see us through. i thought of adding health as one of those things we need to win a championship, but a great team is supposed to win in spite of health concerns. a great team has champions in guys like banks that rise when someone goes down. we need guys that come out of nowhere. i was hard on banks this summer but i'm giving him a chance. besides, as has been pointed out, boris is the bitch of the team, like james jones was last year. boris is as has been nationally pontificated, retired since he signed that new contract. fuck boris. give someone else a chance. give it to banks.


We are now 13-2 when Amare attempts 14 or more field goals.

how many times to i have to say amare needs the ball fed to him 20 times a game?


The fact that Boris is shooting it at least keeps the offense going in a sense that hes not holding it or passing up open shots. And the only way hes going to improve is if he keeps shooting them. In 05-06 he wouldnt/couldnt shoot it fromthe outside but gradually, as the season went on, he became more and more confident to where that 16ft jumper was near automatic in the playoffs. You gotta take 'em to make 'em.

your pro-boris propaganda makes me want to fart on a kitten's face. boris is nothing but a turd waiting to be flushed. i guess we'll see for sure in may and june, when he's 9 (points) and 3 (rebounds) and 4 (assists) and we won the championship in spite of his overpaid pedantic playoff posturing ass. i'm sick of his quotes where he never takes any blame for his less than mediocre play. it's like the balkman/marion comparison, shelc. you ought to just shut up about it because you are wrong. boris sucks. compare stats now and two years ago. he was paid to play with amare. he was paid to do the same thing he did without amare. he has failed. miserably. for the second year in a row. excuse me, pink floyd is at the door and i have to defecate.


a team based around Amare's athleticism is a hell of a lot more fun to watch...

slash and burn, motherfucker.

and austin croshere can be painted in pink and made to suck my sweaty ass after a summer motorbike ride before i'd trade him for boris. would you like that for your ass, or would you hope for a playboy bunny? that's how much austin croshere sucks.


It is so much fun to watch the inside out game with this team because Amare is relentless and the other players are great slashers, passers and scorers. Who are you going to guard.

what he said.

[ShelC]

Start Boris!

[RDM2]

Amares defense picks up when they feed him the rock. Otherwise hes pretty much unmotivated from what I've seen.

Games where he hasn't gotten the ball he just totally slacks on defense. Its quite obvious going through him improves this team 10 fold.

[Catharsis]

Amares defense picks up when they feed him the rock. Otherwise hes pretty much unmotivated from what I've seen.

Games where he hasn't gotten the ball he just totally slacks on defense. Its quite obvious going through him improves this team 10 fold.

I'm not seeing that. It seems to me that he gets the ball a lot, but sometimes his shot (inside or out) is not falling and he gets the ball less. But there are times this season he's made stupid fouls that took him out of the game early.

I just really hope that isn't a true correlation. He needs to be playing hard on defense regardless if he's getting the ball a lot or not.

[sunsdotcom]

Start Boris!

but who sits to accomodate boris?

[lazyboy62]

Ok, probably gonna get flamed for this but Mrradiant, why do you have to come across as such a fuckin pussy? I mean you attack anyone that might have a different view then the one you pose. Yet seem to advacate free speech, in that if you feel oppressed you lash out against others who hold a different point of view then your own. Sure, some days I agree with what you say and others I take with a grain of salt. But I never feel the need to lash out to other posters, like you do. You seem half ass smart, but you seem like an elitist bastard when someone is not agreeing with you. who put you on high and made you king of the all knowing msg. board? Man just try to see that others are fans and care about the Suns as much, if not more then you do.

[lazyboy62]

Ok, I have been drinking and should feel sorry for posting that last post, but fuck, I don't think that one fella should have the definitive say for all that are posting.

[ShelC]

Youre right Lazy but what are we gonna do? Hes just going to come out with some "heartfelt" post about how hes really kidding, this is all just his sick and twisted sense of humor and we're all taking things too seriously. But of course that comes after he rips everyone and breaks their balls in his posts.

Personally, i just ignore most of his stuff cuz i think he just likes to argue and bait people.

