"It's pointless to argue: Suns' style fun"

[Ronin]

The Phoenixification of the NBA?

It's the best show in basketball and it's no gimmick anymore, not with Amare Stoudemire remarkably back to almost full health after the dreaded microfracture knee surgery and Nash apparently bidding to become the only player to win two straight MVP awards and then Most Improved Player.

With 35 points to close December in a win in Detroit, Nash is averaging 20.6 points and 11.3 assists. It's his first season averaging more than 20 points. He is averaging 6.8 per game above his career scoring average and four above his career assists average.

Nash had two games in December of at least 40 points and 10 assists, the first player to accomplish that in a month since Michael Jordan in 1989.

After the 2003-04 season, the Mavericks declined to re-sign Nash, now 32, saying he wouldn't play out a five-year contract because he was so frail. But he seems to be getting better in amazingly making a run to join only Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell in winning three consecutive MVPs.

"I'd be surprised if he doesn't sign another contract after this one ends [2009]," D'Antoni said. "He's so strong and loves to play. Someone that smart goes slow, anyway. He's been playing below the rim a long time. I think he's going to play five, six more years."

It's Nash who seems to make the Suns show go, though this season when he missed two games, they split, losing in Utah in the last minute.

They are first in the NBA in scoring at 111.1 per game, first in assists and first in three-point attempts. They're second in three-point percentage and just barely second to Detroit in assist-to-turnover percentage. They won 15 games in a row from Nov. 20 through Dec. 19.

With Stoudemire's return along with Kurt Thomas, who missed 29 games last season, the Suns have returned an inside presence and the wonderful pick-and-roll game.

And, what do you know, the defensive models of this era, teams such as the Spurs and Bulls, are behind the Suns in one of the key defensive barometers—opponents' field-goal percentage.

No one is going to confuse the Suns' defense with those of the '80s Pistons, the '90s Bulls or the Duncan and David Robinson Spurs. But they at least put up their arms other than when they take the ball out of the basket.

They're a joy to watch, if not always to play for the opponent.

"We've been to the conference finals," D'Antoni said. "[A title] is the next logical step."

If they can do it, it will defy NBA logic in this generation.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune...1,936187.column?page=2&coll=cs-home-headlines

 

[phxrising]

http://www.spursreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64798

This was posted on a spurs board I read (not by me)
There fans pretty much think we got no chance to win as thier Spurs or Dallas will take care of us handly.

God I hope we win it all, I'm going to go nuts over there if we do.

 

[greensborohill]

One of the guys in that thread made a good point. One I have been thinking for a while. The Suns always look so good against inferior teams that have no concept of how to defend the Suns. Hence you see 20+ point blow outs with the Suns very often. And in return you see media folk jumping on the Wagon. But against championship teams, teams that know how to defend and play the Suns as well as how to attack on offense. . . you are more inclined to see a close game usually a close Suns lose.

I thought about all the close loses. And my theory is that, that's how you play the Suns, you go through the ebb and flow of the game, you go streches where you clamp down, you have streches where they hit you with some runs, but at the end, when it's all said and done, you can put the vice grip down on the Suns (if you are SAS or DAL) and win. Hence close games but loses for the Suns b/c come crunch time they have no real defense.

 

[Treesquid PhD]

One of the guys in that thread made a good point. One I have been thinking for a while. The Suns always look so good against inferior teams that have no concept of how to defend the Suns. Hence you see 20+ point blow outs with the Suns very often. And in return you see media folk jumping on the Wagon. But against championship teams, teams that know how to defend and play the Suns as well as how to attack on offense. . . you are more inclined to see a close game usually a close Suns lose.

I thought about all the close loses. And my theory is that, that's how you play the Suns, you go through the ebb and flow of the game, you go streches where you clamp down, you have streches where they hit you with some runs, but at the end, when it's all said and done, you can put the vice grip down on the Suns (if you are SAS or DAL) and win. Hence close games but loses for the Suns b/c come crunch time they have no real defense.

One thing I would like to point out is Dallas is not a championship team, so please don't even imply that they are. In fact, the Suns and the Mavericks are 1-1 against each other over the last two years and never have beaten the Suns in a playoff series with the offense running through Amare.

Out of the recent real championship teams the Suns struggle with the Spurs and that's about it. Dallas really was and remains beatable in a series despite the recent regular season losses incurred by the Suns. I hope we get a series this season because it will go 7 games for sure.

 

[simply_amare]

You know what the pathetic thing is? The Spurs and Mavs are good offensively and defensively. They have no more room to improve. They've already reached the tip of the ice berg and the Suns still can hang with them. While the Suns are just starting to learn how and when to use their weapons on offense and are just starting to scratch the surface in actually playing defense.
The only question is; will they get to reach their greater potential in time for the playoffs?
Barring injuries and lil' bit of luck... I'd say, Hell Yeah!

