So I have read blog after blog and article after article about how the Suns' are the best team in the league, unstoppable, yada yada yada. When you are not reading about that, you are reading about the winning streaks, Nash for MVP, Amare, The Great Matrix, and etc.
I find all that rather amusing seeing as how they have yet to beat Dallas, San Antonio, Utah, or even the Lakers. So how can you classify a team as "The Best" when they have yet to beat actual competition?
So this week starts with them at Minnesota, hosting San Antonio and then Utah. I would say this is a pretty competitive schedule for them and I am interested to see how it plays out.
Looks like it started out pretty bad 121-112 Minnesota. Bring on San Antonio! I know I will hear from all the haters out there, but I am cool with that. Bring it!
Lol.. Just read your "about me." I see you are a Mavs fan. My bad. I can understand how you feel. I was feeling the same way when the media was giving non-stop attention to the Mavs when the Suns were only 1 game behind. I am guessing it has everything to do with the win streak. I mean, that is something that happens once or twice per decade. But whatever the case, the 2 top teams are clearly the Mavs and Suns and deserve as much attention as they are getting.
I do agree that the Suns need to win these upcoming games to prove their worthiness as an A-class team. I think the only other teams that are currently worthy of that title are the Mavs and Spurs. And I wouldn't put the Rockets or Jazz too far underneath them.
Last edited by NashtyBall on January 29th at 8:48 PM.
Seriously. Every blog has been about how the Suns are the greatest team to grace the court. Their streak was impressive but they haven't beat their primary competition.
Their endurance is also questionable and they're third of fourth best in the West. The Suns will make a splash in the playoffs but I'll be truly shocked if they win the title.
Biotch, seems the tables have flipped. Last year the Suns had the better record overall and against the Mavs during the season. However, Mavs beat the Suns in the Finals.
I would be happy to have the reverse results this season. ;)
Nashty I like you, you have quite a bit of spunk. I can totally appreciate a true fan! I cannot wait to see a Sun / Mav playoff matchup. BRING IT BABY!
How can you be talkin about the Suns this way, what kinda #### is this, you don't know B-Ball at all, youuu haterrr!!!!! Just kiddin, them Mavs look like they're ready to take the final step!
Thanks. Actually, I enjoy sparring with Mavs and Spurs fans too. (In my other life, I'm pretty sure I was a Texan).
Anyways, I think the most well-balanced team is the Mavs. I also think they have the deepest bench. The benefits the Suns have are obviously the dominating offense and that they have been steadily getting better as Amare has been getting better, since working him back into the rotation.
I can't wait for March 14th. And I say that game will be a MUCH better gauge of the playoffs, whoever it is that wins. Unfortunately, I wish I could say the game were in PHX.
Keep up the good work. I'd always rather have the best in the west!
Rather than talk about how the suns lost or teams other than your own......why not talk about how the Mavs chocked away the championship last year? That effort against the Heat last year was a digrace. Btw, havn't the Mavs lost to the bulls and lakers? Its to early to get cocky about your team.....its a long season and the Mavs are more than capable of blowing it again this year. Also....im not a suns fan...
streaks of this length are tough to maintain. 17 in a row is still pretty impressive.
i'll withhold judgement until after the san antonio and utah games coming up as to how good they stack up against the rest of the west.
only 1 loss against eastern conference teams....but that only means something if they can make it to the finals, and past the spurs, mavs, jazz, and/or lakers in the postseason.
aussie I am not being cocky, I am simply stating my opinion. I know the Mavs have issues they need to straighten out to make a good run at the playoffs this year.
LOL the streak is dead, long live the streak. Well they'd had two of them and it still comes down to Mavs and Suns for me. And sad to say this since I'm a Laker fan. But we'll see I guess.
I have a blog up rght now that I think is an important issue and if you can support it I'd appreaciate it if you can find the time to check it out.