[JediSkywalker]

Amares defense picks up when they feed him the rock. Otherwise hes pretty much unmotivated from what I've seen.

Games where he hasn't gotten the ball he just totally slacks on defense. Its quite obvious going through him improves this team 10 fold.

I'm not seeing that. It seems to me that he gets the ball a lot, but sometimes his shot (inside or out) is not falling and he gets the ball less. But there are times this season he's made stupid fouls that took him out of the game early.

I just really hope that isn't a true correlation. He needs to be playing hard on defense regardless if he's getting the ball a lot or not.


WORD. I have seen him miss some easy shots when he had the ball, when was having those poor performances.

His defense is going to be the key to the Suns success in the long run. If he gets in foul trouble early, it creates an uphill battle for the rest of the team. He has played great in the last two games. I hope he keeps it up, regardless of who the Suns are playing. When he puts his mind to it, he is tough to guard.

[sehan]

Amares defense picks up when they feed him the rock. Otherwise hes pretty much unmotivated from what I've seen.

Games where he hasn't gotten the ball he just totally slacks on defense. Its quite obvious going through him improves this team 10 fold.

I'm not seeing that. It seems to me that he gets the ball a lot, but sometimes his shot (inside or out) is not falling and he gets the ball less. But there are times this season he's made stupid fouls that took him out of the game early.

I just really hope that isn't a true correlation. He needs to be playing hard on defense regardless if he's getting the ball a lot or not.

I don't think that is the point. Does Amare miss? Yes -- 41% of the time.

The point is that he is more active overall when he is the focal point of the offense. The other point is for him to avoid foul trouble you need to feed him the ball so that he can get the other team's big men in foul trouble first and back paddling.

When the other teams want to slow down Nash, they make him work on defense. Same concept. For Amare to be successful, we need to have his opponents work on both side of the floor, and when Amare is consistently getting the ball, he puts a lot of pressure on the defense.

[tbrkingofthesouth]

The team is finally exciting to watch again...I love watching us feed Amare the ball...I bet next time we play the Warriors we will destroy them feeding it to Amare...That is how you beat the warriors pound them on the inside like Boozer did and trust me Amare is a lot better than Boozer..I can't wait until we play the hornets and nuggs..Chris Paul is the real deal folks..He outplayed Nashty last game...Chandler outplayed Amare..I want everyone to see how much better we are when we feed the ball to the most efficient scorer (best) in the NBA Amare..Stat is breaking out and no one can contain him...The only guy who could contain MJ was Dean Smith...The only guys that can hold Amare D'Antoni-Nash not feeding him the ball.

[tbrkingofthesouth]

Amares defense picks up when they feed him the rock. Otherwise hes pretty much unmotivated from what I've seen.

Games where he hasn't gotten the ball he just totally slacks on defense. Its quite obvious going through him improves this team 10 fold.

I'm not seeing that. It seems to me that he gets the ball a lot, but sometimes his shot (inside or out) is not falling and he gets the ball less. But there are times this season he's made stupid fouls that took him out of the game early.

I just really hope that isn't a true correlation. He needs to be playing hard on defense regardless if he's getting the ball a lot or not.

I don't think that is the point. Does Amare miss? Yes -- 41% of the time.

The point is that he is more active overall when he is the focal point of the offense. The other point is for him to avoid foul trouble you need to feed him the ball so that he can get the other team's big men in foul trouble first and back paddling.

When the other teams want to slow down Nash, they make him work on defense. Same concept. For Amare to be successful, we need to have his opponents work on both side of the floor, and when Amare is consistently getting the ball, he puts a lot of pressure on the defense.



SMART MAN good post

[ShelC]

The other point is for him to avoid foul trouble you need to feed him the ball so that he can get the other team's big men in foul trouble first and back paddling.

When the other teams want to slow down Nash, they make him work on defense. Same concept. For Amare to be successful, we need to have his opponents work on both side of the floor, and when Amare is consistently getting the ball, he puts a lot of pressure on the defense.

This is especially true of defensive bigs that rebound and block shots. If a guy like Biedrins or chandler has to chase amare around and really work defensively, theyre not just sitting back in the paint denying penetration or tracking the ball on jumpshots and getting in position for rebounds.

