Suns @ Pistons 1-11-14

[Folster]

The offense during this road trip has devolved into heaving threes. The absence of Bledsoe is glaring. I'm surprised Goodwin hasn't got off the bench. His slashing and ability to draw fouls might have been worth a shot. One thing Hornacek has shown is that he doesn't let players linger on the bench too long. He's been good about keeping bench players involved with scraps of meaningful playing time not just garbage time.

 

[ProdigalSun]

Yeah I'm disappointed that Goodwin has been getting DNP's. I hope that Hornacek and McDonough remember that this season was supposed to be about developing our younger players and playing the right way and NOT about wins

 

[Griffin]

Ugly game that the Suns somehow managed to come close to winning in the end. However the formula for beating the Suns is becoming apparent on this road trip. Teams are taking care of the ball much better, making it difficult for the Suns to run off of turnovers. Without that, the Suns can't get easy baskets, and are forced to settle for low-percentage long range shots that sometimes go in but more often do not. I think the Suns fast break points per game average on this road trip is significantly below season average.

On the other end, the Suns weaknesses on interior defense are being exposed regularly now. It was interesting to see a lineup of Plumlee and Len, but that frontcourt, should it ever work, is still years away from being able to hold their own against more established bigs.

 

[AfroSuns]

The offense during this road trip has devolved into heaving threes. The absence of Bledsoe is glaring. I'm surprised Goodwin hasn't got off the bench. His slashing and ability to draw fouls might have been worth a shot. One thing Hornacek has shown is that he doesn't let players linger on the bench too long. He's been good about keeping bench players involved with scraps of meaningful playing time not just garbage time.

Its a little disappointing, Hornacek is sacrificing Goodwin playing time to integrate Barbosa. He should at least send him to the D-League. I sure hope he will be back on the court soon.

 

[Superbone]

Another loss to a below .500 team.

Thankfully I didn't watch this one

Go Suns!

I'm thankful that I watched it. The Suns didn't play great but they fought as always and had a chance to win at the end. First Smith made a prayer and then he made a difficult shot. Good for him. Can't win 'em all.

 

[Errntknght]

Its a little disappointing, Hornacek is sacrificing Goodwin playing time to integrate Barbosa. He should at least send him to the D-League. I sure hope he will be back on the court soon.

I agree though I think Hornacek may be reluctant to let Goodwin out of his sight for any length of time, as would happen if he sent him to the D league.

Whats bugged me from the beginning is that Jeff hasn't paired up Goodwin and Ish. In practice and in games. It would have to bolster Archie's confidence to have someone on the floor who would be glad to pass the ball to him - even run plays for him. Ish is as good as Bled and Goran when it comes to making assists - currently he has the highest assist rate per minute on the team. They'd fit together fine on defense and might be the best backcourt duo with Bledsoe out - especially after they gotten used to defending together. It's a heck of a lot better to develop chemistry with one other person than with no one, on both ends of the floor.

 

[Superbone]

I agree though I think Hornacek may be reluctant to let Goodwin out of his sight for any length of time, as would happen if he sent him to the D league.

Whats bugged me from the beginning is that Jeff hasn't paired up Goodwin and Ish. In practice and in games. It would have to bolster Archie's confidence to have someone on the floor who would be glad to pass the ball to him - even run plays for him. Ish is as good as Bled and Goran when it comes to making assists - currently he has the highest assist rate per minute on the team. They'd fit together fine on defense and might be the best backcourt duo with Bledsoe out - especially after they gotten used to defending together. It's a heck of a lot better to develop chemistry with one other person than with no one, on both ends of the floor.

The thing that bothers me when Goodwin does play, is that it seems that no plays are ever run for him. Basically, the defense can just lay off of him. I don't see him getting better or more involved.

 

[sunsfan88]

I wish Goodwin had more cofidence in his jumper. He tries to drive into heavy traffic instead when teams just dare him to shoot.

Even if he's gonna brick em, I would like to see him shoot more often to at least get the experience of putting up shots in a meaningful game.