Suns @ Trail Blazers 10-31-15

[Mainstreet]

Now the Suns play the Trail Blazers at Portland in the second game of the back-to-back series. The start time is reported as 7 p.m. Arizona time.

Trick or treat?

Projected starting lineups

C: Tyson Chandler … Mason Plumlee

PF: Markieff Morris … Meyers Leonard

SF: P.J. Tucker … Al-Farouq Aminu

SG: Brandon Knight … C.J. McCollum

PG: Eric Bledsoe … Damian Lillard

Key Blazers reserves: Noah Vonleh, Ed Davis, Allen Crabbe, Maurice Harkless, Chris Kaman.

Key Blazers injuries: None reported.

More from Paul Coro at azcentral.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...ay-orange-slices-suns-trail-blazers/74951496/

 

[Zobaczcie suki]

Go Suns!

 

[JCSunsfan]

Can I just go on record as saying that the idea of back to back games in two cities against the same team seems really dumb. I cannot believe it makes for quality basketball.

At least both teams are on a back to back.

 

[Catlover]

Can I just go on record as saying that the idea of back to back games in two cities against the same team seems really dumb. I cannot believe it makes for quality basketball.

At least both teams are on a back to back.

I don't like back to backs in general but I kind of like the idea of doing it with the same team. Seems like it would make for less work between games. I would just like to see every team play the same number of back to backs or at least a similar number of road/home back to backs.

 

[Mainstreet]

Can I just go on record as saying that the idea of back to back games in two cities against the same team seems really dumb. I cannot believe it makes for quality basketball.

At least both teams are on a back to back.

I agree. I don't think it makes for good entertainment under most circumstances unless the playoffs were on the line.

Also IMO, I think it will be harder for the Suns to beat Portland on the second night of a back-to-back on their home court. There must be some stats on this stuff. It would seem that being at home would offer more comfort and perhaps rest for Portland.

 

[Mainstreet]

I do think depth should play a factor in tonight's game.

 

[Catlover]

I agree. I don't think it makes for good entertainment under most circumstances unless the playoffs were on the line.

Also IMO, I think it will be harder for the Suns to beat Portland on the second night of a back-to-back on their home court. There must be some stats on this stuff. It would seem that being at home would offer more comfort and perhaps rest for Portland.

Hmm. I look at it otherwise. The home court advantage is almost gone from the league in today's NBA. I have no proof but I think the home game at the end of a back to back is part of what's causing it along with the longer road trips that frequently lead to a loss in the first game back. I could be wrong but it seems both of those things occur more frequently today than they did in the 70's for example.

I know as far as the end of the home court advantage that some people also point to the fact that the refs are held more accountable today plus the importance of the 3 point shot has made it less possible for them to influence the outcome. Also, more and more fans either watch the game from home or they are fans of players rather than teams so the crowd advantage is much less today than it used to be. And then there's the fact that travel issues can be more easily mitigated by technology and knowledge.

 

[Mainstreet]

Hmm. I look at it otherwise. The home court advantage is almost gone from the league in today's NBA. I have no proof but I think the home game at the end of a back to back is part of what's causing it along with the longer road trips that frequently lead to a loss in the first game back. I could be wrong but it seems both of those things occur more frequently today than they did in the 70's for example.

I know as far as the end of the home court advantage that some people also point to the fact that the refs are held more accountable today plus the importance of the 3 point shot has made it less possible for them to influence the outcome. Also, more and more fans either watch the game from home or they are fans of players rather than teams so the crowd advantage is much less today than it used to be. And then there's the fact that travel issues can be more easily mitigated by technology and knowledge.

I have heard this before so I think you are right. Let's hope it plays out this way tonight. There are so many factors there needs to be an equation. Where is Elindholm?

 

[SirStefan32]

Love Chandler and Bledsoe tonight!

 

[95pro]

Name some teams that had a better road record than home record

 

[sunsfan88]

Bledsoe putting in work!

 

[Catlover]

Name some teams that had a better road record than home record

I'm not aware of any although I know a team has played even in each of the last 2 seasons. But the overall winning percentage advantage has dropped considerably.

 

[Zobaczcie suki]

Bled w/ 14 w/ 4 minutes left in the second Q

 

[Phrazbit]

Bledsoe seems a lot more sure of himself so far. His assist numbers are not crazy (even though the team ball movement is really nice), but his awful "jump and then look for a place to pass" move has been absent from his game.

 

[sunsfan88]

Give our guards all the credit, both Knight and especially Bledsoe have been really good. Opening it up for everything else. Bledsoe would be even more dangerous with more spacing though.

Knight takes some really contested shots but you can't complain when he makes it.

Both of them are setting up and finding the open guys. I don't know if Nash gave them some pointers yesterday or what but I'll take it.

Uh sigh of course a player makes the shot on a last second attempt at the end of the half :/

 

[sunsfan88]

I love the rebounding that Leur brings. He does a lot of the little things/hustle plays. Reminds me of Lou Amundson from our 2010 season but Leur is more athletic and probably more skilled as well.

 

[Zobaczcie suki]

Yep, Bledsoe is very relaxed and smooth on his shot. Not a lot of forced passes like last year. He is playing under control, zero turnovers.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Leuer is a keeper. He reminds me some of a Dan Majerle type of player. One of those guys that always compete and does a lot of things to help a team succeed.

 

[sunsfan88]

This is like the Mavs game all over again, pathetic 3rd qtr.

 

[Phrazbit]

Alvin Gentry is looking like a saboteur down there in New Orleans. Three games, 3 blow out loses where they've given up over 110 points. Granted, the Warriors are good, but they got smashed by this Portland team too.

 

[Phrazbit]

Crunch time here should be interesting. With this current starting lineup we're short on shooting or a double team threat. Curious to see if they keep this nice ball movement going in a tight game late.

Well, as I'm typing this Bledsoe and Knight push the lead from 1 to 7 in the span of about 40 seconds.

 

[Phrazbit]

Nice win, Bledsoe and Knight were outstanding.

 

[frankeegee1]

Still 50 tics left, according to the tv.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Mainstreet]

I was only able to watch the last 6 minutes of game but wow. This is the Suns team I've wanted to see. The Suns backcourt really played well. Nice to have Chandler and crew.

 

[devilalum]

Suns are defenitely better than the Blazers.