[misteradiant]

Ok, probably gonna get flamed for this but Mrradiant, why do you have to come across as such a fuckin pussy? I mean you attack anyone that might have a different view then the one you pose. Yet seem to advacate free speech, in that if you feel oppressed you lash out against others who hold a different point of view then your own. Sure, some days I agree with what you say and others I take with a grain of salt. But I never feel the need to lash out to other posters, like you do. You seem half ass smart, but you seem like an elitist bastard when someone is not agreeing with you. who put you on high and made you king of the all knowing msg. board? Man just try to see that others are fans and care about the Suns as much, if not more then you do.

looks like somebody needs a hug.

there are numorous posters here you could say the same things about; swing, shelc, wormwood, etc. the difference is my writing style and that i am always looking to make a joke.

i don't lash out at posters. i am just having fun. you really don't know me and greatly misunderstand me. it's ok. it happens. those that know me personally, like sose, swingman and desertcoast, they know i'm harmless. i get pms and posts from others who know i am just a darkly humored suns fan with a talent for writing and they get it. it's all meant to be light-hearted, no matter how serious it seems i take myself sometimes. i will always tell anyone who gets his panties in a bunch over what i write to just not take it so seriously. it's just a game. it's just a message board. i'm just a crazy writer. best to probably not get all worked up over someone as inconsequential in your life as misteradiant.

no fan cares about the suns more than i do, i guarantee you that, and you say what i've said, that we are all here for the same reason: to see the suns win. so then there is no need for you to call me a pussy. find a post where i say something like that to somebody and i will apologize, like you should.

[misteradiant]

Ok, I have been drinking and should feel sorry for posting that last post, but fuck, I don't think that one fella should have the definitive say for all that are posting.

if i have that power, then i am a very strong man. sorry to take your thunder, boy. you don't have to like me or agree with me. even those that dig my style disagree with me sometimes. i am not here to be your friend or to be elected king. i say what i say and let it fall as it may. if my words have so much power then you are taking misteradiant way too seriously. especially on new years, a day to rejoice and wish the world well. it's sad that you felt you had to call me a fuckin pussy. i didn't know i could manipulate your emotions so easily.

[misteradiant]

Youre right Lazy but what are we gonna do? Hes just going to come out with some "heartfelt" post about how hes really kidding, this is all just his sick and twisted sense of humor and we're all taking things too seriously. But of course that comes after he rips everyone and breaks their balls in his posts.

Personally, i just ignore most of his stuff cuz i think he just likes to argue and bait people.

it is easy. some of you men have emotions like little girls.

[ShelC]

there are numorous posters here you could say the same things about; swing, shelc, wormwood, etc. the difference is my writing style and that i am always looking to make a joke.

No, youre wrong. Myself and those posters will disagree and argue a point respectfully. You just condescend, call people names and throw shots at those who disagree with you. Then you try and excuse it with your writing style and "sense of humor". Youre just full of shit IMO, but its all good right?

[SwingMan]

Different folks have different ways of expressing their thoughts, Shel.

To actually meet MR is to know him and I can tell you that he's one of the most down to earth and nicest people I've ever met. Yeah, I guess his posting style can seem a little grating to folks, but at least he holds no punches. He's kind of like me in that respect - tells it like it is and ain't about petty bullshit.

Take MR at face value and you'll see that he's actually cool as hell. :cool:

[ShelC]

Sorry im not buyin it. Ive tried but honestly, i dont see the humor in his posts whether theyre directed towards me or not. And just because youve met him and like him makes it OK for disrespectful and condescending responses to people who disagree with his view point? How many times did we ban ladmo because of that? Granted, its not as venomous as some of Ladmo's stuff, but its approaching that territory. I actually found Ladmo a lot more tolerable than MR is at this moment.

[SwingMan]

I guess it helps to be about half a bubble off of the status quo.

I used to be wound up tauter than a snare drum with internet posts many years ago - that's when I had my own problems with Ladmo. I finally got tired of the whole thing eating holes in my tummy and just loosened up.