 

[greensborohill]

One thing I would like to point out is Dallas is not a championship team, so please don't even imply that they are. In fact, the Suns and the Mavericks are 1-1 against each other over the last two years and never have beaten the Suns in a playoff series with the offense running through Amare.

Out of the recent real championship teams the Suns struggle with the Spurs and that's about it. Dallas really was and remains beatable in a series despite the recent regular season losses incurred by the Suns. I hope we get a series this season because it will go 7 games for sure.

Then that makes the Suns first round fodder. It's stupid statements like that that give Suns fans a bad name.

 

[greensborohill]

You know what the pathetic thing is? The Spurs and Mavs are good offensively and defensively. They have no more room to improve. They've already reached the tip of the ice berg and the Suns still can hang with them. While the Suns are just starting to learn how and when to use their weapons on offense and are just starting to scratch the surface in actually playing defense.
The only question is; will they get to reach their greater potential in time for the playoffs?
Barring injuries and lil' bit of luck... I'd say, Hell Yeah!

Here's the thing, the Suns don't even want to learn to play defense. Hence they will always fall short.

 

[jenna2891]

Here's the thing, the Suns don't even want to learn to play defense. Hence they will always fall short.

ummm... no. any evidence to back that up?

 

[Nasser22]

Here's the thing, the Suns don't even want to learn to play defense. Hence they will always fall short.

Umm yes they do...they have been getting better at it every year and they have been working at it. Don't throw out your opinion as a fact like you really know what's going on.

First round fodder? No...and the Mavs aren't a championship team, because they haven't won a championship. I like the Suns chances against you guys with Amare. If he continues to progress the Mavs won't be able to stop him and Diaw in the post.

 

[simply_amare]

Oh crap! I just hurt some mavs fan feelings here... Sorry for me just being more observant...

That's okay my man... I'll always be a big Cowboys fan...

 

[phxrising]

Here's the thing, the Suns don't even want to learn to play defense. Hence they will always fall short.

Did you not read the article-

And, what do you know, the defensive models of this era, teams such as the Spurs and Bulls, are behind the Suns in one of the key defensive barometers—opponents' field-goal percentage.


Also Something we didn't have last year when playing the Mavs - Stoudemire has a block in 10 consecutive games, averaging two in that stretch.


It's stupid statements like that that give Dallas fans a bad name.
Next time just stick with the "defense wins championships" quote, since you have nothing else to offer.
Or in case of the Mavs you can say "defense wins finals appearances"



*wheres my ignore button*

 

[JS22]

One of the guys in that thread made a good point. One I have been thinking for a while. The Suns always look so good against inferior teams that have no concept of how to defend the Suns. Hence you see 20+ point blow outs with the Suns very often. And in return you see media folk jumping on the Wagon. But against championship teams, teams that know how to defend and play the Suns as well as how to attack on offense. . . you are more inclined to see a close game usually a close Suns lose.

I thought about all the close loses. And my theory is that, that's how you play the Suns, you go through the ebb and flow of the game, you go streches where you clamp down, you have streches where they hit you with some runs, but at the end, when it's all said and done, you can put the vice grip down on the Suns (if you are SAS or DAL) and win. Hence close games but loses for the Suns b/c come crunch time they have no real defense.

Great, the ugly picture of Dirk is back!

 

[arthurracoon]

That's okay my man... I'll always be a big Cowboys fan...

booooo!!!

 

[Treesquid PhD]

Then that makes the Suns first round fodder. It's stupid statements like that that give Suns fans a bad name.

Stupid statements? More like factual statements, I guess those factual statements don't keep trolls like you away.

 

[Treesquid PhD]

Oh crap! I just hurt some mavs fan feelings here... Sorry for me just being more observant...

That's okay my man... I'll always be a big Cowboys fan...

Yeah no kidding, this tool loves to come on here and get his digs in, sure he hides them around many useless words but the digs are in there. Let me point them out.

One of the guys in that thread made a good point. One I have been thinking for a while. The Suns always look so good against inferior teams DIG that have no concept of how to defend the Suns. Hence you see 20+ point blow outs with the Suns very often. And in return you see media folk jumping on the Wagon DIG and Jealousy, implies Suns props not deserved. But against championship teams, teams that know how to defend and play the Suns as well as how to attack on offense. . . you are more inclined to see a close game usually a close Suns lose Necessary comment? Not.

I thought about all the close loses. And my theory is that, that's how you play the Suns, you go through the ebb and flow of the game, you go streches where you clamp down, you have streches where they hit you with some runs, but at the end, when it's all said and done, you can put the vice grip down on the Suns (if you are SAS or DAL) and win. Hence close games but loses for the Suns b/c come crunch time they have no real defense Uninformed troll comment.

Once he gets his digs in and gets a response that isn't, Oh man Dallas is awesome, he cries and says something like "I hope Amare never comes back" He is a little bitch troll.

