Hawks @ Suns Thursday game thread 1-9-2025

[GatorAZ]

Beal with a great game

Welcome to Detroit.

 

[clyde2tw]

we take tyus out and start turning the ball over immediately - lead dwindling - I THOUGHT THAT'S WHY WE BROUGHT A PG IN

thank you greyson

Like the loss to Hornets, all the critical TOs, 3-4 with 2 mins, resulted from trying hard to feed KD to go ISO. We were aup 13ish, why not keep the way we played up until then! Every team knows now how to get steals in such predictable cases.
All we need is to get the ball flowing. Despite another atrocious shooting night from Book, he was directing the offense well enough. We ought to keep getting hot hands the passes, like Beal, Allen, Tyus for a while, and not always go ISO to KD.

 

[Superbone]

dunn may have a future endorsing energy drinks dude never stops moving

Is there any question who's getting the Majerle hustle award this year?

 

[clyde2tw]

Is there any question who's getting the Majerle hustle award this year?

Seeing how Beal dive for the last steal of game...

 

[AzStevenCal]

Is there any question who's getting the Majerle hustle award this year?

I got off the couch to yell at the team twice this season so I figure Dunn will win the hustle award and I'm a close second.

 

[Hoop Head]

I have to say the reports the Suns were trying to force Beal's hand by benching in order to waive his NTC were either wrong or he's handled it differently than most thought. He's been a baller off the bench. I'd say he was the player of the game in both wins since it happened.

 

[clyde2tw]

I have to say the reports the Suns were trying to force Beal's hand by benching in order to waive his NTC were either wrong or he's handled it differently than most thought. He's been a baller off the bench. I'd say he was the player of the game in both wins since it happened.

As a nice by-product though, it showcased to potential buyers that Beal can still be the scorer he used to be when put into the right position.

 

[Mainstreet]

I have to say the reports the Suns were trying to force Beal's hand by benching in order to waive his NTC were either wrong or he's handled it differently than most thought. He's been a baller off the bench. I'd say he was the player of the game in both wins since it happened.

I'm leaning more than ever that an interior presence on offense and defense would greatly improve the Suns and I'm not talking about a star level player either. And this should be a much easier fix. The type of trade that Dallas made for Gannon and Washington is an example.

 

[how_sweet_it_is]

The next game that means something to me is the Hornets rematch. I want to see whether the Suns are mad about being humiliated by a bunch of nobodies; whether they care about getting even. The Hornets franchise (formerly the Bobcats) began only because the NBA was arrogant enough to think it could keep expanding without diluting its quality; and the franchise continues to exist only because two different parties don't care about the quality of basketball: the NBA itself, and the fans who buy tickets to Hornets games.

 

[Dr dumas]

I’m still not sure what to think about Booker. There was two plays where he had a clear dunk with one being a lob at the end of the game in which he completely backs away. He practically won’t even drive the ball to the basket anymore making him 100% mid range player.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I’m still not sure what to think about Booker. There was two plays where he had a clear dunk with one being a lob at the end of the game in which he completely backs away. He practically won’t even drive the ball to the basket anymore making him 100% mid range player.

He just isn't the same player. Maybe it's mostly injuries but whatever it is, I miss the old Devin when he often looked like the best player on the court.

 

[95pro]

I’m still not sure what to think about Booker. There was two plays where he had a clear dunk with one being a lob at the end of the game in which he completely backs away. He practically won’t even drive the ball to the basket anymore making him 100% mid range player.

Do you notice he puts his hands down to his side, past his hips on his right side. Something isn't right with him.

 

[Suns_fan69]

Couple other notes from the game:
- While Phoenix has 2 good pgs, they are both undersized and relentlessly hunted on defense. The closing lineups feature point Book just so the defense can be a little more stout
- The KD/OSO 4/5 minutes held up defensively, but it helps that Atlanta's 5s are not big bruiser types (though admittedly there's not many of these left). Nurk may be relegated to spot minutes for the Jokic/Embiid's of the world
- Phoenix sorely misses a movement shooter. All the good 3pt shooters on the team are only effective in spot up situations, including Booker.
- Still need to find more minutes for Dunn. Not sure how, especially once Royce is healthy, but his energy is sorely needed on both ends.

 

[Dr dumas]

Do you notice he puts his hands down to his side, past his hips on his right side. Something isn't right with him.

I had not noticed, but will watch the next game. I sure am hoping he can get back on track to where he was a threat from deep, mid range as well as driving to the bucket.

I would rather have Beal over Booker if this is the Book we are going to get from here on out. At least Beal can still get to the bucket and force defenses to collapse.

 

[Hoop Head]

I’m still not sure what to think about Booker. There was two plays where he had a clear dunk with one being a lob at the end of the game in which he completely backs away. He practically won’t even drive the ball to the basket anymore making him 100% mid range player.

Booker seems like a child coping with his parents divorce. There's some health issues that may limit him but he sees the problems and is trying to be a good soldier but his mind isn't in it. This is a far cry from the Booker we saw 6 months ago in the Olympics.

Maybe the health issue is a bigger issue than I believe but I think he's just checked out at this point. I can't fault him entirely because even if he does step up and ball out, the front office made it clear this is KD's team with how they talk about the future.

 

[BirdGangThing]

I’m still not sure what to think about Booker. There was two plays where he had a clear dunk with one being a lob at the end of the game in which he completely backs away. He practically won’t even drive the ball to the basket anymore making him 100% mid range player.

he used to even try and bulldoze smaller players - often resulted in offensive fouls - we don't see that no more