Marion Status for Game 2...
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cheesebeef said:
Whoa cheesie. I just said I don't know for sure.
jbeecham
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http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0425sunsrecap-ON.html
Clogging middle hasn't worked so far on multitalented Suns
Associated Press
Mar. 25, 2005 04:50 PM
PHOENIX - Shawn Marion's aching wrist and Amare Stoudemire's low-scoring playoff debut were the dominant subjects a day after the Phoenix Suns unleashed a 3-point barrage to beat the Memphis Grizzlies.
Coach Mike D'Antoni didn't let either issue affect his good humor or his faith in his young team heading into Game 2 of the best-of-seven first-round series on Wednesday night.
Marion sprained his right wrist on a hard foul from Shane Battier in Sunday night's 113-104 triumph over the Grizzlies. He stayed in the game but was wearing a brace and didn't practice on Monday.
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"It hurts, man," Marion said. "If it was today, it would be no-go. We'll see how it is in a couple of days."
D'Antoni dismissed the prospect of playing without Marion - who had 26 points and 13 rebounds in the opener.
"I'm not giving him that possibility," D'Antoni joked. "If it's barely broken, he's still going. It's got to be a compound fracture. It's got to be a bone sticking out of his skin."
In other words, expect Marion to play.
The Grizzlies' defense concentrated on Stoudemire, the NBA's fifth-leading scorer at 26 points per game. Stoudemire wound up with nine points. He was held to single digits only six times in 80 games in the regular season.
So Phoenix relied on its long-range option, and sank 15-of-32 3-pointers.
"They can either stay on the shooters and let me get a few touches, or sag in on me and let the shooters get all the touches," Stoudemire said. "Whatever the case may be, it's tough for them."
Stoudemire could have had the ball a few more times, D'Antoni said, but the Suns fell in love with the 3-point shot.
"Sometimes he was there and he was open and we didn't get him the ball," D'Antoni said. "They don't give him a lot of opportunities, but when they do, we need to take advantage of it. But sometimes we get in a 3-point mode and don't think we can miss, and maybe take some ill-advised shots once in a while."
Steve Nash praised the 22-year-old Stoudemire for not caving in to frustration when the Grizzlies shut down the Suns' devastating pick-and-roll.
"We'd like to get the ball to Amare," Nash said. "That's our No. 1 goal. At the same time, when we're making 3s like that and guys are open, it's hard to find that fine line of when to take the shot and when to try to find Amare. By the end of the series, Amare will have his say, that's for sure."
Stoudemire had a warning if the Grizzlies change their tactics and he gets loose inside.
"If I do get the ball, it's going to be a tragic ending to their series," he said. "But we've got guys who can shoot the ball from the outside, so it's pick your poison."
Grizzlies' coach Mike Fratello took the commonsense approach that it would be harder for the Suns to knock down 3s than it would for Stoudemire to slam home dunks. Phoenix ruined the strategy by sinking 7-of-8 3-pointers, including four straight to end the first quarter, to blow open a 39-28 lead.
"You have to give something to get something and try to deal with certain strengths of teams," Fratello said. "You know that when you try to take away certain things it may open up other things and it's whether or not they take advantage of that."
Since each Suns' starter had at least one 30-point game this season, and Stoudemire topped 40 six times, the Grizzlies know there is no easy answer, and that their strategy for Game 1 probably was as good as any. They just have to do a better job and hope the inevitable shots don't fall.
"The one thing that we've got to concentrate on is when we do drop down and take away the inside," forward Mike Miller said, "that then we get out and contest the 3s or make them put it on the floor one time and make them make an extra pass. There's no question they're going to get shots.
"When everyone can shoot and there's big guys down low that can play, you've got to give something up to take something away."
The Grizzlies played the Suns even after that first quarter, but never could catch them or make the critical stop. Fratello said his players got caught up in the supercharged atmosphere and tried to run with the Suns in the first quarter.
"You know that fools gold you talk about, where you're kind of running along saying 'Hey, this is nice, 22-21, it's cool,' " Fratello said. "Then all of a sudden you get hit with four 3-pointers in a row. We have to learn from those type of things."
D'Antoni is emphasizing to his young team that it's only one game, and that the Grizzlies' trip would be a success with a win on Wednesday that would send them back to Phoenix tied 1-1.
"It's really important," D'Antoni said. "Their objective is to come in here and get one. Just because we won Sunday doesn't mean anything. We're back to square one, and we've got to go after it."
Clogging middle hasn't worked so far on multitalented Suns
Associated Press
Mar. 25, 2005 04:50 PM
PHOENIX - Shawn Marion's aching wrist and Amare Stoudemire's low-scoring playoff debut were the dominant subjects a day after the Phoenix Suns unleashed a 3-point barrage to beat the Memphis Grizzlies.
Coach Mike D'Antoni didn't let either issue affect his good humor or his faith in his young team heading into Game 2 of the best-of-seven first-round series on Wednesday night.