IMO, where this whole thing started was months ago, when MR made a chidding remark about your post count, Shel - that's when you got on the defensive right away, just like I used to do, and the back & forth has been on ever since.

I'm not trying to tell you whether MR is "right" or "wrong" - that's for you alone to decide. I was just tryng to relate my experiences is all.

[ShelC]

He attacked my post count during our dumb discussion of shawn vs balkman. But it was nothing more than childish IMO. We had our discussion and when it wasnt going any further, he brought up the post count as a backhanded compliment to undermine my argument. I really didnt get defensive about the post count comment itself; i got defensive him about him arguing my credibility and basketball acumen. But we actually worked things out after that. He hit me with the "post from the heart" that he breaks out whenever someone calls him out for being a dick, just as he did with Lazyboy. I fell for it and things have been cool, even tho we've disagreed on topics since then. But he still never misses an opportunity to throw a shot. And its not a tongue in cheek thing or a fun ribbing that some of us throw towards each other from time to time. Whether he means to or not, hes comng off serious and is being taken as such. And remember, theres some truth to every joke right?

Much like ladmo, he thinks that attacking someone and then putting a ;) afterwards makes everything alright. A joke is a joke; but writing an entire paragraph with constant jabs and insults is something else entirely, writing style notwithstanding.

Whatever tho...much like i had to do with Ladmo for some time, ill just ignore him and scan right over his posts. Not worth starting a board war over. Just wanted my feelings known.

[OE]

To be fair, Shel, you compared Renaldo Balkman to Shawn Marion. There probably should have been four or five MRs flaming you rather than just one.

And I don't know how you can say that Ladmo was less annoying than MR. That's just silly. Lad would become enraged at ghosts only to play victim to the world, make a dramatic exit, and make an equally dramatic return whenever. He touted himself as a basketball prophet, never remembering his false prognostications. He was petulant and would attack, swear, slander, slash and burn. And sometimes I enjoyed his presence, but then there'd be whole threads lost to the manifestations of his insecurities.

MR's a nice guy and a smart poster who is occasionally condescending. Aren't we all?

[ShelC]

Well at least you can articulate your point intelligently and respectfully.

But why must we flame those we disagree with? Cant we simply disagree and leave it at that once the discussion is over?

But i do stand by my assertion that Balkman is a poor mans Shawn Marion. He, like many current knicks, have been majorly screwed by Thomas' lack of management and coaching skills.

[zara_drummer]

Nice way to start off the New Year guys...shit!! lol

[SwingMan]

Nice way to start off the New Year guys...shit!! lol

And a good morning to you too. :lol:

[zara_drummer]

Nice way to start off the New Year guys...shit!! lol

And a good morning to you too. :lol:

LMAO!! Oddly enough I was up early today...I played DD for my friends last nite...wasnt in the mood to drink

[SwingMan]

Well, I'm a musician as well, Zara - I figured that, like me in New Years' past, you were up to the wee hours either working or partying. ;)

I wasn't even sniffing pavement last night/this morning.....

[cap]

Monday's News: Crap teams? NBA high 19 road games to 12 home games = Bite my ass.
Do you realize that it’s January and we have still not won a single game against a potential playoff opponent at full strength? Not even one. That’s pretty remarkable.

[SwingMan]

Monday's News: Crap teams? NBA high 19 road games to 12 home games = Bite my ass.
Do you realize that it’s January and we have still not won a single game against a potential playoff opponent at full strength? Not even one. That’s pretty remarkable.

The glut of road games makes up for it, cap. That's my point.

Injuries? Shit - I challenge you to find one, ONE, team who discounted their victories against us during the entire 2005-2006 season. Yeah, like the Spurs are gonna conceed game 5 now..... :roll:

[cap]

Monday's News: Crap teams? NBA high 19 road games to 12 home games = Bite my ass.
Do you realize that it’s January and we have still not won a single game against a potential playoff opponent at full strength? Not even one. That’s pretty remarkable.

The glut of road games makes up for it, cap. That's my point.

