SEASON OPENER- Suns @ Lakers Offical Game Thread

[Amare32]

Phoenix Suns (0-0 ) @ L.A Lakers (0-0)​

When Tuesday 31st October
Time: 8.30 PT
Location: Staples Center, L.A
TV: TNT

Probable Starting Lineups:

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PG-Steve Nash
SG-Raja Bell
SF-Shawn Marion
PF-Boris Diaw
C-Kurt Thomas

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PG-Smush Parker
SG-Kobe Bryant
SF-Vlad Radmanovic
PF-Lamar Odom
C-Andrew Bynum


Key Bench Players

Suns

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Amare Stoudemire-04/05 Averages (3 games)- 8.7 points, 5.3 rebounds,

Suns

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Leandro Barbosa -04/05 Averages- 13.1 points, 2.38 assists, 44% 3P

Lakers

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Brian Cook- 04/05 averages-7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds on 42% 3P%

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Luke Walton- 04/05 Averages-5.0 points, 3.6 RPG, 2.3 assists on 41% FG


Starting 5 Match-ups

Point guards
Steve Nash Vs Smush Parker

Battle of the point guards with The league MVP Steve Nash going up against one of the most improved players last season in Smush Parker. As one would of expected Nash dominated the match-up when the two faced off in the playoffs last season. Parker struggled badly in his first playoff series averaging just 8.9 points per game on just 33% shooting. His numbers were quite off his regular season success. Nash meanwhile averaged 22 points, 4 rebounds and close to 10 assists per game in that first round series while also shooting over 50% from the floor. This match-up is obviously going to be a huge advantage for this game. Steve Nash who of course is going for his 3rd straight league MVP this season.

Shooting guards
Raja Bell Vs Kobe Bryant

There have been different reports on who will be match-up against Raja Bell for the season opener. I expect Kone Bryant to be the starting two guard but he has been struggling with injury and had ice packs on his knees from what It seems everyday. He was working hard to be healthly for the season opener. Otherwise If he isn't, Maurice Evans will take his place in the starting line-up. It doesn't need explaining why Raja Vs Kobe will be the main match-up to look out after what happened in the first round of the playoffs last season between these two. Although Raja has stated it is all behind him now and in the past. Although when he was guarding Kobe, I'm sure It will be in his mind. Obviously with Kobe the Lakers have a go to guy and a player who can go off any second. It's clear as day with Mo Evans in there instead the Lakers will struggle for firepower. Even though Evans is a good shooter and a good energy player. One thing is for sure, Raja will get plenty of boo's. Which will only fire him up even more.



Small Forwards
Shawn Marion Vs Lamar Odom

This match-up is always a good one to watch as It was in the playoffs. Lamar Odom had an excellent series Vs the Suns in the playoffs last season where he improved by quite a distance from the regular season. Odom averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists on close to 49% shooting and many people thought that Odom outplayed all-star Shawn Marion. Shawn didn't exactly have a terrible series Vs the Lakers. He averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds on 44%. Although compared to the regular season where he averaged 22 points and around 12 rebounds on 52% shooting his numbers were abit below par. Marion though looking for another strong season has a chance to show the world who the all-star really Is.


Power Forwards
Boris Diaw Vs Vlad Radmanovic

It has been a busy summer for Suns forward Boris Diaw who captained his country France in the world championships and recenty signed a 5 year contract extension worth 45 million to stay with the Suns and will be here til the 11/12 season. Vlad Radmanovic was the Lakers main signing this summer where he signed for the MLE. He will bring to the Lakers very good shooting abilty who can really light It up when he gets hot. He is also another big body but isn't a good rebounder so his scoring threat and shooting will be a key to the Lakers. Who missed his kind of range last season. Diaw meanwhile does It all for the Suns. As he showed in the playoffs he could also score plenty along with getting rebounds, assists and playing defence.