LOL and there is the terrible twins again, Dizzle and Nash. These two are the best comedy act on the net. See one, see the other. LOLOL
I find it funny how Mavs fans can't wait to bash on the Suns. You very seldom see it vice versa. But then I noticed you're a Cowboy fan as well, so obviously you're not playing with a full deck. Oh well, at least you have an excuse. You were born there.
So anyway, you said in a prior comment that your team was in first. Correct, they are. Tied with the Suns. I guess this is a good place to say game on. This would also be a good place, in light of your Suns bashing, to bring up the fact that the Suns have not lost ONE game by double digits. (That would be ten or more). Meanwhile, your beloved Mavericks have lost five by ten or more, including by 18 to the Clippers (snicker), 22 to Utah (cough, cough), and by THIRTY-ONE to the Rockets????? And a double-digit loss to Sacramento?? Yup, your team is really, um, good. I guess. On second thought, I'm going back to nba.com. Those scores must be misprints. I know the mighty Mavs could never lose by those kind of scores. Especially to those teams.
Gloat over the Suns loss tonight if you want. But the fact that you gloat over a team finally losing after winning seventeen in a row doesn't exactly speak well towards your credibility. And before you say that a couple of those losses I mentioned were early in the season, so were several Suns losses to good teams in the west.
rusirious-If you think every blog has been about the Suns greatness, you are sadly mistaken. There are far more blogs on here saying why the Suns won't win it than there are that say they will. And they are third or fourth best in the west??
Um, okay.
Seriously, does being a Cowboy fan affect one's mentality in other sports also?
BTW sportsbiotch, I imagine you've been waiting to write this blog for, oh, about three weeks now? Well good for you. You finally got your chance. I bet you were beginning to wonder . . .
what I find HILAROUS is how various fans will hang an entire season on one game.Last night it was THE END OF THE WORLD FOR THE LAKERS because they lost an overtime game by 2 points to the Spurs on a desperation 3 by Finely (not exactly a clutch name for a number of years there now is it?) But Spur fans were claiming that Finely is back!!!! With his 7.7 scoring avg. And they claimed the title was now theirs because "Finely was gonna see to that". LOL OK whatever. One game doesn't mean lot folks. Easy on the adreniline.
Who said it was over for the Lakers? I don't see them as an elite team by any means, but I didn't hear anyone say that it was over for the Lakers, ONLY that it was a shame that they couldn't hold on to a lead on their home court.... 2 games in a row.
By the way, since we are discussing close losses, what about the 2 previous losses the Suns suffered in December. Case in point, Dallas, TX, Mavericks win it at the buzzer with a last second jump shot by Nowitski (yeah, Kobe's not the only one that can put up last second buckets). # 2 example: Wizzards go to AZ to match up against the Suns who were snowed in in Denver for 2 days, forced to take a bus and plane back to AZ to make it home 2 hours before game time. Warn out and no practice. Suns push that game to overtime and fall to the Wizzards. Those were 2 unfortunate losses that could easily be justified, if one was so inclined to justify losses. It's useful to gauge performance, but in the end win you receive an L, you have to accept it and move on. Since the first 2 weeks of the season, the Suns have shown no indication of being weak.
I'm looking forward to the opportunity to see them take on some heavy hitters, and we shall see how they do.
By the way, did I mention I just got league pass today??? (maybe I hexed my team)
Ricko, excellent input. I've been blogging the same info all over the place and I get no response. Don't be surprised if you get ignored too. It's funny how the human psyche works. A Lakers fan can feel over-whelmingly confident about their standing after losing 2 games in a row... AT HOME, and then talk all kinds of trash about a team that FINALLY loses after 17. Then, if you subtract the first 6 games of the season, Phoenix has had only 3 losses!!! The teams that got to match up against the Suns early on caught a big break in going up against an Amare Stoudemire that hadn't been on the scene for over a year.
Mark Stein's Power Rankings are up at ESPN.com. He ranks the Suns first and says exactly what I've been saying for days:
"We'd make a bigger deal about Suns' alleged struggles vs. Jazz, Spurs and Lakers if their four losses to those teams hadn't come so early, all before Thanksgiving."
