The Chicago Bulls defeated the Phoenix Suns tonight, 116-103, the Suns’ first loss by more than ten points all season in 51 games, which is a record. But records and winning streaks aren’t what the Suns are after. As their ad campaign says, they have their “Eyes on the Prize.” And if the prize is indeed to come to fruition, Head Coach Mike D’Antoni will need to prove his mettle.
The Suns played without starters Steve Nash and Boris Diaw, and of course have been without backup big man Kurt Thomas for a few weeks now. But the glaring weakness in the Suns games recently has been their lack of defense and their propensity to give up too many uncontested baskets, whether they be in the paint or outside jumpers. The Suns also shoot a significantly higher percentage from the field when Nash is in the lineup, as he gets players the ball when they are open and ready to fire. Any team would miss a point guard of Nash’s caliber, but in addition to the lower field goal percentage, they have a tendency to get out of control on the fast break without Nash running the show for any length of time. And with or without Nash, the fast break isn’t always there, especially now that the Suns have a bit of a league-wide presence, with teams now gearing up to play them and aware of their fast break potency. Stoudemire, and the Suns as a whole, have improved their half-court game since the season started, but it’s not enough. Not yet. There is still work to be done. As is the case on defense, there are too many times when the Suns don’t make the most of a possession. They must overcome the tendency of getting off a poor shot late in the shot clock when the fast break isn’t there.
Defensively, their play as a unit isn’t the problem-when they have all their players available. They usually are pretty adept at weakside help, deflecting or intercepting passes into the paint, and making teams work and use up much of the shot clock. The problem with the Suns lies in the individual defense they play. Other than Shawn Marion and Raja Bell, and sometimes Amare Stoudemire, who has picked up his interior defense noticeably, the Suns’ players aren’t focused enough on individual defensive play. Which makes it difficult to win when a few players are missing, as they have been lately. As a result, their lack of individual defense forces them into thinking they have to double-team a big man in the low post. Whether that mindset is real or imagined, it allows open jumpers, many of which are threes that can greatly affect the outcome o####ame. I’m not sure why the Suns feel they have to do this, as big men on the low block rarely give the Suns a lot of trouble-or any team for that matter, as the NBA has become more and more a perimeter game in recent years. Even a healthy Shaquille O’Neal has been steamrolled by the Suns' style in recent meetings, as he and players with similar styles don’t last too long in the up-tempo proceedings.
To the Bulls’ credit in tonight’s game, Luol Deng stepped up big time, finishing with 29 points and proving to be a handful the entire game. Ben Gordon had 27, but shot poorly. The dagger for Chicago was Kirk Hinrich, who is well on his way to becoming one of the better point guards in the league, and who scorched the Suns during a decisive fourth quarter run with one crucial shot after another. Regarding my earlier point about the individual defense that the Suns are lacking when they put a slightly different lineup on the floor, Deng and Hinrich shot a combined 22-36, with Hinrich going 5-7 from beyond the arc. Every stat in the game was relatively close, save field goal percentage. The Suns shot 40.7%, the Bulls 50.6%. Thus, a thirteen point Chicago victory. It came as no surprise that the Bulls were especially hungry for this win, given the fact that they gave up a 16 point, second half lead in a loss at home to the Suns in Chicago in early January. Not to mention the fact that Bulls coach Scott Skiles coached the Suns a few years back, and no doubt found a little extra satisfaction in the win.
