Suns @ Kings game thread 12-29-17

[Mainstreet]

On Friday the Suns visit the Kings for a game scheduled for 8 p.m. Arizona time. The Suns have split their two meetings with the Kings.

In regard to records, the Suns are 13-23 while the Kings are 12-22.

Here is more from an update by Scott Bordow at azcentral.

Suns at Kings

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento.

TV/radio: FSAZ/KTAR 98.7 FM

Update:

The Suns are 4-2 in their last six games. After being sidelined for three weeks with a strained left adductor muscle, Devin Booker returned to Phoenix’s lineup Tuesday and scored 32 points in a 99-97 win over Memphis. The Kings are 12-22, but they’re coming off a home win against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Sacramento beat Phoenix 99-92 back on December 12. The Kings will be without rookie point guard De’Aaron Fox (quadriceps tear). Zach Randolph leads a balanced Kings lineup in scoring at 15.5 points per game.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo.../?hootPostID=8cfdef59bf22c44929a5e6a9c81e160b

 

[Mainstreet]

Here are the starters.

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow


Suns' starters: Chandler Chriss Warren Booker Ulis

6:49 PM - 29 Dec 2017

 

[Mainstreet]

I think the rule that allowed the game winning lob by Bender to Chandler is going to be changed in the off season. Too many teams are going to trying it now. JMHO

It stands to reason the defensive player will be allowed to get their hand in the cylinder as well.

 

[Mainstreet]

Ulis gets the Suns first two points with a nice runner.

 

[Mainstreet]

Labissiere is tearing up the Suns but what else is new.

 

[Mainstreet]

End of 1st quarter:

Suns 35 - Kings 25

Bender with two smooth looking 3 point shots with no hesitation for 6 points.

 

[Mainstreet]

Halftime:

Suns 55 - Kings 46

Booker is having a tough night shooting going 3-11 for 9 points.

Warren goes 7-9 for 15 points.

 

[Mainstreet]

Chriss playing well tonight with 14 points already.

Also 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Marquise Chriss all of the sudden starting to wake up.

 

[Mainstreet]

Marquise Chriss all of the sudden starting to wake up.

Yes he is. And he is playing team basketball.

 

[Mainstreet]

Canaan with 5 quick points. A 3 point shot and a change of speed drive to the basket. I'm liking him more and more every time I watch him.

 

[Mainstreet]

Timeout with 3:42 left.

Kings 99 -Suns 98

 

[Mainstreet]

The Suns are very aggressive down the stretch, especially Devin Booker. The Kings got under their skin plus the officiating.

A lot of no calls.

Booker was playing PG in the closing moments.

Final:

Suns 111 - 101

Both Warren and Booker finish with 26 points each.

 

[95pro]

The Suns are very aggressive down the stretch, especially Devin Booker. The Kings got under their skin plus the officiating.

A lot of no calls.

Booker was playing PG in the closing moments.

Final:

Suns 111 - 101

Both Warren and Booker finish with 26 points each.

I hate to play the ref game, but lately it seems like the Suns don't get any calls. Playing 5 on 8 it seems.

 

[Mainstreet]

I hate to play the ref game, but lately it seems like the Suns don't get any calls. Playing 5 on 8 it seems.

Tonight is served as motivation for the Suns to play that much harder. Once Booker gets that look in his eyes late in the game... watch out.

 

[Hoop Head]

I hate to play the ref game, but lately it seems like the Suns don't get any calls. Playing 5 on 8 it seems.

I didn't see tonight's game but have noticed that over the last few games. I think that is because they're so young and their players don't just accept the calls and move on, they argue them. They don't just argue bad calls but the majority of the calls against them, right or wrong. They need to learn to pick their battles because the refs seem to ignore them completely when they're complaining so much. I don't blame guys like Jackson and Chriss for being upset at some calls but they need to stay composed. I'd throw Ulis in there also. I've seen Chandler trying to mediate and talking to the refs when those guys get upset and that's not a bad way to handle it. They're not getting T'd up like Markieff though so it could be worse. If Watson were the coach I think they'd have even more technicals, Triano seems to be well respected though and when I've seen him talk to officials it's usually cordial, then the game will be called well for the next few minutes, typically until one of our youngsters gets going again.

Booker seems to have learned pretty early when to pick his battles with the refs. He doesn't get superstar calls but he gets more favorable calls than any other 21 year old in the league right now in addition to being able to talk back a bit more also.

 

[Ronin]

Zach Lowe
@ZachLowe_NBA

I've been critical of Marquese Chriss's feel before (as have lots of others, including coaches). Last night was maybe the best all-around game I've seen him play. Positive signs across the board.

 

[leclerc]

Looks like he has turned the corner. Still hoping for some break out games from our young bucks (all of Chriss, Bender, Ulis, Jackson) while teams are still competing mid season.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I was just going to post about Chriss. I have been quite critical of him, but last night was a very good game from him, especially his D on Randolph.

The thing is that Bender looked good too. Not as good as Chriss.

TJ just gets better and better. I am really wondering if JJ could ever supplant him as the starting sf.

If these players develop, our options are endless.

 

[SirStefan32]

I was just going to post about Chriss. I have been quite critical of him, but last night was a very good game from him, especially his D on Randolph.

I'll second that. Last two games, Chriss has played much better, and complained much less. I like it!

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm not sure how the Suns would play him but I'd like to get Skal Labissiere from the Kings. He is going to be a very good player. I'm not sure the Kings use him to their full advantage. He is a Suns slayer.

 

[Suns_fan69]

Team defense looked pretty good last night when I paid attention. Lots of communication, good rotations, everybody helped everyone. There were still lapses of course but I was very encouraged.

Also, having Booker close the game was just a treat. That left handed layup over Willie Cauley-Stein was just a thing of beauty. That nice F you 3 was just icing on the cake. Having been on the ass end of that kind of performance from Kobe for years (where you think he's having an off night then pours in 10 points to seal a win) it's been nice being on the other side.

 

[SirStefan32]

Team defense looked pretty good last night when I paid attention. Lots of communication, good rotations, everybody helped everyone. There were still lapses of course but I was very encouraged.

Also, having Booker close the game was just a treat. That left handed layup over Willie Cauley-Stein was just a thing of beauty. That nice F you 3 was just icing on the cake. Having been on the ass end of that kind of performance from Kobe for years (where you think he's having an off night then pours in 10 points to seal a win) it's been nice being on the other side.

Kings' announcers were saying "It doesn't matter home many he misses. He'll keep shooting, and watch out on the fourth" the whole game.

 

[JS22]

Team defense looked pretty good last night when I paid attention. Lots of communication, good rotations, everybody helped everyone. There were still lapses of course but I was very encouraged.

Also, having Booker close the game was just a treat. That left handed layup over Willie Cauley-Stein was just a thing of beauty. That nice F you 3 was just icing on the cake. Having been on the ass end of that kind of performance from Kobe for years (where you think he's having an off night then pours in 10 points to seal a win) it's been nice being on the other side.

Be careful mentioning Booker and Kobe in the same breath around here.

 

[SirStefan32]

Yeah, better put a disclaimer on that post before everyone jumps on you for comparing the two. Or maybe that only applies to Bender. I am not sure.