Ricko: Most of the losses you brought up happened at the beginning of the season when the Mavs had injuries and had players to work into the rotation. I do believe the Suns started out 1-4 so I'll forget about the start of the season if you do as well.
While you are at NBA.com, check out the scores of the Suns-Mavs games. Yea, we're that good, at least good enough to beat the Suns twice. O-yea, we have also beat the Lakers and the Spurs. Congrats on your wins against the east...i guess.
I still don't see what's so impressive about this streak. They played bums, even the bum teams didn't have their star players, and it wasn't even the longest streak in NBA history. What's the big deal? Mavs have also had long streaks this year...streaks that included beating the Suns and Spurs.
PTI-No, it wasn't the longest streak in the NBA. I'm quite sure you can make a more intelligent comment than that, though. There is only one 33 game streak, and no one else has come close. Should we dismiss every winning streak as no big deal because it 'wasn't even the longest streak in history'? That's some messed up logic right there.
Oh well. And if their streak doesn't impress you, it must not be very good in your eyes. So why aren't more teams going on long winning streaks? You make it sound like no big deal, so it can't be all that difficult, right?
Ricko I agree with the streak being somewhat impressive, but on the same token had they played any actual "contenders" during this steak it would have been very impressive.
Most teams don't go on win streaks like this because they are not as lucky as the Suns. Time after time the Suns played teams missing their best players. Also, the Suns feasted on the east. Not impressed what so ever. Mavs went on 12 and 13 game winning streaks and in those streaks they beat San Antonio and Phoenix respectively. Although they were a mere 4 games shy of a 17 game winning streak, the Mavs streak is by far more impressive simply because they beat championship level teams and the Suns did not.
i dont care how good the suns are or arent, or how bad all of their opponents over the span of the streak are or were, winning 17 in a row takes more than luck.
and i'd feel the same way if it were the lakers, spurs, mavs, heat, or nets...didnt the nets have 1 or 2 streaks late last season of like 12 games? even that's pretty impressive in a league where you spend more time on airplanes than on the court.
Beautifully put Cuz. Funny, since the 1-5 start for the Suns, the ONLY team in the elite bracket they have had a chance to play was Dallas, on Dallas home court where they lost at the buzzer by a last second desperation shot (nonetheless, very impressive one) by Nowitski. Are you Mavs fans really going to keep harping on that victory like you own the Suns??? That's plain silly. Let's all be honest here. I agree entirely that the Suns need to now prove their worthiness against the Jazz and Spurs, but for y'all to keep trying to break down the Suns like they are some mediocre a day after coming off of their second 15+ game win streak is unreal.... I gotta know, is it bias or jealousy... what is it???
PardonTheIntrusion, Luck????????? You receive the biggest #### of the blog award. Yeah, the Suns didn't have to play any professional teams to get those wins or anything, did they? Seriously, I think this is the first time I've reduced myself to name calling, but you are an ####. Period.
Sportsbiotch, you better go pull up the schedule in which the Suns just had their latest win streak. Below are some of the teams that the Suns defeated in their most recent win streak:
If you continue to say that those wins are against non-contenders, then this blog has lost all credibility. Every one of those teams are currently potential playoff opponents.
Interesting how this is the only point that keeps getting brought up by Suns opposing fans. Like you all don't have to play these teams or something. The Suns have to play the EXACT same teams as the Mavs.
And if I remember right, the Mavs also struggled with the Lakers, Spurs, Rockets, Jazz, Wizzards and even the Bulls (all teams that ALSO beat the Mavs). So let's not mince words here. The Suns will get a chance to play against the Spurs and Jazz again this week.
I also never said they won by luck. I said that they were lucky to play teams with their best players out of the lineup. I like how the Mavs got rid of Nash and we are better than we were before. O yea, we also beat the Suns last year and went to the Finals. Seems like the Mavs have owned the Suns as of late. Good luck with the Spurs, Mavs have 2-0 against the Spurs this year as well...just thought I would let you know that as well...####. Hang on to those little win streaks, Mavs and Spurs have real goals to achieve.