Injuries? Shit - I challenge you to find one, ONE, team who discounted their victories against us during the entire 2005-2006 season. Yeah, like the Spurs are gonna conceed game 5 now..... :roll:

Fine, if you want to gloat over those victories against injured teams, go right ahead, but they don’t show we can beat these teams in the playoffs unless they’re injured then, too.

We’ve only played six games against potential playoff opponents at full strength, but 0-6 is pretty inauspicious.

[Xcon]

Sip the Kool Aid Cap, sip the Kool Aid and repeat after me "All is well with the Phoenix Suns". :-)

[SwingMan]

Monday's News: Crap teams? NBA high 19 road games to 12 home games = Bite my ass.
Do you realize that it’s January and we have still not won a single game against a potential playoff opponent at full strength? Not even one. That’s pretty remarkable.

The glut of road games makes up for it, cap. That's my point.

Injuries? Shit - I challenge you to find one, ONE, team who discounted their victories against us during the entire 2005-2006 season. Yeah, like the Spurs are gonna conceed game 5 now..... :roll:

Fine, if you want to gloat over those victories against injured teams, go right ahead, but they don’t show we can beat these teams in the playoffs unless they’re injured then, too.

We’ve only played six games against potential playoff opponents at full strength, but 0-6 is pretty inauspicious.

Who the hell's gloating?

All I'm saying is don't discount the wins. EVERY team has games against injured/shit teams - it all evens out.

[AmareIsGod]

Swing, they don't count. Duh. cap knows. San Antonio's losses without a 100% roster this season, as well as any other teams, have an asterick next to them. They don't count.

I will never celebrate a Suns win or their record this season until they beat a 100% healthy playoff team. Thus far, it's all been shit and I'm frustrated to cheer on my team to ring in the new year.

[CharlesV]

Do you realize that it’s January and we have still not won a single game against a potential playoff opponent at full strength? Not even one. That’s pretty remarkable.

I will take a win any which way. They all count exactly the same.

I don't remember anyone handing us consolation prizes over the past 3 years, when we got beat in the playoffs while missing key starters. Whether it be Joe Johnson in 04-05, Raja Bell (and Amare) in 05-06 or Steve Nash and his gushing nose, not to mention Barbosa and his elbow in 06-07.

[cap]

Do you realize that it’s January and we have still not won a single game against a potential playoff opponent at full strength? Not even one. That’s pretty remarkable.

I will take a win any which way. They all count exactly the same.

I don't remember anyone handing us consolation prizes over the past 3 years, when we got beat in the playoffs while missing key starters. Whether it be Joe Johnson in 04-05, Raja Bell (and Amare) in 05-06 or Steve Nash and his gushing nose, not to mention Barbosa and his elbow in 06-07.

They didn’t have to beat us at full strength to beat us in the playoffs, because we were injured in the playoffs. They got the playoff wins.

The question is whether we can succeed in the playoffs. In order to do that, we will (probably) have to beat playoff opponents at full strength. Through the first 2+ months of the season, we haven’t done that even once.

[zara_drummer]

Well, I'm a musician as well, Zara - I figured that, like me in New Years' past, you were up to the wee hours either working or partying. ;)

I wasn't even sniffing pavement last night/this morning.....


We played a show on Dec 12 with the Thrill Kill Kull that was supposed to happen last nite...blah...

I was still up to wee hours though lol just not working the skins...would have liked to have been though!!

[zara_drummer]

Monday's News: Crap teams? NBA high 19 road games to 12 home games = Bite my ass.
Do you realize that it’s January and we have still not won a single game against a potential playoff opponent at full strength? Not even one. That’s pretty remarkable.


I dont think it makes a damn bit of difference!! We play the games that are scheduled...No one has control over injuries either way, so why get worked up about it....

On a side note, didnt we paste the Jazz once this year already?? Thats ONE!! lol

I dont expect THIS Suns team to peak until March/April anyway...

[JediSkywalker]

Do you realize that it’s January and we have still not won a single game against a potential playoff opponent at full strength? Not even one. That’s pretty remarkable.

I will take a win any which way. They all count exactly the same.

I don't remember anyone handing us consolation prizes over the past 3 years, when we got beat in the playoffs while missing key starters. Whether it be Joe Johnson in 04-05, Raja Bell (and Amare) in 05-06 or Steve Nash and his gushing nose, not to mention Barbosa and his elbow in 06-07.