 

[az1965]

One of the guys in that thread made a good point. One I have been thinking for a while. The Suns always look so good against inferior teams that have no concept of how to defend the Suns. Hence you see 20+ point blow outs with the Suns very often. And in return you see media folk jumping on the Wagon. But against championship teams, teams that know how to defend and play the Suns as well as how to attack on offense. . . you are more inclined to see a close game usually a close Suns lose.

I thought about all the close loses. And my theory is that, that's how you play the Suns, you go through the ebb and flow of the game, you go streches where you clamp down, you have streches where they hit you with some runs, but at the end, when it's all said and done, you can put the vice grip down on the Suns (if you are SAS or DAL) and win. Hence close games but loses for the Suns b/c come crunch time they have no real defense.

Here is how we did against Mavs (so called "champioship" team ). I highlighted close wins/losses (<5 pt) and blowouts (>10 pts). Notice blowout wins by Suns against Mavs?

So, in last two years...
Blowout wins vs. losses = 4 vs. 1
Close wins vs. losses = 3 vs. 2

So, do your homework first before spouting your loud mouth... I guess Mavs probably are closer to an inferior team since we have quite a few blowout wins against them . Also, I can see you "vice grip" on close games... umm, NOT!

2004/2005
Against Mavs:
Nov 16 - at Dallas - W 107-101 -- 6 pt win
Feb 17 - Dallas - L 113-119 -- 6 pt loss
Feb 26 - at Dallas - W 124-123 -- Close 1 pt win!
Playoffs (semis)
Gm 1 - Dallas - W 127-102 -- Blowout win!
Gm 2 - Dallas - L 106-108 -- Close 2 pt loss
Gm 3 - at Dallas - W 119-102 -- Blowout win!
Gm 4 - at Dallas - L 109-119 -- 10 pt loss
Gm 5 - Dallas - W 114-108 -- 6 pt win
Gm 6 - at Dallas - W (OT) 130-126 -- Close 4 pt win in OT

2005/2006
Against Mavs:
Nov 1 - Dallas - L (OT) 108-111 -- Close 3 pt loss in OT
Dec 14 - at Dallas - L 96-102 -- 6 pt loss
Mar 5 - at Dallas - W 115-107 -- 8 pt win
Apr 13 - Dallas - W 117-104 -- Blowout win!
Playoffs (conf finals)
Gm 1 - at Dallas - W 121-118 -- Close 3 pt win (No Amare, KT)
Gm 2 - at Dallas - L 98-105 -- 7 pt loss (No Amare, KT, Raja)
Gm 3 - Dallas - L 88-95 -- 8 pt loss (No Amare, KT, Raja)
Gm 4 - Dallas - W 106-86 -- Blowout win! (No Amare, KT, Raja on one leg)
Gm 5 - at Dallas - L 101-117 -- Blowout loss! (No Amare, KT, Raja on one leg)
Gm 6 - Dallas - L 93-102 -- 9 pt loss (No Amare, KT, Raja on one leg)

 

[mribnik]

The Suns are not a bad defensive team at all. They are a poor rebounding team, but their overall defense is very good, especially in terms of points given up per possession. If you want to keep spouting out the same garbage you hear on TV go ahead. The last game the Suns played Dallas they held Dallas to 42% shooting while Dallas allowed the Suns to shoot over 50%. The Suns lost that game on turnovers.

 

[carrrnuttt]

Here's the thing, the Suns don't even want to learn to play defense. Hence they will always fall short.

The Suns hold the opponents to the same percentage Dallas does: .450, while San Antonio and Chicago, both heralded as defensive teams, are at .454 and .456 respectively.

Research before you type, troll-boy.

 

[greensborohill]

Nice win last night. Good character builder. However, I stand by my original statement.

 

[greensborohill]

yo

The Suns hold the opponents to the same percentage Dallas does: .450, while San Antonio and Chicago, both heralded as defensive teams, are at .454 and .456 respectively.

Research before you type, troll-boy.

Again, I think that's a matter of lesser teams not nowing how to attack the Suns. The Suns want you to shot quickly, so obviously they'll give you any outside shot you want early in the clock (this isn't defense, it's more like the Suns moto, their mode of operation). It's fools gold, as many announcers have said, and it leads to poor shots, low points in the paint, and running opportunities. That's the reason why the Suns opponents shoot a lower percantage. The better teams work the clock and look to get points in the paint due to the Suns lack of interior defense (which mind you is a bit better with Stat in the middle). So if you let the Suns off the hook and shot the first shot they give you, you're in trouble. Make them work on defense and it can be proven that they in fact have very little defense.

 

[greensborohill]

You guys won while shooting 41% and giving up 48%. On the road no less. Those are victories to hang your hat on! Impressive!

 

[SactownSunsFan]

You guys won while shooting 41% and giving up 48%. On the road no less. Those are victories to hang your hat on! Impressive!

DIRKELHOFF AGREES!

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[greensborohill]

Is that JET Terry next to him?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Is that JET Terry next to him?

Shouldn't you know?