centers
Kurt Thomas Vs Andrew Bynum

This match-up is between the experienced NBA vet and the up and coming youngster. Kurt Thomas has had several successful soild seasons in the NBA but Andrew Bynum the guy who is only 19 (might be 18, not totally sure) everyone in L.A likes to hype things up and Bynum is the next in line to be hyped up. Many believe he could be a very good center and with all the Laker injures at the big man spot, he has been given a chance to show his skills and is expected to start. Be interesting how he does against Kurt Thomas who is back after a very tough time last season when he got hurt and was forced to miss well over the 2nd half of the season. He is back now and looking in good shape to make an impact on the boards and on defence. With him in the line-up the Suns defence was much improved. Suns coaching staff will be hoping he stays healthly throughout.

Amare32's Predicted Player Of The Game

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Raja Bell- For his great defence and big time shooting. I predict Raja to score 17 points offensively while keeping whoever he is guarding to shoot less than 45% from the field.

key's To The Game

Suns

• Take It inside early and attack the Lakers frontline. They will already be without Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm. So get their big guys in foul trouble and let them go to that depleted bench.

• As always the Suns try and run and gun, If Kobe plays he won't be 100% so get him running chasing the Suns all over the court. Suns have had problems with the new ball so getting easy fastbreaks will help get easy points.

• Try and use the bench well. It is expected Amare Stoudemire will come off the bench so try and get him going early when he enters the game. You also know when Marcus Banks and Jermaine Jones enter the game they can both play good defence so try and pressure the Lakers full court which you can expect Banks to do.

Lakers

• Lakers must get back on defence, which is always a must when playing the Suns. Lakers have no chance If they don't. It will be tough enough with the injury problems they already have.

• Try and make Nash work on defence, Smush Parker had a poor playoff series Vs the Suns last year. Get him to attack early. With Kobe struggling with injury, the Lakers need something from everyone else.

• Lamar Odom will depended on to score alot for the Lakers to get the opening day W. He played well in the playoffs last season in the playoffs. He has to outplay Shawn Marion If the Lakers are to be successful.

Final Thoughts And Predictions

Here It finally Is, the NBA season opener. Amazing how quick the season is starting again. Doesn't seem long since we were opening the season at home to the Mavericks last season. This season is full of expection for the goal of winning the NBA championship.

With Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas back along with the additions of Marcus Banks and Jumaine Jones along with the recently extended Boris Diaw. The Suns are ready to mount a title charge. Won't be easy of course with the defending champions Miami looking to defend their title along with fellow west powerhouses San Antonio and Dallas also looking to have a strong season. It will be a very interesting but tough year.

Here for the season opener the Suns visit the L.A Lakers who the Suns knocked out in the first round of the playoffs last season 4-3. Which they had to comeback from 3-1 down. The Suns showed great heart to win the last 3 games after being without two very good starters. Now with everyone back and the new additions It should be an interesting game.

The Lakers though are struggling through injury as Kobe Bryant could play but will still not be 100%, Kwame Brown is out 3-4 weeks and the Lakers starting center Chris Mihm is also out. Suns after last season won't be feeling sorry for the Lakers. Just something they must get on with and play with what they have.

It's certainly good to have the NBA season back, many hope this is the year the Suns claim that NBA title. All depends on health once again and how much Amare can give. I for one am hopful we will go all the way this year.

As for this game, even though the Suns have been struggling in pre-season getting used to the new ball I hense and hope the Suns will be ready and come out firing to start the season. With all L.A's injury woes one has to expect to come away with a W here. Although I don't think It will be easy. The Lakers are tough at home no matter who they have

ENJOY THE GAME!!!!! THE NBA SEASON IS BACK!!!!!!

Don't forget to click here to join the chat room at game time to talk about the game play by play

 

[panfolk]

They've been toying with the lineups quite a bit... I hope your projected starting lineup is correct.

 

[Amare32]

If they aren't oh well

I tried.

 

[panfolk]

If they aren't oh well

I tried.

I guess I was trying to say that I liked your starting lineup and hope they stick with it.

