Game Thread: Suns vs. Spurs

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by matt_whitlock
Nobody says that, it's just everybody nowadays is all "JJ, JJ, JJ!" as if we really need him. We don't. At least, if we do, it really doesn't make much difference because he's not going to do for us what people expect him to do. It's not the Suns' management's fault, it's not the fans fault, and hell it probably isn't Frank Johnson's fault; afterall, the first person to talk about Joe Johnson's incredible progress is Joe Johnson. If you can find me one interview where JJ is asked about his game in the last 2 years in which he doesn't talk himself up more a large amount, speaking of his vast improvements over the offseason, then.. well i'll be very surprised. People talk about Penny spouting off! Nobody really notices it because most people only notice the things that have already been pointed out to them. Somebody reads in the paper that Penny is a cancer, and suddenly they start to deduce every different way Penny hurts the team, like they're Sherlock Holmes. Joe Johnson is worse than Penny in his talks to the media. Just look for it.

The thing is, last year we had somewhat of a luxury at the 2guard spot, because we had Penny starting, but he didn't always play well. So when he didn't, Joe Johnson could go in and give it a shot. Frank Johnson was never hesitant about sitting Penny for half of the game to let JJ get some time. Tonight, however, JJ struggled and struggled and struggled, and Penny sat on the bench. He played less minutes in the second half than Casey Jacobsen. Casey Jacobsen! All the while JJ continued to miss shots, and continued to play 33 minutes, almost 3 times as many minutes as Penny.

Rediculous.

And again, it's only been 1 game. If you're ready to give up on JJ, that's fine, but I've been around long enough that I can give JJ the benefit of the doubt. After all, tonight was really the first bad game that Joe has had all summer.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Ah I see that TheRealHardaway, I mean RKellySunsfan is back.

Also known as NotaKiddfan and Glenn_Cameron

(Matt_Whitlock)

 

[matt_whitlock]

And again, it's only been 1 game. If you're ready to give up on JJ, that's fine, but I've been around long enough that I can give JJ the benefit of the doubt. After all, tonight was really the first bad game that Joe has had all summer.

Well, you're right about that. We can't give up on Joe Johnson just yet. But, can we give up on Penny either?

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by matt_whitlock
Well, you're right about that. We can't give up on Joe Johnson just yet. But, can we give up on Penny either?

Who said anything about Penny? I thought he played well in the 2nd half.

 

[scotsman13]

matt, the one thing that jj did that was very good was play defense. hardaway was a non factor on the defense end. jj should have been 2 of 10 and yes that isnt good, but hardaway was 3-9 and that match up with how poor his defense was brings them right to the same level.

 

[Chaplin]

Overall, I thought we played defense extremely well. We outrebounded the Spurs 42-38, and that's something against a big team like SA.

We can't get down over one game--at least we lost a very close game against the defending champs and not the Utah Jazz.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

It was agony watching Penny first bobble the ball, and then shoot the most horrible shot at the buzzer.

I didn't expect it to go in, but Marions turn around one hander was closer to the basket.

This game just showed our complete lack of depth up front.

One of my friends who I watched the game with told me he heard someone ask Frank if they would see Trybanksi (sp?) at all tonight..

Frank's response, "If we do, that means we are in trouble"

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by thegrahamcrackr

Frank's response, "If we do, that means we are in trouble"

That's the problem right there. And this guy is supposed to be a good motivator? Maybe he should grow some cajones and tell Bryan to get a damn center. And I'll be watching the point guard performances for the Celtics tomorrow.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Yeah we were laughing at the confidence boost it must have given.

I think it is pretty obvious that Frank would have rather cut this kid.

If Colangelo was actually considering the Battie trade, if it doesn't happen after this game, I doubt it will.

 

[Chaplin]

Would the Celtics really want Brevin anyway?

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Probally not, but I think they would like the 5million in salary relief next season. Especially if they think Baker is for real.......

I mean, did the Suns really want Brevin Knight?

 

[haverford]

Anyone know why Barbosa was a DNP? I know he had a hip bruise, but they said it wasn't serious. I watched the TNT broadcast. I assume Al McCoy covered it on the radio.

If he didn't play because of a coach's decision then I am completely baffled by FJ's judgement.

 

[Wally]

Well, it may be only one game but some things haven’t changed. JJ’s shooting still disappears when things are for keeps, CJ still was not Thunder Dan and I won’t miss him when he’s gone, Googs still needs to disappear (as in gone), Jake still can’t set a pick, and the Suns still need a big man who gets to play.

On the bright side Zarko really impressed me, JJ looked good even though he couldn’t hit sh*t, and FJ didn’t play 4 guards and a forward on a steady basis.