As for the Suns, the effort was there. It always is. And with some players missing, it’s understandable that their play has suffered as of late. But a little more attention to the finer points of winning basketball games against good teams would go a long way. The good news for them is that with a few players ailing, bench players like James Jones, Marcus Banks, and Pat Burke are getting to see significant minutes. Banks especially has elevated his play as of late. And in tonight’s game, even Jalen Rose saw some playing time, hopefully a sign of things to come. This can only help them in the long run. If they focus defensively as well. Of course the bad news is that, while the Suns play adequate team defense when fully healthy, the necessary influx of new players and minutes may make their individual defensive deficiencies even more glaring. No, the Suns don’t have to be a great defensive team to win a title, but stretches of solid “D” are a necessity. And a championship team knows almost instinctively when the “D” needs to be stepped up. I can’t help but think of the Bulls-Suns NBA Finals of ’93, when the Bulls always seemed to have an 8-0 lurking just around the corner, often when you least expected it. An 8-0 run doesn’t sound all that devastating on the surface, but in a game between two fairly evenly matched teams, it is enough to be the difference. A championship team knows that at any moment, a game-altering play or sequence can occur.
Nothing in this writing is to imply that the Suns can’t win a title with their style of play. They can. It’s been done before, and will be done again. The point is this-with their top seven or eight players under contract for a few more seasons, the time is now. This team is on the precipice of winning not one title, but possibly more than one with their lineup. Throw in the fact that they have two first round picks next year, including Atlanta’s, provided that it’s not in the top three, and the future is very bright for Suns fans. Granted, lots of things have to fall into place for any team in any sport to win multiple championships, so to imply that this Suns team is capable of doing so is putting the cart miles in front of the horse. But the Suns management, run superbly from top to bottom by Robert Sarver, one of the best owners in the league, has given Mike D’Antoni the reign to build the team as he has seen fit. And no championship this season does not necessarily constitute a failure. But as we all know, the window of opportunity in sports can close quickly, so for the Suns, the time is now. It’s time to see if Mike D’Antoni can really coach with the big picture in mind.
If there is any question in anyone's mind about Steve Nash being an MVP calibar player after this latest "version" of the Suns while he is out there is no excuse for Nash hating any longer. Nash is the man.
i've seen the bulls play a few games this year, and they've struggled plenty to score points. dropping 116 on phoenix should be a wake up call to the suns coaching staff that a little defense would go a long way in reaching their goal.
with or without nash and diaw, (much like the bucks without michael redd) they should be able to play decent defense regardless. actually, being without one of your best players should be the perfect reason for a coach to demand BETTER defensive effort from his players. so, either d'antoni (and terry stotts) isnt doing this, or the players arent listening...either way, it's a bad sign.
It's just one game, but it was ugly. I agree that they need to go with more single coverage in the paint. Let Amare worry about it. Double & Triple teaming Eddy Curry all day long is a joke. I too am starting to wonder what D'Antoni is thinking.
And if D'Antoni went with the bench players you mentioned more maybe they wouldn't have so many injuries every year, including Nash's current injury.
Last edited by jesus2 on February 12th at 7:34 AM.
This does not prove that if nash is not around PHX is not a forminable team and nash is deserving to be on a MVP caliber. cause if you say so that without him PHX is nothing then Marion, Amare should not be eligble for the West Allstars why they are nothing without Nash. Lets put it this way Marion and Amare are the strenght of PHX and nash is the Heart and Dantoni the Brain. but it does not mean that he still deserves to be an MVP not that i hate nash, he is a great player like MALONE but it does not signify that without them their team wont exist. its just the team is use that they are their to lead them but for that remains to be answered
As always, well done and good point. I would imagine most coaches could win big with this team. And the Suns have certainly incorporated D'Antoni's style of play.
We'll see how he manages his team in times of diversity. For one, I think they buy into his system and should be okay.
But you're right. They're gunning for the title and anything less might be considered failure... although, even making it to the Finals should be considered an achievement since they haven't been there since Sir Charles weighed 275 lbs.
stream of consciousness Nash love for PHX and when they win the title this year although Nash is not named MVP still can win with Amare and D'Antoni is braintrust of team.
Does that help?
Last edited by ReverendRhythm on February 12th at 9:14 AM.
