Suns At Grizzlies Game Thread

[Yuma]

Not saying Robin Lopez is Kareem, Wilt, or Hakeem on offense, but you can tell he's really worked hard on his moves. Even his free throws are better. Plus his defense has improved from 3 quick fouls and sit on the bench. He is actually altering some shots. Gotta give him some kudos for his hard work!

 

[Chaplin]

Not sure if I hate to say this, but we can talk all we want about Amare's commitment on the boards or JRich scoring a lot of points or Steve Nash's assists, but I think the key to this run of good play comes from one place--and I can't believe I'm writing this--Robin Lopez in the starting lineup.

There is a noticeable difference in the way the Suns play--and really, it's a no-brainer, seeing how Channing Frye is the WORST defender on the team, and that's saying a lot with a bunch of these players. I think he fits in a lot better with the 2nd unit, which is much more of a finesse unit (that's why I think LB won't have a big problem re-integrating himself).

I'll probably get ripped for saying it, but that's my take.

 

[Proteus]

Good win for the Suns.

 

[Mainstreet]

Not sure if I hate to say this, but we can talk all we want about Amare's commitment on the boards or JRich scoring a lot of points or Steve Nash's assists, but I think the key to this run of good play comes from one place--and I can't believe I'm writing this--Robin Lopez in the starting lineup.

I couldn't agree more and I have ripped on Lopez in the past.

 

[SactownSunsFan]

According to the game recap

Quote:
The rumored trade of Stoudemire to the Cleveland Cavaliers drew pre-game conversation. The Suns forward said he didn’t know any more than anyone else about it, and was just waiting to see what happened before Thursday’s trade deadline. “I don’t know if it is a distraction, but obviously, I think anybody would be kidding themselves if they said it didn’t have some effect on an individual,”


Here, let me finish that quote for you:

Suns coach Alvin Gentry said, later adding: "As long as he's here and on our team, we'll continue to play him. If something happens and he's traded, then obviously, we'll have to evaluate our style of play."

 

[devilalum]

Not sure if I hate to say this, but we can talk all we want about Amare's commitment on the boards or JRich scoring a lot of points or Steve Nash's assists, but I think the key to this run of good play comes from one place--and I can't believe I'm writing this--Robin Lopez in the starting lineup.

There is a noticeable difference in the way the Suns play--and really, it's a no-brainer, seeing how Channing Frye is the WORST defender on the team, and that's saying a lot with a bunch of these players. I think he fits in a lot better with the 2nd unit, which is much more of a finesse unit (that's why I think LB won't have a big problem re-integrating himself).

I'll probably get ripped for saying it, but that's my take.

Frye starting = passive Suns
Sideshow Rob = aggressive Suns

When the Suns come out and run plays for Lopez in the first quarter it sets a more physical tone for the entire game. I have watched the finesse Suns for 40 years, I'd love to see them pursue a more physical approach for awhile.

Also does anybody know how to compare shots in the paint with Lopez on the floor vs. shots in the paint with Frye? or offensive rebounds?

 

[ASUCHRIS]

I'll probably get ripped for saying it, but that's my take.

Why? It's been a pretty obvious change. Channing may be the worst big man defender I've ever seen. He makes Amare look like a defensive stalwart. Lopez can mask some of Amare's defensive deficiencies, just like Lou and Dud can with Channing.

With the way Lopez compliments Amare, I'd think it's worth the risk to extend Amare another 3 years at about 13-14 mil per, but the Suns are only willing to pay 12. (allegedly, although not a surprise)

 

[95pro]

very right about frye being a finesse guy.

i laughed when barkley said the suns are ruining frye and that he could be a better all around player.

basically, frye = soft/finesse

anytime he gets the ball inside to finish, it basically leads to a blown dunk and a grunt.




and there's no comparing frye vs lopez at starting center. all of lopez's shots are in the paint or at the f/t. frye's near or at 3pt land, like i said he does finish at the rim even with no fouls/contact.

 

[devilalum]

and there's no comparing frye vs lopez at starting center. all of lopez's shots are in the paint or at the f/t. frye's near or at 3pt land, like i said he does finish at the rim even with no fouls/contact.

Right, that's obvious but I think the entire team goes to the rim and plays more physical when Lopez is in the game.