Coro Game Wrap: Carter's Effort, Improved D

[WuRaider]

Carter did not play in Friday's fourth quarter because of how well he played in the first quarter, when his 11 points and four steals helped the Suns match their largest first-quarter lead (35-14) of the season.

"He seemed like he was up for it tonight, and it was great to see him be aggressive," Nash said. "We're a good team when he does that."

Gentry sat Carter out in four of the previous five fourth quarters.

"It has been (hard adjusting), but it's all about us wining, and the guy who's rolling at the moment has to be on the floor," Carter said. "I'm OK with that. I don't really care about minutes or points. I'm just trying to be productive."

The Suns defense continued its turnaround, limiting Toronto to 6-of-20 shooting in the first quarter. It tied the Suns' opponent low for first-quarter scoring (Dec. 31 vs. Detroit).

"At that point, our confidence was shot," Toronto coach Jay Triano said.

The Suns matched their season's second-largest lead, at 87-62, to start the fourth quarter, allowing starters to rest.

Expanding the lead took a resurgent effort. The defense relented to let a 46-22 be cut in half (60-48) early in the third quarter. The Suns then held Toronto without a field goal for nearly five minutes, a span that included two blocks, two steals and a Toronto shot-clock violation.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/sun...20110225phoenix-suns-win-toronto-raptors.html

 

[ninous26]

Damn, thats some sick ball movement which finally ends at VC for the 3

 

[devilalum]

I'm amazed by how much Gortat has improved since coming over. He is really looking good in the PNR.

 

[Sunburn]

His growth in setting, re-setting picks, then rolling is quickly becoming devastating.

 

[BC867]

His growth in setting, re-setting picks, then rolling is quickly becoming devastating.

And he looks so comfortable doing it. And so confident when positioning and fighting for rebounds.

Have you noticed that he always has a smile on his face? He is really enjoying stepping out from Howard's shadow this season.

With Frye and Lopez both limited at Center, Gortat really walked into a no-lose situation for him. And he is making the most of it, for the team as well as himself.

 

[JCSunsfan]

This team seems to be improving rapidly and dramatically. At this point, Dowdell is an improvement over Dragic, regardles of what Aaron Brooks provides. If Brooks can get healthy enough to come in off the bench and provide some instant offense, that will be quite effective (regardless of the long term results of the trade).

VC will also be interesting in the playoffs. You get the idea that he can turn it on when he wants. Seasoned vets seem to rise to the occasion in the playoffs. The extra rest and experience make a difference. Seems to me that IF we make the playoffs, we could surprise some people.