 

[Amare32]

It seems the most logical choice to me. Not sure wether Radmanovic is injured or not.

 

[boisesuns]

Amare,

Great job. We appreciate the work you put into these.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Agreed. Tons of effort and always a good read.

 

[abomb]

Good stuff. As a Lakers fan, I hope Kobe can go, but it doesnt look likely. Also Radmonovic could sit with Walton taking his place.

 

[Errntknght]

Just watched parts of the Lakers vs. Nugs... Radman played and the announcers said Kobe claimed he'd be ready for the game. Bynum looked surprising good on offense - he made 9 of 12 from the field and pulled down 7 boards, IIRC. He looked less good on defense but he did get a couple of blocks. He's one big kid. My guess is by the end of the year Kwame will be eclipsed.

 

[mjb21aztd]

Thanks for the report this should be a fun game to watch cant wait atleast I finally get to watch a winning team lol

 

[nowagimp]

Just watched parts of the Lakers vs. Nugs... Radman played and the announcers said Kobe claimed he'd be ready for the game. Bynum looked surprising good on offense - he made 9 of 12 from the field and pulled down 7 boards, IIRC. He looked less good on defense but he did get a couple of blocks. He's one big kid. My guess is by the end of the year Kwame will be eclipsed.

I agree about Bynum, he looked smooth on offense with a nice touch and he is long. ESPN is reporting that Kobe's knee still hurts when he trys to cut on it. I dont think he will play in the opener, regardless of what he's saying about being ready.

 

[abomb]

I am a Lakers fan and I dont think KB plays on Tuesday. I also dont think Vlade will be very effective at all. Good play by Bynum, but we'll see how he gets up and down the floor against the Suns.

 

[Nash]

Bynum drew praise a couple of times during last night's game for how well he ran the floor. But the commentators did mention that he isn't conditioned well enough and that he still can't play big mins without being completely winded.

This guy Turiaf is slowly beginning to get on my nerves. He played with a lot of energy during the playoffs last season and I kind of liked him then. But the dude plays like a bulldozer and whines incessantly. He rightfully got slapped with a technical yesterday. Hopefully, Amare doesn't get a shot blocked by him again. Just one pump fake and he's already high in the air to make an emphatic block. Seems pretty easy to draw fouls playing against him

Mo Evans had a couple of nice shots. Watch out for him on opening day.

The Nuggets played every Tom, Dick and ... last night.
Linas Kleiza displayed a nice shooting touch from downtown. This new guy on their team - Yakhoub Diwara, got PT as well. He is apparently their defensive specialist - George Karl compared him to Bruce Bowen and Trent Hassell.

 

[Amare32]

Jackson says Bryant will play in opener

 

[Nash]

yeah they've been see-sawing about him playing. I have a feeling he won't play to avoid hurting his knee..maybe they're trying to keep the opponents guessing -- like the Suns care!

Bryant will definitely make the game more interesting, but I don't think he'll make a difference to the outcome.

 

[hawaiiansun]

I can't f'in wait!!!!

 

[Mike Olbinski]

So PUMPED!

 

[Amare32]

So who is going to be in the chat tomorrow night?

be good to get alot of people

 

[Mike Olbinski]

So who is going to be in the chat tomorrow night?

be good to get alot of people

I'll try, but will be watching the game most of the time.

 

[CaptainInsano]

Unless I forget I will be in the chat.

PLEASE LET US SHOOT DECENT FOR 3!

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Halloween + Suns Game= No Chat for me

 

[Amare32]

Interesting Amare article ahead of season opener

 

[LakeShowMan]

Go Lake Show!!!

 

[AZZenny]

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been saving this for the start of the season...

 

[CaptainInsano]

Today I did a couple big jumps while hollering: "Suns! Suns!! SUNS!!!".

Thank god I was alone in the basement because I am sure I looked like a complete idiot.

Gotta let some bottled up energy out ya know, I am not alone here right guys?

Guys?.....