http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1230suns1230.html
Defense stands tall
Suns don't ease up after allowing Knicks to score just 14 points in 1st quarter
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 30, 2006 12:00 AM
This time, the defense stood for something.
A night after doing everything to the Dallas Mavericks but keep them off the free-throw line and get stops in the crunch, Phoenix had its best defensive night of the season Friday in a 108-86 thrashing of New York.
The Suns held New York to 37 percent shooting, thanks in part to Stephon Marbury's 5-for-17 night, and established their defensive ways early. The Knicks scored 14 in the first quarter, tying an opponent low set Tuesday against Portland.
"That's really good," said coach Mike D'Antoni, whose team is 12-0 when holding foes below 100 points. "Our guys are doing our principles. They're honing in and feeling each other out."
Kurt Thomas exemplifies defense on any night but especially one like this when Amaré Stoudemire exited quickly with two fouls. From there, Phoenix outscored New York 22-7 over the final 7:20 of the first quarter with Thomas scoring 10. He finished with 12 points and nine rebounds in 18 minutes against the team that dealt him to Phoenix.
"I spent a lot of time and got a lot of friends there," Thomas said. "I've still got New York in my heart, but I love being in Phoenix."
The Suns jumped out 36-14 and were not challenged much, aside from when New York cut the lead to 12 in the fourth. Raja Bell hit two of his four three-pointers soon after and the Suns pulled away.
Phoenix has hit 30 of 60 three-point tries in the past three games (12 for 28 Friday).
Defense stands tall
Suns don't ease up after allowing Knicks to score just 14 points in 1st quarter
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 30, 2006 12:00 AM
This time, the defense stood for something.
A night after doing everything to the Dallas Mavericks but keep them off the free-throw line and get stops in the crunch, Phoenix had its best defensive night of the season Friday in a 108-86 thrashing of New York.
The Suns held New York to 37 percent shooting, thanks in part to Stephon Marbury's 5-for-17 night, and established their defensive ways early. The Knicks scored 14 in the first quarter, tying an opponent low set Tuesday against Portland.
"That's really good," said coach Mike D'Antoni, whose team is 12-0 when holding foes below 100 points. "Our guys are doing our principles. They're honing in and feeling each other out."
Kurt Thomas exemplifies defense on any night but especially one like this when Amaré Stoudemire exited quickly with two fouls. From there, Phoenix outscored New York 22-7 over the final 7:20 of the first quarter with Thomas scoring 10. He finished with 12 points and nine rebounds in 18 minutes against the team that dealt him to Phoenix.
"I spent a lot of time and got a lot of friends there," Thomas said. "I've still got New York in my heart, but I love being in Phoenix."
The Suns jumped out 36-14 and were not challenged much, aside from when New York cut the lead to 12 in the fourth. Raja Bell hit two of his four three-pointers soon after and the Suns pulled away.
Phoenix has hit 30 of 60 three-point tries in the past three games (12 for 28 Friday).
