2010-11 NBA Season: Lakers and Suns Preview

Kobe Bryant knows how to motivate the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers, but coach Phil Jackson still wants to see further improvement.

A visit to the struggling Phoenix Suns could help.

The Lakers look to build on one of their best performances in nearly three weeks when they face the Suns on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles (24-11) is trying to turn around a sluggish 3-4 stretch that has seen its losses come by an average of 17.3 points, including a stunning 104-85 home loss to Memphis on Sunday.

The Lakers bounced back in impressive fashion Tuesday, beating Detroit 108-83 after Bryant gave his teammates some advice in dealing with the growing criticisms of the two-time reigning NBA champions.

“I told the guys, ‘Listen to how everyone is talking about you. You have to use it as fuel for motivation,’” Bryant said. “It’s early, we just continue to play, take our time. The playoffs aren’t tomorrow.”

Jackson feels there’s still more work to do for Los Angeles to turn things around. However, the Lakers’ struggles haven’t done much damage to their lead atop the Pacific Division - 8 1/2 games ahead of second-place Phoenix (14-18).

“We have to really turn it around,” Jackson said. “One game is not the end of this situation.”

Continued success in the defensive end could go a long way in spurring Los Angeles. The team held the Pistons to 3 for 13 shooting from 3-point range while forcing 19 turnovers that led to 25 points - 17 more than Sunday.

Bryant is getting closer to another milestone after his 17 points Tuesday moved him past Dominique Wilkins into 10th on the NBA’s career scoring list with 26,671. The 12-time All-Star is 39 points shy of Oscar Robertson in ninth place.

Bryant has reached 40 points once this season, getting 41 in a loss to Indiana on Nov. 28. He topped that plateau eight times last season, including seven by this stage.

Bryant is averaging 29.9 points in his last seven meetings with Phoenix, and the Lakers have won 10 of the last 14 matchups.

They won 114-106 in their last visit to US Airways Center on Oct. 29 behind 25 points from Bryant.

The Suns have dropped nine of 12 while giving up an average of 105.2 points over that span. That’s actually an improvement from the 108.4 points per game they’re surrendering on the season.

Phoenix has been much better defensively over the last two games, allowing 40.6 percent shooting - 28.1 from 3-point range. However, the Suns have just one win to show for that improvement as they followed Friday’s 92-75 win over Detroit with a 94-89 loss at Sacramento on Sunday.

That defeat came despite a perfect shooting performance from Steve Nash, who was 8 of 8 from the field - including a pair of 3s. He also hit both free throws to finish with 20 points and 12 assists against the Kings.

Nash wasn’t close to being that productive in the most recent home meeting with the Lakers, making 3 of 9 shots for eight points while dishing out nine assists. He was much better at Los Angeles in a 121-116 win on Nov. 14, scoring 21 points with 13 assists.

Vince Carter is averaging 18.0 points over three games since being acquired from Orlando as part of a six-player deal last month. The swingman scored 25 points for the Magic in a win over the Lakers on March 7.

by Nicolino Dibenedetto

Phil on Suns

Now this is the kind of pair I'm looking forward to watch -- LA Lakers v Phoenix Suns. What makes it exciting for me? Firstly, there'll be NO more Amar'e Stoudemire, who's now in the New York Knicks. It's all on Steve Nash. But it's not like Nash is anywhere close to getting the championship ring but for sure getting rid of someone like Stoudemire in the team is better.

Kobe Bryant, on the other hand, wouldn't mind the changes. It was the Lakers anyway who got rid of the Suns during last season's playoffs. "The combination with Stoudemire and Nash has been great in the last few years, so that will need a little timing. But this will be a good team, Phoenix will still be a real good team," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

NBA Outdoors! Oh yeah?

The basketball season has begun and new things have happened in the NBA. Apart from the trades, which are normal, there's this outdoor games. Okay, James Naismith created the game basketball as an indoor game for his students, right? So, the idea was really quite out-of-the-ordinary.