The Suns are a good team without Nash and a Great team with him. He makes everyone better. He may just win his third MVP in a row this year. Without him, the offense is good but not fluid. With him on the floor everyone clicks. D'Antoni can't coach that. If he is going to live by the run and gun, defense will not every be there in the manner you are describing.
ricko ....... There's no doubt in most people's minds that D'Antoni can coach. But there's a feeling that it'll take just more than a few games before this Suns' team gets around to his way of thinking that defense also counts for something ! They've been found wanting on that level for a long preiod of time and it'll take a monumental effort for D'Antoni to instill into their heads that they've got to play defense. Much as in the same way we saw a turnaround in the Colts' fortune once they realized that defense was also a key to playing the game of football. What transpired from thereon in as they realized that fact set them up to win the Superbowl and a whole host of new admirers of the team. If the players on the Suns' realize that, then they could go on to bigger and better things. And that's the real problem "if" the players realise! And at present everyone it would appear that everyone just wants do things on the offensive end of the ball and not really concenr themselves with defense. Admittedly some stats that show up in the box score tend to reflect the opposite. But that's not what is always happening. Blocked shot stats can be somewhat deceptive as are turnovers. The thing to do obviously is to keep your opponents from scoring on you at will and amassing 100 plus points totals on regular basis. As that clearly suggests that defense isn't a part of your arsenal !
rampant/tophatal.....
Last edited by rampantfanatic on February 12th at 9:12 PM.
i didnt read the whole thing but dayum... this is an awfully long post about your beloved Suns. you remind me of someone else on these blogs with their devotion to their team...
The Suns will never be the defensive team everybody thinks they have to be to win a title, but if they do win it, then I'm sure the defense will be "good enough". I do not want to step into the "whinny" stage but if the Suns could keep the refs from stopping the game every minute, (62 fouls called last night) perhaps the Suns without Nash could get the rythm they need to sustain the pace they have grown accustomed to.
You make a lot of very good points. I think a big part of the problem, as you mentioned, is how much better Nash makes the team. I also think that Nash's absence has forced a lot players into roles that they aren't used to in trying make up for the things Nash brings to the table.
All of that has a ripple effect. Those who are trying to do some of the things Nash does for the team now cannot do the same things they had done before.
For example, asking Barbosa to try to break down defenses and be a distributor has taken something away from his outside game. And trying to get James Jones or someone else off the bench to take up the slack hasn't really worked out.
Of course, once Nash gets back, I think things will go back to normal and the Suns will be right back on track. Until then, it all depends on how well the team can adjust to these changing roles.
D'Antoni can coach, but what Steve Nash brings to the table is a dream come true for Mike's vision.
No other guard in league history could run that team better than Nash. To date, only Magic could do it equally as well.
On the sidelines, I'd like to see D'Antoni show less outward frustration with his team's play when they're struggling. It is easily read, and gives the impression he's pressing, which he is. Great coach's can easily exploit it.
RICKO- So now do you see what I've been saying all along to all the Suns supporters and the LAKER haters regarding how huge coaching is in the playoffs and why this is the absolute intangible?
D'Antoni's system of run-n-gun scoring and 10-second shot clocks will come back to haunt them because
a) he doesn't use his bench players... guys like Rose, Banks, Jones squared, and Burke won't be ready come playoff time
b) D'Antoni's system relies on big runs to get leads but in the playoffs it's all about possessions, second chances, and DEFENSE. The Suns waste possessions by shooting early in the shot clock and this eliminates the all-important playoff factor of meaningful possessions. In the playoffs, every single possession is meaningful and with the Suns style of play it will kill them.
Just an opinion my friend. D'Antoni is not going to lead them to a title. I guarantee it.
Believe me, I watched every single game of every single season during the Showtime Era and the difference is that the Lakers knew how to play physical and slow-down tempo in addition to fastbreak because we had Kareem and Worthy, two of the best lowpost threats in the eighties. Stoudemire and Marion are nothing but wingmen who can jump high.