I would have like to see Barbosa off the bench instead of CJ. Also, since it was fairly obvious to anyone who could add 1 through 8 and come up with 0 as the answer, Penny should have had more time replacing JJ.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I think with Battie or a healthy Scott Williams we win this game. Guys we just played the defending Champs in San Antonio, after their ring ceremony, didn't have anyone who played well for the duration of the game and we're still one offensive rebound from beating them - it's a long season - this team is going to be fine - I mean none of us are expecting them to really challenge for the title this year anyway - right - they are a year away - it was just nice to see us play them hard again and basically take it to the champs - although Googs should be taken out behind the shed and shot like a lame horse - good God is that guy done (also - Casey Jacobsen should not be taking minutes away from Penny)

 

[schutd]

Originally posted by Chaplin
Whenever we start a season against Denver, that's our record going into the second game anyway, so what's the big deal?

Its funny cause its true! Great reading the game thread. Caught me up real quick. Too bad I couldnt see it, but I guess Ill get another chance Thursday.

Can you guys moan about the officiating some more please? I didnt get enough of it over the last 14 pages. heh.

 

[Joe Mama]

The Phoenix Suns may have been without Scott Williams, but the San Antonio Spurs were without their starting point guard, Tony Parker. Carter was crap tonight filling in for Parker.

The referees were not the problem. There were sent bad calls against the Phoenix Suns The and, but overall it seemed even to me.

It was sad that they lost a game that they lead for all but 46 seconds. They obviously still have some things to work on, but they'll get better.

It sure would have been nice if Frank Johnson had been able to send Carlos Boozer out there instead of Casey Jacobsen.

Joe Mama

 

[Wally]

I'm curious, is there anyone on this board who wants to keep Casey Jacobsen? Forget about his wife and that he sort of looks like Thunder Dan.

 

[arthurracoon]

Originally posted by Wally
I'm curious, is there anyone on this board who wants to keep Casey Jacobsen? Forget about his wife and that he sort of looks like Thunder Dan.

Not really.

I would trade him for a number of equal players.

CJ is ok, but, not that great.

 

[Wally]

Originally posted by arthurracoon
Not really.

I would trade him for a number of equal players.

CJ is ok, but, not that great.

So, that reminds me….. Is Dan Langhi playing for anyone this season?

 

[elindholm]

What are the stats on how frequently the Suns start the year 0-1? It seems like it happens almost every season, no matter who the opponent is.

 

[JJ Slim]

Have the Suns ever won a season opener?

 

[Cheesebeef]

We beat the Clippers opening night in 1998 - I think that was the year - It was McDyess's first game at AWA.

We also beat the Clips the next season - first game of the strike year - I was at the game.

 

[Chaz]

Over all a pretty good game.

I thought we got jobbed on some calls or noncalls. We should have won anyway.

Marbury's shot was ok but Penny really rushed that last shot.

Marion was solid but quiet most of the game.

Stoudemire made a nice jumpshot on a setup from Steph which was encouraging. He had some trouble in the post but that will improve in time.

JJ had a horrible shooting night but he defense was very good I thought. Keep starting him for now.

Penny looked good overall. He didn't force anything and made his open shots.

Zarko's potential is exciting but he looked like a rookie. In his defense, he is one and Horry was using every trick in the book. I think he learned a lot tonight.

Voskul was nails but we need to get the moving screen problem fixed. The first one I thought was questionable and the second I think JJ moved to soon. I really like the dunk that was miraculously blocked by Rose. I think his left hand on Jake's shoulder may have helped him "get up".

Googs, I don't know if this guy will make it back to playing a decent level but he better find a jump shot.

And Casey, I am rooting for the guy but I am still waiting to see more good basketball than flashes from him.

 

[Chaplin]

I'm sorry, but Casey Jacobsen is far down the list of our current problems. If his shot starts becoming consistent (we don't know if it will yet since it is so early), a jumpshooting specialist will be worth its weight in gold. Bet on that.

 

[jbeecham]

Suns had 32 fouls called against them to SA 26. Suns had Stoudemire 6 (22 min), Voshkul 6 (32 min), Marion 4 (39 min), Carbarkapa 4 (26 min), Gugliotta 4 (17 min), & JJ 3 (33 min). Whereas SA only had Rose 5 (24 min) & Ginobili 4 (32 min). Duncan had 3 and I believe they were all offensive. My point though is that even though the difference in foul calls was only 6, on the Suns they were called on a few key players that kept them out of the game but the Spurs fouls were more spread out.

I thought there was more of a difference in FT attempts but the Suns went 17-21 while the Spurs were 20-26.