But David Stern surely has his ways. And unbelievably, he had the preseason tickets between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets sold out. The Suns and the Nuggets definitely had a wonderful view of the night sky in the Indian Wells Tennis Center. The game went well but it was pretty chilly that the players had to put their towels over their heads for some warmth. Allen Iverson, who's missed the game because of a sore knee, didn't have to endure the cold while watching his teammates win 77-72 against the now-defense-oriented Suns. Carmelo Anthony sat out for the second time with a sore finger while JR Smith did his own thing despite the icy-cold weather and finished with 12 points. Nene also had his share of the Nuggets' victory with 10 points.

The Suns played differently, giving more emphasis on their defense which is expected to improve. Among the problems of the cold Suns during the game was their turnovers and their poor 3-pt shooting. It was probably one of their lowest ever. Even so, Steve Nash played pretty well with 16 points while Boris Diaw took care of the ball with 10 rebounds. There's no one to blamed for the poor shooting of the Suns and Nuggets, who have showed offensive power during the past seasons, it's probably because of the wind slicing every now and then through the Indian Wells.

P.S. The new look of NBA.com is great!! Luv it!

Off to the Western Conference Semis

The Spurs have won because Tony Parker is fast, and because Manu Ginobili is a magician, and because Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward in the history of the NBA. --Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News

The San Antonio Spurs has always been focused on defense. Thanks to the genius named Gregg Popovich. Few teams in the NBA followed the defensive principles of Pop to the Spurs. I am not a basketball guru but I can name a few of them, like the Detroit Pistons. Coming back to the topic. During a Spurs game, you will seldom experience flashy dunks and other flashy type of performance that will surely make it to the Top Play of the Week. Yeah, Spurs aren't flashy because their style of play is different from that of the Suns.

The Suns during the previous seasons are less focused on defense and are focused on playing better on the offensive end. But Steve Kerr, the Suns president and a former Spur, knew for certain that being good offensively can't carry a team to a championship. And so, the Suns gave up Shawn Marion and acquired Shaquille O'neal from the Miami Heat. Because of O'neal's bulky size, Kerr thought he would help heighten the presence of the Suns from the inside. However, the midseason acquisition backfired and resulted to the Suns' fourth elimination from the playoffs. And the culprit? Yes, the Spurs. "Every time we needed to close something out — a half or a game — they got the best of us," said Mike D'Antoni.

The Suns-Spurs series has been one of the most anticipated matchups this playoffs. One of the reasons is that both teams happened to have faced each other during last season's Western Conference semis. There were suspensions and calling of nonsensical names to other players that were done. And the Suns haven't forgotten any of those, which were [i think] made as excuses. But now, what excuse would the Suns make after the Spurs gave them their early vacation? Turnovers? Flopping? Well, whatever it is that made the Suns lose Game 5 to the Spurs, they're still one of the best NBA teams today and Steve Nash is one of the best point guards ever to play basketball. In the the series, the Spurs were simply better, maybe not in numbers but in staying calm in the face of adversity and on the intangible aspects of basketball.

After the Suns, the Spurs will head out Saturday in New Orleans and face Chris Paul & Co. The Hornets are younger than Suns, meaning more trouble for the Spurs. The big difference of the Hornets to the Suns is defense that is why they pose a bigger threat to the Spurs. Plus, they've got homecourt advantage and my goodness New Orleans is a lot louder than the Suns. More shouting, more boos... But despite all these, the Spurs will survive. =)

I Have No Doubts

Fuel - it is what the San Antonio Spurs needed to win Game 5 and the Phoenix Suns gave it to them on Game 4. Of course, Steve Nash & Co. were embarrassed after the Game 3 loss to the Spurs, which was like a smack on the face. And so, retribution came upon the Suns' 105-86 win against the NBA defending champions yesterday. Sure, the Suns are pumped up in winning at the AT&T Center, but it was more than fuel that they gave to the Spurs. It is the feeling of wanting to take back what's been taken away. Sure, I saw Parker and Duncan smiling as the Orange Dome echoed with boos. They were just actually taking it all in. The Spurs aren't the type of team who drools over their failures, they accept it. They don't usually give up especially if they know, they still have a lot more to give. They accept each and every challenge given to them as a team. Pop does not need to tell or remind everyone on the team about what to do on Tuesday. The Spurs will win this series, I have no doubt about that.