Marion sprained his right wrist on a hard foul from Shane Battier in Sunday night's 113-104 triumph over the Grizzlies. He stayed in the game but was wearing a brace and didn't practice on Monday.
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"It hurts, man," Marion said. "If it was today, it would be no-go. We'll see how it is in a couple of days."
D'Antoni dismissed the prospect of playing without Marion - who had 26 points and 13 rebounds in the opener.
"I'm not giving him that possibility," D'Antoni joked. "If it's barely broken, he's still going. It's got to be a compound fracture. It's got to be a bone sticking out of his skin."
In other words, expect Marion to play.
The Grizzlies' defense concentrated on Stoudemire, the NBA's fifth-leading scorer at 26 points per game. Stoudemire wound up with nine points. He was held to single digits only six times in 80 games in the regular season.
So Phoenix relied on its long-range option, and sank 15-of-32 3-pointers.
"They can either stay on the shooters and let me get a few touches, or sag in on me and let the shooters get all the touches," Stoudemire said. "Whatever the case may be, it's tough for them."
Stoudemire could have had the ball a few more times, D'Antoni said, but the Suns fell in love with the 3-point shot.
"Sometimes he was there and he was open and we didn't get him the ball," D'Antoni said. "They don't give him a lot of opportunities, but when they do, we need to take advantage of it. But sometimes we get in a 3-point mode and don't think we can miss, and maybe take some ill-advised shots once in a while."
Steve Nash praised the 22-year-old Stoudemire for not caving in to frustration when the Grizzlies shut down the Suns' devastating pick-and-roll.
"We'd like to get the ball to Amare," Nash said. "That's our No. 1 goal. At the same time, when we're making 3s like that and guys are open, it's hard to find that fine line of when to take the shot and when to try to find Amare. By the end of the series, Amare will have his say, that's for sure."
Stoudemire had a warning if the Grizzlies change their tactics and he gets loose inside.
"If I do get the ball, it's going to be a tragic ending to their series," he said. "But we've got guys who can shoot the ball from the outside, so it's pick your poison."
Grizzlies' coach Mike Fratello took the commonsense approach that it would be harder for the Suns to knock down 3s than it would for Stoudemire to slam home dunks. Phoenix ruined the strategy by sinking 7-of-8 3-pointers, including four straight to end the first quarter, to blow open a 39-28 lead.
"You have to give something to get something and try to deal with certain strengths of teams," Fratello said. "You know that when you try to take away certain things it may open up other things and it's whether or not they take advantage of that."
Since each Suns' starter had at least one 30-point game this season, and Stoudemire topped 40 six times, the Grizzlies know there is no easy answer, and that their strategy for Game 1 probably was as good as any. They just have to do a better job and hope the inevitable shots don't fall.
"The one thing that we've got to concentrate on is when we do drop down and take away the inside," forward Mike Miller said, "that then we get out and contest the 3s or make them put it on the floor one time and make them make an extra pass. There's no question they're going to get shots.
"When everyone can shoot and there's big guys down low that can play, you've got to give something up to take something away."
The Grizzlies played the Suns even after that first quarter, but never could catch them or make the critical stop. Fratello said his players got caught up in the supercharged atmosphere and tried to run with the Suns in the first quarter.
"You know that fools gold you talk about, where you're kind of running along saying 'Hey, this is nice, 22-21, it's cool,' " Fratello said. "Then all of a sudden you get hit with four 3-pointers in a row. We have to learn from those type of things."
D'Antoni is emphasizing to his young team that it's only one game, and that the Grizzlies' trip would be a success with a win on Wednesday that would send them back to Phoenix tied 1-1.
"It's really important," D'Antoni said. "Their objective is to come in here and get one. Just because we won Sunday doesn't mean anything. We're back to square one, and we've got to go after it."
Last edited:
thegrahamcrackr
Registered User
thanks Jbeecham
I would actually prefer he sat game 2 to get the big rest. We would have a real good shot against Memphis without him, so I don't know if I would want to risk it.
I also wouldn't be worried about giving up HC to them if we did loose.
I would actually prefer he sat game 2 to get the big rest. We would have a real good shot against Memphis without him, so I don't know if I would want to risk it.
I also wouldn't be worried about giving up HC to them if we did loose.
elindholm
edited for content
I also wouldn't be worried about giving up HC to them if we did loose.
D'Antoni's philosophy all season long has been to try to win the current game and worry about the future later. I don't think Marion's injury should change that at all. If the Suns win Game 2, especially if they do it convincingly, there's a good chance Memphis will simply fold. Finish the series quickly, and then they can get all the rest they need.
D'Antoni's philosophy all season long has been to try to win the current game and worry about the future later. I don't think Marion's injury should change that at all. If the Suns win Game 2, especially if they do it convincingly, there's a good chance Memphis will simply fold. Finish the series quickly, and then they can get all the rest they need.