...and Amare + Boris in 2007 against SA.

[JediSkywalker]

Swing, they don't count. Duh. cap knows. San Antonio's losses without a 100% roster this season, as well as any other teams, have an asterick next to them. They don't count.

I will never celebrate a Suns win or their record this season until they beat a 100% healthy playoff team. Thus far, it's all been shit and I'm frustrated to cheer on my team to ring in the new year.

Do you believe the Suns have been a 100 percent healthy team this year? For several weeks Amare was recovering from surgery, Bell has been playing injured. Barbs has played some games injured. Nash is playing with all kinds of injuries. Just because the players are playing it does not mean they are healthy. The win against SA in SA was Huge for the Suns. The Suns beat Orlando, which is a #3 team in the eastern conference, and the Magic beat the Celtics. The win against Utah was good too, even though the Jazz has been beaten by just about everybody. That's the team with a 3-1 record against the Suns last year. I would not undermine any of the Suns wins. Every win has to be celebrated, no matter who is playing or not playing.

[SwingMan]

I think AIG was being facetious, Vash..... ;)

[JediSkywalker]

I think AIG was being facetious, Vash..... ;)


OK. After reading the post again I see what you mean.

[cap]

On a side note, didnt we paste the Jazz once this year already?? Thats ONE!! lol

They were without Mehmet Okur, so they were not at full strength. Besides, they were in the midst of a six-game losing streak. That skin-of-the-teeth win proves nothing about ability to beat potential playoff opponents at full strength.

[Superbone]

You're right cap. We suck. We refuse to play teams at full strength. If we had any resolve at all we would refuse to play a team on the schedule until they were at full strength. But no, they just play the games as scheduled. Weak sauce!

[SwingMan]

On a side note, didnt we paste the Jazz once this year already?? Thats ONE!! lol

They were without Mehmet Okur, so they were not at full strength. Besides, they were in the midst of a six-game losing streak. That skin-of-the-teeth win proves nothing about ability to beat potential playoff opponents at full strength.

So, by that type of logic, the Spurs never won last year's championship - right?

RIGHT!!!!!

We didn't have our own Tim Duncan, so it wasn't fair!!!!! :roll:

[zara_drummer]

On a side note, didnt we paste the Jazz once this year already?? Thats ONE!! lol

They were without Mehmet Okur, so they were not at full strength. Besides, they were in the midst of a six-game losing streak. That skin-of-the-teeth win proves nothing about ability to beat potential playoff opponents at full strength.

So, by that type of logic, the Spurs never won last year's championship - right?

RIGHT!!!!!

We didn't have our own Tim Duncan, so it wasn't fair!!!!! :roll:

This is that new 2008 logic...Its kinda like Windows Vista...It dont work too well...lol

[SpecialSauce]

On a side note, didnt we paste the Jazz once this year already?? Thats ONE!! lol

They were without Mehmet Okur, so they were not at full strength. Besides, they were in the midst of a six-game losing streak. That skin-of-the-teeth win proves nothing about ability to beat potential playoff opponents at full strength.

So, by that type of logic, the Spurs never won last year's championship - right?

RIGHT!!!!!

We didn't have our own Tim Duncan, so it wasn't fair!!!!! :roll:

This is the most flawed logic ever, and I hate that people are constantly defending the Suns with these kinda statements Swing.

In the playoffs, no if someone gets injured it doesn't matter....because a win is a win, no matter how lucky, ugly, or deserving it was. However, in the regular season, games and big games in particular are GREAT representations of what we can expect in the playoffs. Yes, the unexpected happens. However, in general that is the best way to look at a team and predict if they stand a chance in the playoffs.

Nobody is saying that those wins don't mean anything NOW, they are saying that we CAN'T use them as measuring sticks for this team and what it can be expected to do in the playoffs. If you think that a Mehmet Okurless Jazz or a Tony Parkerless Spurs is a good measuring stick for how the Suns will perform in the playoffs, then well I straight up disagree.

