Phoenix Suns @ LAL 12-28-14

[JCSunsfan]

Closing every game with it, and now using it as early as the 1st quarter, has made it the staple of our offense. Don't you agree that it is more than just using it for stretches? It has become our identity.

No. Horny uses it when it works, and will move on to something else if teams adjust. That's the difference between Horny and DAntoni. Horny is not a stubborn "believer" and such a specific system. There are also certain game situations where it is really a good idea. When you are trying to protect a lead at the end of a game, the ball handling is a great help. If you need alot of points fast, it can work too -- especially if you have a big defensive center that can rebound.

They are on a six game streak and you are fretting.

You worry too much. WAY too much.

 

[BC867]

They are on a six game streak and you are fretting.

I prefer to think that I am looking ahead. I prefer a scenario that addresses now AND the rest of the season (meaning through the playoffs).

Isn't that the responsibility of the Front Office and coaching staff? Or anyone in management, for that matter.

If I were in Jeff Hornacek's position, I would tell the players, "Your job is to win our next game." "My job is to build a squad to grow in stature all season long."

 

[Errntknght]

Complaints about Hornacek having IT (3 PGs) forced on him by the FO have died down now... does any one still think that was what happened? (I'm not asking if you like him using 3 PGs all at once as much as he does.)

For a while at least one person kept saying he 'pitted' his players against each other. Its a natural consequence of team sports that guys that play the same position or, at times, similar positions or roles are competing against each other for playing time. Its generally viewed as something constructive because it keeps players trying their best, and I wondered what Jeff was doing that turned it into something destructive or disruptive. I know he was experimenting with lots of combinations, which led to few well defined roles but its a young team and early in the season so it is almost to be expected. I'm not enamored of much of what Jeff is doing but I don't see this as a problem.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Complaints about Hornacek having IT (3 PGs) forced on him by the FO have died down now... does any one still think that was what happened? (I'm not asking if you like him using 3 PGs all at once as much as he does.)

For a while at least one person kept saying he 'pitted' his players against each other. Its a natural consequence of team sports that guys that play the same position or, at times, similar positions or roles are competing against each other for playing time. Its generally viewed as something constructive because it keeps players trying their best, and I wondered what Jeff was doing that turned it into something destructive or disruptive. I know he was experimenting with lots of combinations, which led to few well defined roles but its a young team and early in the season so it is almost to be expected. I'm not enamored of much of what Jeff is doing but I don't see this as a problem.

Forced might be a little harsh but I really doubt it would have been his first choice. It's been obvious from long before the season began that this team was overly guard heavy and light down low. I'm pretty sure he would have preferred more balance. And I think he'll get it eventually. I don't see us having all 4 of our guards next season (counting Gerald among them). I think 2 of them will be probably be gone but 1 for sure IMO.

And I agree with you about competition for roles and playing time.

Steve

 

[BC867]

For a while at least one person kept saying he 'pitted' his players against each other. Its a natural consequence of team sports that guys that play the same position or, at times, similar positions or roles are competing against each other for playing time. Its generally viewed as something constructive because it keeps players trying their best, and I wondered what Jeff was doing that turned it into something destructive or disruptive.

I posted that and, in our latest game, it seemed worse than ever, especially during the 4th quarter, and we lost.

Bledsoe and IT would simply not give up the ball once they got it. Play after play.

More than ever, I believe that pitting three Point Guards (four, when you consider that Green won't give it up either) against each other for running the offense is a direct cause of them hogging the ball.

Not one of them is a LeBron or Kobe and capable of winning a game by themselves.

 

[SirStefan32]

I posted that and, in our latest game, it seemed worse than ever, especially during the 4th quarter, and we lost.

Bledsoe and IT would simply not give up the ball once they got it. Play after play.

More than ever, I believe that pitting three Point Guards (four, when you consider that Green won't give it up either) against each other for running the offense is a direct cause of them hogging the ball.

Not one of them is a LeBron or Kobe and capable of winning a game by themselves.

It's beyond me how more people don't see this. Play after play, game after game.