Clippers @ Suns 2-1-17

[Mainstreet]

The Clippers will play at the Suns tonight and they should be plenty motivated after getting drubbed by the Warriors in their last outing 144-98 on Saturday.

The Suns are on a four game losing streak and their last win against the Raptors seems like an eternity ago. I'm interested in how the Suns react to this losing streak especially amid trade rumors.

Game time is 7 p.m. Arizona time.

Here is a link to the ESPN preview:

http://www.espn.com/nba/preview?gameId=400899430

 

[Hoop Head]

The Clippers are 3-8 without Paul, who is out tonight, so this should be a winnable game. Griffin and Jordan are a big frontcourt but Griffin isn't too big for our guys to guard. He's still working his way back into form also. They'll be playing with a chip on their shoulder after getting blown out by GSW but the Suns should have one too having lost 4 in a row in addition to a 4 game home losing streak.

 

[Mainstreet]

Dragan Bender is reportedly available tonight but Dudley is said to be sick.

Doug Haller ‏@DougHaller 1h1 hour ago


Suns rookie Dragan Bender -- out the last four games with ankle soreness -- is available tonight vs the Clippers. Jared Dudley (sick) out.

 

[Hoop Head]

The Clippers are starting Felton, Rivers, Reddick, Griffin, and Jordan. I'm surprising they're going smaller than we are.

 

[Mainstreet]

The Clippers are 3-8 without Paul, who is out tonight, so this should be a winnable game. Griffin and Jordan are a big frontcourt but Griffin isn't too big for our guys to guard. He's still working his way back into form also. They'll be playing with a chip on their shoulder after getting blown out by GSW but the Suns should have one too having lost 4 in a row in addition to a 4 game home losing streak.

I think the Suns confidence has been shaken over the last four games but hopefully they are ready tonight.

 

[Mainstreet]

Right now it looks like Chandler is the Suns primary option inside.

 

[Mainstreet]

I can't get all the stats from the ESPN box score again tonight. Example, it shows Booker with zero points. Anyone else having this problem?

 

[Mainstreet]

Griffin is looking sharp in the 1st quarter.

Bledsoe is giving the Suns inside penetration.

 

[Mainstreet]

End of 1st quarter:

Clippers 38- Suns 31

The ESPN stats are working for me now.

 

[AzStevenCal]

With the way we're playing defense it's a surprise we're only down 7 at the end of the 1st quarter.

 

[Mainstreet]

With the way we're playing defense it's a surprise we're only down 7 at the end of the 1st quarter.

It is amazing indeed. I'm beginning to wonder if it is on the players or the coaching.

 

[Mainstreet]

I heard Ulis was going to back up Bledsoe. However, Knight and Barbosa are on the court at the same time and it is working, at least for awhile. The Suns must like the match-ups.

 

[Mainstreet]

From Doug Haller:

Doug Haller ‏@DougHaller 24m24 minutes ago


On Jan 2, coach Earl Watson wasn't happy Suns gave up 37 points in the 2nd quarter. Suns give up 38 tonight in the first. Clipps, 38-31.

 

[Mainstreet]

Halftime:

Clippers 62- Suns 59

Bledsoe had 16 points. He makes some tough shots.

Griffin scored 13 points.

 

[GatorAZ]

This would be a pretty huge loss for the tank but the Suns aren't losing to the Clipps without CP3.

 

[Mainstreet]

This would be a pretty huge loss for the tank but the Suns aren't losing to the Clipps without CP3.

The Suns will need to play defense somewhere along the way if they hope to win unless it stays a shootout.

 

[sunsfan88]

Chandler's a good rebounder but he provides zero rim protection. The Clippers just keep driving at the rim with ease.

 

[Mainstreet]

Chandler's a good rebounder but he provides zero rim protection. The Clippers just keep driving at the rim with ease.

I thought he was a better rim protector early in the season but being a starter may be taking it's toll.

 

[Mainstreet]

Chriss with a very hard fall to the court. They are reviewing it for a flagrant.

 

[sunsfan88]

Chriss with a very hard fall to the court. They are reviewing it for a flagrant.

Should be a flagrant 1 at least.

 

[Mainstreet]

It is ruled a flagrant 2.

D. Jordon is out of the game.

To be honest, I didn't think it should be a flagrant but Chriss took a terrible fall.

 

[sunsfan88]

Hopefully the Suns won't be scared of driving to the paint anymore now that Jordan is out.

 

[Mainstreet]

Hopefully the Suns won't be scared of driving to the paint anymore now that Jordan is out.

The Suns get their opportunity. I agree, they should drive it inside as much as possible.

That foul on Jordon was on the ball hand of Chriss. Yes, the fall was horrible but I don't think Jordon was trying to hurt him.

 

[Hoop Head]

Chandler's a good rebounder but he provides zero rim protection. The Clippers just keep driving at the rim with ease.

This drives me nuts about Chandler. He rarely gets a hand up. I wonder how many rebounds he gets simply by position and lack of there being a quality PF on the Suns out there with him because he rarely raises his arms or elevates. He's long so I know that helps but he's far from the DPOY he was a few years back.

 

[Mainstreet]

Crawford committed a stupid foul grabbing Booker in front of the official.

Anyone hear anything about Chriss?