Just got back from the game!
It was good to see live basketball back in Vancouver, even if it is a fairly meaningless preseason game.
Some notes:
Amare - Had some quick moves and even hit a 3. The 3 was in the flow of the offense and wilcox (I think) had backed wayyy off him. Still got one of the best hands in the games, caught some tough passes and finished beautifully after getting fouled.
Defense - Still a problem. The most worrying thing was that the Suns were playing a doubling/trapping defense when Marion was defending on the block. I counted at least 3 times where Grant or Bell doubled down on it and the rest of the team had to scramble to rotate. I never liked this defensive strategy.
Rookies - Had to see first hand what Strawberry's capabilities were on defense and was relatively impressed. Contained his man for the most part, rotated well and had active hands. Was quick to stab at a loose ball and resulted in a breakaway the other way. Didn't shoot particularly well (had an airball 3) but wasn't bogging the offense down that bad.
Tucker shot decently although his mechanics don't look quite as nice as Strawberrys (looks to have a lower release point). He's in a bit of a tough spot as there just aren't that many minutes for a backup 3.
KT - I miss him already. Killed the suns with an array of mid range jumpers. Solid on the boards, defensive anchor. It pains me to see him in green and white.
Marion - Got blocked a couple times by Wilcox and looked generally uninterested this game. At least that was the feel I got. I may have been the only guy wearing a Marion jersey in a sea of orange Nash jerseys.
Fans - Gave a standing O for Nash and was chanting for D'Antoni to get him back in the game for the last few minutes of the 4th. D'Antoni (wisely) wouldn't have any of it but the crowd was pretty fun.
I got a few pictures that I'll upload at some point.