I also never said they won by luck. I said that they were lucky to play teams with their best players out of the lineup. I like how the Mavs got rid of Nash and we are better than we were before. O yea, we also beat the Suns last year and went to the Finals. Seems like the Mavs have owned the Suns as of late. Good luck with the Spurs, Mavs have 2-0 against the Spurs this year as well...just thought I would let you know that as well...####. Hang on to those little win streaks, Mavs and Spurs have real goals to achieve.
@Pistons 108-101 (without Billup)
@Bulls 97-96 (without Hindrich)
@Raptors 100-98 (a worthless East team)
Heat 108-80 (without Wade and Shaq)
Cavaliers 109-90 (a good win against an overrated team)
Magic 107-101 (see the Cleveland win)
@Rockets 100-91 (without Yao)
Timberwolves 131-102 (without KG)
@Wizards 127-105 (the only "real" win in this group)
@Cavaliers 115-100 (see above)
So basically only the win against the Wizards is worth mentioning by my standard. If your standard is this low, then there is nothing I can say.
Bbing, Horrible response, considering everyone is playing these same teams without the same missing players, for the most part. A "W" is a "W". I'm not the one who brought up the winstreak.. My point is, that those who wish to reduce the Suns to anything less than an A-Class team are fooling themselves.
I appreciate your research bbing, but as far as the Rockets go, they have a much better chance against the Suns without Yao. He is much more effective against other teams than vs. Phoenix.
And what about that other win against the Rockets who was injured in that one. Too bad people can't figure out from all this that injuries are part of the game. It's a physical sport, I know, I've played it. Kurt Thomas is out for the Suns, a very important player coming off the bench. Maybe should be starting. I bet not one Suns detractor will ever mention that Thomas is out, even while clamoring endlessly about who was out on the other teams they beat the pants off.
And as far as the Mavs beating the Suns on a last second 3, Please. If Terry misses the shot the Suns haters will say: see, if only Terry'd made that shot the Suns wouldn't have beaten anyone this year. Since when were even top teams EXPECTED to win on the road against over .500 teams. First I ever heard of that. A 2-pt. Home win. Wow.
The Suns had many of their losses early in the year with Amare trying to come back from DOUBLE knee surgery - but I don't seem to recall any of the haters mentioning those 2 particular injuries that Amare is still working his way back from.
You Mavs fans better hope Robert Horry doesn't continue coming back like against the Lakers recently. He & the Spurs will school your Mavs in 6 if Horry's even 70%.
nasty, ricko, and jesus! I love your passion for Nash and the Suns. Believe me, I like the Suns and Steve Nash. But I love the truth and facts even more.
The Suns are probably the best team right now in the NBA (toss-up between them and the Mavs). Their winning streaks were impressive. But to put those streaks up there along with the other famous streaks in NBA history is just unfair and biased.
It is a FACT that most of the 33 wins were against bad teams and injured teams. That is just a fact! Yes, injuries are a part of the game and a win is a win, thus I am not penalizing the Suns. The bottomline is that they are 33-3 in the past 2 months. And in my mind, because of the streaks, they are one of the two top teams right now.
But you just can't change the fact that they haven't beaten enough of the top teams in the NBA.
So far the only top teams they've beaten are the Cavs, Magics, and Wizards. That's it! And it's doubtful whether those three are even legit.
Also, regarding the Suns playing without Kurt Thomas, please give me a big break. The Suns without Kurt Thomas is not the same as the Lakers without Lamar, T-Wolves without KG, Pistons without Billup, or Heat without Wade.
I like Kurt Thomas, but please don't use him as a prime example of how hurt or injured the Suns are.
Even when healthy, I doubt Mike "Run-N-Run" D'Antoni would play Kurt Thomas much.