“They had a great reaction. Now, it's time for our reaction,” said the Spurs' Frenchman, Tony Parker.

Boris Diaw outshined Shaquille O'neal during Game 4. But who would have thought, O'neal woke up at the right side of the bed and contribute 14 points and 12 boards to the Suns. He was great, I admit. But I'm not taking back what I said about him that he was a mistake. And oh by the way, I hope he always puts his feet on the ground.

Suns' Flame of Hope Still Alive

3-1? I knew it would happen. The Phoenix Suns are not the type of team who likes losing especially to the team that kept from getting the ring, they so wanted. They've had the biggest trade of season, replacing Shawn Marion for the Shaquille O'Neal. During Game 4, the Suns showed the Spurs who and where they're playing against. This time, the Suns were the ones who never trailed and the Spurs were locked down to just 82 points. Boris Diaw, a good friend of Spurs' Tony Parker, hit a lot of jumpers and were just plainly great right from the start of the game. “He was phenomenal,” D’Antoni said of Diaw's outstanding game 4 performance.

Game 4 was like the turnaround of game 3, this time the Suns owned the game. I guess, they learned from the past. “I was just embarrassed. I was really, really embarrassed at how I played and how my team played, and I couldn’t sleep,” Raja Bell said of the Suns embarassing loss to the Spurs on Game 3. Amidst all the boos from Planet Orange, the Spurs kept their cool and despite the loss, I still felt a tinge of confidence from them especially from the Big Three and Big Shot Rob. “I don’t mind being public enemy No. 1 here,” Robert Horry said. Now, the Spurs are going back to San Antonio and I bet the Alamodome is going to be as loud as ever. Go Spurs!.. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that the Spurs dominate game 5.

“If the Suns lose this series, D'Antoni is on the brink of termination as the Suns' coach

The Suns Need a Miracle

The next theme: Win Sunday, and set ourselves up for a miracle. Give ourselves a chance. Why not?" -- Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns coach

I was definitely super happy yesterday because the San Antonio Spurs have taken a 3-0 lead against the Phoenix Suns after winning Game 3, 115-99. The Suns had homecourt advantage and my goodness, they really have a loud crowd!.. But they never took a lead during the game. They played great defense at the paint, but Tony Parker was just all over the place, hitting jumper after jumper. TP was simply flawless during Game 3 and made a career-high 41 points. Manu Ginobili, who was always "heavily-guarded" by Raja Bell, finished with 20 points. He actually scores 20+ points even with Bell hanging around with him. And the birthday boy, Tim Duncan chippped with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Everybody on the Spurs' lineup had their fair share of the victory. Fab Oberto, who came off the bench, had six points and a block. Kurt Thomas, a former Suns, scored nine points. Bruce Bowen did an amazing job of containing Steve Nash. Game 3 was simply a display of the Spurs' excellence, offensively and defensively.

On the gloomy side of the Suns, Amare Stoudemire stood out with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Next to him was Leandro Barbosa finishing Game 3 with 20 points. Nash wasn't his usually sunny self with only seven points and nine assists. The Suns have fallen way behind the Spurs. They're on the brink of elimination and this is definitely not what Suns fans want especially after the Shawn Marion-Shaquille O'neal trade. I honestly think that O'neal isn't doing what he has to be doing. If Marion was still playing for the Suns, the team wouldn't have a huge whole on their defense. And I've read an article where O'neal mentioned that defense wins games. What is he talking about?! It sounded like he lost his confidence to his teammates. My apologies, but Steve Kerr made the wrong choice with regards to O'neal. He was a huge mistake, period. If the Suns win Sunday, they'll need to win two more to even out the series.

Now, all the Suns need is a miracle to happen this Sunday, just like what Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said to his team, "'Win Sunday. Set ourselves up for a miracle.'"

>>The Spurs are beating Phoenix in the way Phoenix used to win. by J.A. Adande

“I don’t know much about baseball. But I know that story,” said Ginobili after thinking about the historic 2004 Boston Red Sox' victory over the New York Yankees.