Lefty
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Hugh Jass said:
Just saw Marion on the AZ Sports Report(9:30PM) and he did say he would not be able to play if the Suns had to play tonight. He did not sound optimistic. Let's hope his wrist feels better by Wednesday.
thegrahamcrackr
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I would just be worried about him hurting himself more. If it is still swollen, don't force it.
elindholm
edited for content
Just saw Marion on the AZ Sports Report(9:30PM) and he did say he would not be able to play if the Suns had to play tonight. He did not sound optimistic.
But that's not what the original post said. Read it again.
But that's not what the original post said. Read it again.
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thegrahamcrackr said:
totally agree.
myrondizzo
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actually thats what it saiddjohnson said:
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myrondizzo said:
yeah - what?
Personally, from hearing about Shawn's rather glum sounding response, it strikes the old "Shawn is soft" fear into me. It's the playoffs - sack up and ALWAYS have the attitude that it's gonna take five secuirty guards to keep me from the floor.
Just my "2 cents"....
Unfortunately for us.... I personally believe it will be a "game-time" decision to somehow affect the Grizzlies pre-game preparation for Game 2, so I guess we'll just have to "await and see" and I definitely know on how obviously agonizing this will be......
Unfortunately for us.... I personally believe it will be a "game-time" decision to somehow affect the Grizzlies pre-game preparation for Game 2, so I guess we'll just have to "await and see" and I definitely know on how obviously agonizing this will be......
JCSunsfan
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It will be interesting to see what the trainers do with this. Its actually what I expected. Having suffered lots of sprains over the years, you usually can play with it right after it happens, but then it gets worse.
I cannot imagine him be able to shoot worth anything by Wednesday. But Marion's game is more than shooting, and its worth having him on the floor just to cut, lay it in, and rebound.
Don't want to bear bad news, just trying to be realistic here.
Its times like these that make the trade for Jim Jackson look brilliant.
I cannot imagine him be able to shoot worth anything by Wednesday. But Marion's game is more than shooting, and its worth having him on the floor just to cut, lay it in, and rebound.
Don't want to bear bad news, just trying to be realistic here.
Its times like these that make the trade for Jim Jackson look brilliant.
George O'Brien
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I wouldn't be unhappy if Shawn decided to not shoot from the outside as long as he can rebound and dunk.
However, D'Antoni might not let on that this could be an excuse to start Hunter. Hunter did a very good job on Gasol and is dangerous enough under the basket that he might force the Grizzlies to back off on Amare.
However, D'Antoni might not let on that this could be an excuse to start Hunter. Hunter did a very good job on Gasol and is dangerous enough under the basket that he might force the Grizzlies to back off on Amare.
elindholm
edited for content
As much as I'd love to see Hunter and Stoudemire in the same starting lineup, I think it's pretty safe to say that it will never happen, unless several -- not just one -- of the wing players are injured.
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if he can't shoot and can't dribble he's a liability out there. He won't go hard up for boards if his hand is throbbing. Basically - he'd be TR Dunn.
Screw that - I say they rest him in Game 2, everyone steps up their game - prove what kind of team they really are, take a 2-0 series lead and give him as much rest as possible.
If they took Game 2 without Shawn, I'd even rest him for Game 3. Again - it ain't about getting out of the first round - it's about winning the championship. If we are as confident as we say we are about winning on the road, risking game 2 at home for the betterment of the entire playoffs shouldn't be that big a deal - especially when you consider that we SHOULD beat this squad without Marion at home regardless. We are the best damn team in the NBA - go out and prove it and don't risk the entirety of the playoffs in Game 2 against an inferior opponent.
Screw that - I say they rest him in Game 2, everyone steps up their game - prove what kind of team they really are, take a 2-0 series lead and give him as much rest as possible.
If they took Game 2 without Shawn, I'd even rest him for Game 3. Again - it ain't about getting out of the first round - it's about winning the championship. If we are as confident as we say we are about winning on the road, risking game 2 at home for the betterment of the entire playoffs shouldn't be that big a deal - especially when you consider that we SHOULD beat this squad without Marion at home regardless. We are the best damn team in the NBA - go out and prove it and don't risk the entirety of the playoffs in Game 2 against an inferior opponent.
ActingWild
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cheesebeef said:
Agreed. Get the wrist healthy while we've got these games spread out. He could get almost a week of rest if he were to play in Game 3 but like you say, if we take game 2 and his wrist is still sore, sit him the next game. Only bring him back if we lose our homecourt advantage.
thegrahamcrackr
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Im with you cheese
JCSunsfan
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Since a wrist is non-weight bearing, I don't know if it will heal any faster by resting it. Usually the danger with a sprained ankle is that it gets twisted again because the ankle itself is weak. I could be wrong on this, but I don't think there is really any health risk in him playing.
The reason to rest him would be that he is ineffective because of the injury. It would be interesting to chat with one of the trainers about this.
The reason to rest him would be that he is ineffective because of the injury. It would be interesting to chat with one of the trainers about this.