Finally, if the Suns have been beating the bad or injured teams with Nash or Marion, then maybe you have a point!
I didn't use Thomas as a prime example, I also mentioned that Amare is coming off DOUBLE knee surgery. If you're not an athlete yourself, than trust me, you have no idea what we're talking about here with Amare. And as for Hinrich being out in Chicago there's plenty of debate on Mean's blog right now about who the better point is between Hinrich & Gordon. Gordon played good minutes & got 41. How bad a deal was that for the Bulls? And they got 1 guy hurt outta 12. If the Suns weren't so good noone would *expect* them to beat Dallas on the road. People think it was a Playoff game & it wasn't. The good teams know that.
Hey Jesus2 do you honestly think that Horry is going to make that much difference in San Antonio winning? I mean hell most people don't even realize he still plays!
No, being a Cowboys fan only affects me on Sunday's. The Mavericks and Spurs are better than the Suns. The Lakers have beaten the Suns. The Nuggets and Jazz are still in that upper echelon.
The Suns might be second? Better than the Spurs? I'm not convinced. Better than the Mavs? Hardly. The Suns are a good team but I kept reading blog after blog saying how they couldn't be stopped and people who didn't think they were the best team in history were stupid.
I probably missed all the other blogs this week about them not being the greatest because I agreed with that so I guess it didn't entice me.
You never know we might even have a cat fight . Just playing. Did you read my blog about horses and if so did you think I was pro or con. I think the video says most of it.
sportsbiotch ..... It's not that they're the best as from my perspective they're playing some really entertaining basketball at present. But like you said until they meet up with the likes of your Mavericks and the Spurs , we can't really go on saying that they're the best. It'll be intriguing to see that matchup however as it'll portend as to what the Western Conference finals may well look like this season. That's especially true if the Spurs don't start to get serious and play some ball ! It's as if the players are all waiting for their invites to Parker and Longoria's wedding. Before they really start to get up and play ball !
No chance Horry becomes a detrimental factor. Any veteran player of his caliber has the potential to play a few excellent games, but it won't take long for his age and all the surgeries to catch up with him. If San Antonio is looking for Horry to come to their rescue, they are in bigger trouble than I thought.
sportsbi., It's tough to say with Horry, but as a West Coast fan I worry. Horry's got weak knees, he gets tired, he usually lays back a bit in the regular season. He played 100+ games a year so many times, it takes a toll - 82 is a lot. Yeah, he had some great players around him, but like Geminidream said it was no coincidence Horry got the 6 rings, he was an integral part of it. If he's anything close to 90% in the Post Season believe me this guy brings it on both ends of the floor, & on the boards. They'll probably need Elson to stay pretty healthy though too, Bonner doesn't look like he can come back to be a factor this Post Season. Oberto maybe just doesn't have enough at this point.
Nashtyball,
Without a doubt, 17-game win streak is impressive. But let us not forget that sometimes, an 6-game win streak might hold more value than a 17-game streak if the former involved top 6 teams, and the latter had mostly lesser teams or teams without star players. To put this in perspective:
@Pistons 108-101 (Billups was out)
@Bulls 97-96 (Hinrich was out)
Heat 108-80 (Wade & Walker were out)
@Rockets 100-91 (Yao and McGrady were out)
Timberwolves 131-102 (Garnet was out)
@Bucks 98-90 (Redd was out)
IMO, the most impressive win Suns have had in this streak was beating the #### out of Wizards. But at the same time, it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that in several of potentially good games (some were very close), lack of star players in the opposition helped.
“And if I remember right, the Mavs also struggled with the Lakers, Spurs, Rockets, Jazz, Wizzards and even the Bulls (all teams that ALSO beat the Mavs).”
If 9-5 record is sign of struggling team, then what do we call a 2-8 record?
I am a sports fanatic that can never get enough!! I work in marketing full-time, but my passion is sports. My sister and I recently started a website for blogging called:
www.playcalli ng.org
Ya'll should definitely check it out and leave your opinions!
