Suns vs. Pacers 1/14

[Errntknght]

I certainly agree about flagrants for the mid-air pushing foul and D'Antoni should alert the refs to look for the moving picks the opponents bigs are laying on Nash - they're nailing him at least once or twice every game. Other than that these physical games are good for the team because you know it's what they are going to run into during the playoffs.

I won't argue that the league wouldn't be smart to get the refs to clamp down on physical play because it's clear that fans around the league are enjoying the Suns high speed game. But they need to make a commitment to calling the game the same in the playoffs as in the regular season - which flies in the face of long tradition. If not, I'm afraid very few teams will follow the Suns' lead. Most coaches around the league would probably agree that the Suns are a refreshing change and that it would boost the game if more teams played that way - but each one would choose the style he thought would maximize his teams' chances of winning the title. You can't blame them as it's part of the job description.

 

[WizardOfAz]

Marion had only 3 boards, no offensive boards, in 40 minutes... also no blocks, no free throw attempts, and 12 pts... bad night.

Then there is Q Rich's 0-11...

..and the officals really had little to do with those two lines.

 

[AZZenny]

Wow - this place is deserted! Bandwagon emptying out that fast, eh?

Question - would refs be unhappy with a fast-paced game, if it became more prevalent?

Wonder if Sarver is going to take a page from Cuban's approach if the flagrant fouls keep getting... overlooked.

 

[Chaz]

Suns are getting beat up out there.

We went form the highest to lowest points the last few nights.

Only our second two game losing streak of the year. Face it we knew it would happen, there are going to be times when the refs are going to swallow the whistle. If you want to win the title you have to learn to overcome that and all the other challenges. Suns are still learning but I would rather they learn now than to be unprepared for it in the playoffs.

Teams watch the scouting report and win continue to try and rough the Suns up. At least they face a running team tonight in the Wizards. Maybe that will get them going! :garybender:

 

[jbeecham]

Anyone heard an update on Nash for tonight's game? Last I heard he was questionable with the deep theigh bruise. At least he didn't get a broken nose or concussion from the headbutt by Tinsley. My guess is that he'll play tonight, but he probably won't be able to move as quickly as normal and changing directions might be a problem.

 

[coloradosun]

Typical Eastern Conference Basketball

If you can't beat them, beat them up next time. Looks like Indy wants to be come the new Bad Boys of the league.

 

[jibikao]

Well... I actually hope Nash would rest tonight and prepare for Pistons and Spurs.

I think it's a good test for the Suns to play without Nash. SOMEBODY has to step up and carry the team.

As sad as it sounds, Suns is so 1D. Suns can probably only win by fast-pace game. While it's doable most of the time, we can't win if Nash is down. The team totally looks LOST out there.

If we want to win, we need to prepare for the loss of Nash or even Amare or Marion. Anybody could go down during this long stretch of 82 games.

I think it's a good lesson for the guys. Now if Nash can't produce effectively or sit out, Suns needs to find another way to win. Barbosa needs to step up. If he can't run like Nash, he has to at least produce effectively in a half-court game. Run more pick&roll for Q/JJ/Marion or go inside to Amare all the time and let him draw double team.

 

[Billythekid]

I agree, i hope Nash rests tonight. We need to see who else can run this team.

With Coach D not calling plays, and leaving this up to Nash the majority of the time, i think this is where its going to be tough. Barbosa doesn't have the experience to be calling plays, and the style we play everything is on the fly.

Maybe have JJ start at the point and play Hunter at C.

This will be the best thing for the Suns in the long run. We're really gonna find out some things about this team with Nash out. Hope he comes back soon, but it's time someone else steps up at the point position.

Go Suns!

 

[Chaz]

I wish they would run more screen/roll with JJ and Amare.

Their offense has been really dirrerent the last few nights, even wish Nash in the game.
A lot of standing and missed shots.

 

[NickelBack]

Indiana beat us up

Read both papers (Republic & Trib) this morning and neither mentioned this in the game stories.