So how can Phoenix slow the tempo against the San Antonios and the Dallases and the Houstons if they weren't controlling the tempo? The problem is that they wouldn't be able to, and that will be their downfall in the playoffs.
Last edited by J-DIZZLE on February 12th at 1:34 PM.
Is it a "meaningful" posession if you score? 20 year old compairson? Wingmen who can jump high? Stats don't mean a thing to you huh dizzle. Trying to protect a dream? Gotta have that "we were/are the best" in history? Whats your pay-off from your guarantee if the Suns do win a title?
OutlawZorro-I think Nash earns more MVP votes when he's NOT playing.
cuz-I guess that just shows what a defensive stopper Nash is when he's playing. (Buuuurrrrrrrrpp! Damn, this Budweiser's good).
RevRhythm-I do think the team will look at anything less than a title as a failure. The Suns were hit with serious injuries last year and still made the conference finals. But you can't use that every year. Granted, if Nash is out come playoff time, they won't win. But you've got to find a way to win a few games here and there against good teams with your main guy out. Losing by 13 at home doesn't cut it. I like your positive attitude, though, and the Suns are still a work in progress, as every team is at this poit in the season. Oh, BTW, thanks for the great translation of dncmiles. That was a wonderful public service you did. You should be proud.
Shooter-Just got off the phone with Mike. You're #124. Stay close to your phone.
Socal-I would have to disagree with your assessment of their defense-probably because I see every game and I have seen them play good defense. They are capable and good enough-with their full line-up. But they only have a couple guys who take pride in their one-on-one defense, as I wrote. Sometimes, you gotta suck it up and get a win when you aren't hitting on all cylinders-with or without the MVP. (Next time you watch a Suns game, keep your eye on Marion for an extended length of time. The guy never quits).
rampant-D'Antoni and some of the players, like Marion, Stoudemire, and Nash, preach defense quite often. Time for them, and the entire team, to put their money where their mouth is. One can only hope that their recents woes will serve as a wake-up call.
Prom-I was going to let you slide and continue using my picture as your avatar, but in light of your insinuation, I am reconsidering. You are on notice.
pumpdude-The officiating last night was truly atrocious, but that hasn't changed in the NBA in 20 years. I can't use that excuse if it's bad both ways, which it usually is. The refs call a foul on anything out of the ordinary. For example, if Pat Burke blocks a shot by Gilbert Arenas, there's going to be a foul. If, for example, Tim Duncan gets a little of Smush Parker's arm while blocking a shot-no foul. That's just the way it is. The stars are expected to make plays. Anyway, like I said, the refereeing was very bad, but it didn't cost the Suns the game. The officials pretty much sucked on both ends.
MeanD-GREAT points you made about Nash and D'Antoni. What are you, some kind of student of the game or something? I'll answer that myself. Yes.
J-Dizz-If I saw what you've been saying, I would crowned the Lakers' collective #### a long time ago. BTW, D'Antoni has been using his bench more, even before Nash and Diaw got injured. The Suns may waste a few possessions, but they use a lot of possessions effectively as well, as witnessed by their shooting percentage. Which leads the league, by the way. And if you're comparing the Suns or any current team to a team with Worthy and Kareem, (et. al.), perhaps I need to be bringing up Bird, McHale, and Parish. 'Cause there aren't any teams like the '80s Lakers and Celtics around nowadays. Never will be. Stoudemire and Marion are nothing but wingmen who can jump high? Um, okay. Shawn Marion was top 20 in seven categories last year-FG%, FT%, scoring, rebounding, blocked shots, steals, and minutes. Throw in double-doubles (second with 60-KG had 61), and you have eight. Your assignment-go find another player that has ever done that and get back to me. And Stoudemire is more than a handful for Tim Duncan. If you think I am scared of San Antonio or Houston, (Houston? You mentioned Houston?) you are sadly mistaken. If the Suns wind up falling to Dallas, you have my permission to rip me a new one-considering you have completed your assignment, that is. Good luck.