[frezix]

The posts in this thread make me sick to my stomach. Get a grip on life. Like i've said before there's no winning with you fans. If we lose when another team is missing someone you guys flip a shit, and if we win, its still a bad win because some guy who averages 13 points a game isn't there. Other players step up to fill that void, and are still capable of beating another anyone. Cap, get a clue.

[frezix]

Special sauce, why is it that you think we can't beat dallas or san antonio in the playoffs? We've proven it in years past. Last year no one knows if we would have beat san antonio, but I'll tell you this, after that game 4 win, that was the first time that I've seen this team smell blood in the water. We've been there, done that, with Dallas. If you honestly don't think that the win means nothing just because someone like Mehmet Okur or Tony parker isn't in, then dear god I fell sorry for you. This is the last time that I'll reiterate how this is the same team, and we've seen that we can beat anybody. San antonio brings their core back, and they are predicted to repeat as champs, we bring every core player back, and we don't think we can actually beat anyone anymore. This shit is depressing.

[LazarusLong]

Add in the Houston and Utah wins, and Suns still are 2-8 against better Western Conference foes. And they're 0-3 in their own division against possible playoff teams.

Sure, it's only January, but I bet it's a fact that is gnawing at the coaching staff and the players.

BTW, being a fan doesn't mean a total loss of perspective.
Suns have a team capable of doing great things, but they're not at that point, yet.

[jed]

We are now 13-2 when Amare attempts 14 or more field goals.

Big surprise.

[AlanS]

Myself, I have yet to make a real evaluation of this team's championship chances. I am looking forward to the next few months to do that.

The Suns' "poor" start doesn't concern me much. They got off to a slow start in early November true. But they were banged up, Amare and Bell missed games, and they started out by playing 7 games in 10 days.

Some of the recent losses to good teams on the road don't concern me. There is about a 3 point advantage to playing at home (NBA stat specialist Sagarin says the home advantage is 2.84 points). Well, the Suns lost to the Hornets and Mavs on the road by about 3 pts. Their loss to the Lakers was decided by some very uncharacteristic FT shooting from both sides (uncharacteristically bad for the Suns, uncharacteristically good for the Lakers). I want o see if the Suns can hold serve on home court like those teams did.

---
The Suns certainly have structural problems. The 3PT shooting is down, and bench production is a huge concern. But hey, just about EVERY team has some weaknesses. On this Suns' centric board, we of course harp on what the Suns can't do. But the big picture is about what the other teams can or cannot do as well; and I myself don't have the big picture in clear view, at this time.

It is clear the Suns are a very good team, at a time of what looks like unprecedented parity in the West. Whereas the Spurs, Mavs, and Suns once "ruled", now the Hornets and Lakers have to be considered top threats. And the Jazz and Warriors at full health are not too far behind.

As such, the Suns may be as good as they were before... but with so many other teams better, the Suns' record will probably not be as good.

Again: just because the West is more competitive doesn't mean the Suns aren't a good team any more. It DOES mean fans need to change their expectations. The challenges are more and greater, and the Suns will be taking more lumps than in the prior 3 seasons. It's a new fact of life.This is something we need to get to get used to.

-----
Just of interest: I've talked for several weeks about how tough the Suns' early road schedule was, in terms of the sheer volume of road games. The Suns have now played 46% of their road schedule, and it's only January 2nd. But I see that:

• Blazers won 13 in a row, but 10 of those games were at home. One away win was at Memphis, another was at slump-ridden Utah. But from Jan 13 to Jan 23, the Blazers play 7 straight road games.

• Spurs are 21-8, but they are just 5-6 on the road. From they play 12 of 14 games on the road, including 9 straight away games from Jan 28 to Feb 13.

• The Lakers play 9 straight road games from Jan 31 to Feb 13.

It'll be interesting to see how those teams do, and what people will be saying about them after mid February.

[JediSkywalker]

The Suns absolutely must take advantage of the home games. If they become lackadaisical again, they will be in big trouble.

[JackArse]

so, i was watching game 5 of the 95 semi finals against houston.

its amazing how different the crowd was at the game than they ar enow..

can we get danny schayes again?