Nooch-Very well said. I think Marcus Banks, who has been seeing significant minutes lately, is trying to be Steve Nash. He's not. He needs to penetrate and either score or dish off. That's what he does best. That's what they signed him for. And your 'ripple effect' statement was so true.
ricko- how many times have I told you. Stats don't mean a thing in the playoffs. Don't you know that in the playoffs, all the averages and stats and record start at zero?
I swear you guys keep bringing up how good guys like Marion and Amare are based on their stats and I don't blame you because that's all you guys have to fall back to considering they haven't won a single title let alone make a Finals appearance.
If Mike D'Antoni realized how important possessions are in the playoffs then your Suns would have won back-to-back championships the years that Nash won back-to-back MVPS. That's why teams like the Celtics and Lakers were great and that's why real MVP's and real coaches win titles- because they know what it takes.
I will say it again. D'Antoni wins Italian League titles, not NBA championships.
As far as my "assignment": no need to research because stats have never proven one is better than the other. Marion has better stats than Tayshaun Prince in all eight of your categories but who's been to the Finals and who's won a ring?
Your assignment is this you big stud: Show me a player who's top 20 in seven categories during any given season who's won a ring. Bet you can't find one.
Last edited by J-DIZZLE on February 12th at 8:26 PM.
Good point. I hadn't thought of that. You're right. Forget stats. Let's talk rings, now that you mentioned it. Would you take Bruce Bowen (ring) or Kevin Johnson (no ring)? Greg Kite (ring) or Charles Barkley (no ring)? Stacey King (whose name even rhymes with ring, which he has-wonder if he has any bling-bling. You see, that's the thing. I'll bet he listens to Sting. Or flies Southwest Airlines-DING!), or Karl Malone (no ring)? Bill Cartwright (ring) or Kevin Garnett (no ring, as of yet)? Danny Ainge (ring) or Jason Kidd (yyaaaaawwwwnnn. This is getting kind of boring)?
PUMPDUDE: talk to me when you actually know what you're sayin dude. you are basically showing your lack of basketball IQ by implying that since the Suns score 120 points they can afford to have meaningless possessions. You are also saying that their scoring prowess can overcome a slow-down tempo defensive minded team like the Spurs or Rockets or Pistons or Heat. You've obviously never watched playoff basketball live and in person before because championship basketball INTENSITY has been the same over the last 30 years! Too bad Phoenix doesn't know what it feels like.
Just proves how much you know. Which is nothing. Tell me, genius, who has won the championship over the last 10 years. And tell me if any of those teams ever led the league in scoring. That's your assignment, in addition to RICKO's.
All you SUNS fans are so pathetic and hate on Lakers fans by saying we are trying to protect a dream. Wake up. because you guys are the ones who are dreaming (of a title). the LAKERS have made that dream a reality - 14 times. So don't even get me started with that argument.
SUNS will never win a title with D'Antoni as coach. That's my point. If they do, fly me to Alaska and I'll wear an eskimo thong with an autographed Raja Bell jersey to go with it.
J-Dizz-Speaking of getting you started on an argument, where were we again? Oh yeah. We were talking titles. That's right.
Now where was I? Oh. I think I remember. Hey J-dizz, would you rather have Jeff Hostetler (ring) or Dan Marino (no ring)? Trent Dilfer (ring) or Jim Kelly ( no ring)? Brad Johnson (ring) or Dan Fouts (no ring). Ken Stabler (ring) or Fran Tarkenton (no ring)? Oh ####. Wrong sport. Never mind.
"All you SUNS fans are so pathetic and hate on Lakers fans by saying we are trying to protect a dream. Wake up. because you guys are the ones who are dreaming (of a title). the LAKERS have made that dream a reality - 14 times. So don't even get me started with that argument."
So you say we are accusing you of trying to protect a dream. You then mention your 14 titles. I guess that's worth mentioning. Or at least it was a few years ago. Or if you're dreaming of the good old days.
Now, where was I? Oh yeah. Would you rather have Steve Kerr (ring) or John Stockton (no ring)? B.J. Armstrong (ring) or Reggie Miller (no ring)?
ricko .... I certainly hope that defense will become part of D'Antoni's strategy because if it doesn't they'll perish in the playoffs.
It doesn't matter how good your offense is especially if you're letting your opponent score on you at will !
If that's happening then you'll be doomed for failure !
Michael Cooper (ring) or Alex English (no ring)? Okay, forget that one. You're a Laker fan. No doubt in my mind who you'll say is better.
Manu Ginobili (ring) or Ray Allen (no ring)? Okay, not fair. They're both still playing, so we don't have the final tally in yet.
RRREEEEETTT!!!! And there's a whistle. Ginobili just flopped and took a charge. Sorry for the interruption. How 'bout this one-Don Nelson, (ring) or Pete Maravich (no ring).
J-Dizz says: "Your assignment is this you big stud: Show me a player who's top 20 in seven categories during any given season who's won a ring. Bet you can't find one."
You're right, genius. There aren't any. In fact, the next player that finishes in the top 20 in those seven categories will be the second. Marion was the first.
ricko .... You're probably aware of it already but supposedly the Chargers bit the bullet and fired Schottenheimer.
It was a tough decision but if he and A J Smith the GM weren't getting on then it was to be expected !
rampant-Chargers #### up big time. That will set them back at least one year, maybe two. Hell, I like the Cardinals front office after the fiasco San Diego pulled.
The Suns are going to win a title this year, they have the best team, and there most balanced team, Nash is the MVP again and Stoudemire seems to regaining form, Bell and the Matrix play very good defense, Nash plays, D'Antoni coachs, and believe this Nash loves the way he coaches!! Good Post Ricko!!!
I don't know if people will come back to this sight a couple of days later or not but I just wanted to drop a quick note to Dizzle.
Dear Fizzle,
Just like your comments about the Suns, you don't know me. I will bet that through the years I have watched, played and coached more basketball than most of the people here. That doesn't make me perfect (like your 10 years ago dream) but I am qualified to make a statement. However I can tell that no matter what is said to you, you will always be right. Sad.
Go Suns
ricko ..... Perhaps the only saving grace out of this. Is that someone like the Bears' Ron Rivera or Mike Singletary might get second bite at the apple. Because it's still my belief that they didn't get a fair shake with regard to the interview process in Dallas. Jones only wnted a stop gap there in order that Garrett can be groomed for the position. Does anyone really believe that Phillips will last more than two years there with the shenanigans of TO and Jerry Jones in tow ? Make no mistake Phillips is there to show the ropes to Garrett before he assumes the reins fulltime. Be it a year or two down the line ! I said as much in my post 'How High Is Too High ?' written under the guise of tophatal....
I saw that comparison of team defense and offense ratings somewhere recently and the Suns were still great no matter how you look at it.
This year is by far their best chance at making it and I hope they do.............I like the Spurs and the Suns in the west which ever team can beat the Mavs..........So I don't have to see Mark Cubans obnoxious gestures from the sidelines.
Good post......Dude you know a lot about the Suns!
J-Fizzle is a moran!!! this guy tell us that "stats do not win championships!!" and hes right... but wasnt it just a few blogs ago when he put up a bunch of stats about Kobe and how he will lead his team to a title!!
Spent half my life in North Dakota. The other half, so far, in the Valley of the Sun. As a kid, I was always playing, watching, reading, or writing about sports. I lost most of the "playing" along the way, but the rest remains the same. I pledge to refrain from commenting on a blog unless I've read it in its entirety. If I have time, of course.
Carry on.
Email address: rickoblog@ear thlink.net