Spurs Take a 2-0 Lead

The San Antonio Spurs lead the series 2-0 by defeating the Phoenix Suns 104-96. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were both superb during with 32 points and 29 points, respectively. Tim Duncan, on the other hand, was a bit silent with 18 points and a staggering 17 boards. As for the Suns, it was Amare Stoudemire who stood out scoring 33 points and Steve Nash adding 23 points and 10 assists. The Spurs stayed in one piece after games 1 & 2 with the Suns leading during the first halves. Defense was the key to this win. It wasn't as hard as Game 1 but the Spurs fought hard for this victory. "We just tried to stay in the game. It was a little like Game 1. We just fought through it," said Parker. The Spurs simply owned the game even though they trailed durin the first half. Now, it is the turn for the Suns to shine at the US Airways Center but will they?

"We just kind of panicked. I don't know what happened there," Nash said. "We lost our spacing; we lost our composure. We lost what was successful. We had one bad quarter, and that happens. Unfortunately it came right on the heels of that game Saturday where we had it in our hands. That's what makes tonight harder to deal with," said Nash after the Game 2 loss to the Spurs.

"We looked like we panicked," D'Antoni said after Game 2. I really don't think Nash is to blame for this loss and it's a 7-game series. There are still a lot of games to go. But I'll definitely root for the Spurs, no doubt about that!.. =)

The Dramatic Victory of the Spurs

Before I tell you what I really wanted to say, I wanna say my cheers to Manu Ginobili in achieving the 6th Man Award this season. There's no doubt that he's going to take that award. "I really don't feel there is a lot of difference between a sixth man and a starter. It depends on the situation. It depends on what the coach wants at that part of the season. So I just consider myself a player; a team player. This year, it was more important for me to come from the bench, so I try to do it the best I can. At this time, I guess it works. I got an award, and the team is doing good. That is the importance of the whole thing," said Ginobili. That statement was deep and I'm diggin' it!.. Vamos Manu!


Okay, I missed a lot of action during the start of playoffs because I was away for a week. But I didn't dare miss Game 1 of the Phoenix Suns-San Antonio Spurs series. Yes, I've watched that game and I've seen that nerve-wracking 3 pointer from Tim Duncan and the game-winning shot from Manu. And yes, I was very happy they won. But even though the Spurs won, I knew that the Spurs had a real hard time keeping up with the Suns lead. And I do agree with Duncan saying that the Game 1 of the Suns-Spurs series felt like the Finals. I know they [Spurs] have homecourt advantage, but I also know that the Suns are "hungrier" for that ring. It's what drives Nash & Co. to do their best. The Spurs can't afford to slumber anymore during the first half. I hope they show that same intensity during the two overtimes during Game 1. Today, the Suns visit the AT&T Center again and hopefully the Spurs get past them. [crossed-fingers]

For the Detroit Pistons who just lost Game 1 to the Philadelphia 76ers, I know and I am sure that they'll win that series. =)

"They looked at film, we looked at film, everybody goes and looks at film. You just try to get it as perfect as you can be, I guess," said coach Gregg Popovich of the Suns-Spurs 7-game series.

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Steve Nash is probably one of the best point guards in the NBA, ever. He has superb vision and his passing skills are terrific. And his always giving it all on each and every game. I mean, the guy just don't get tired of running. But does everything he gives enough to keep the Suns alive to get the Phoenix Suns to the Finals?

The Jersey Fits But I Don't Know If Shaq Is

What are your thoughts on how Shaquille O’Neal will fit in with the Phoenix Suns?

Wow, Shaq's really scary!.. "The sun will rise in Phoenix," said Shaquille O'neal to the Suns marketing people.

Do it. - Steve Nash

I'm loving the numbers I'm getting from the boxscores of the San Antonio Spurs starting from their game against the Indiana Pacers to the Washington Wizards. I'm happy that the Spurs are back in the rhythm despite the absence of Tony Parker and Brent Barry. But what I've been thinking about lately was the O'neal-Marion&Banks trade. I just don't think Shaq will fit into the Suns style of play. “I look forward to making people eat their words,", said O'neal. Well, if he wants people to eat their words, then, why hasn't he proven himself during his stay as a Heat? Critics won't come up with such an idea if he hasn't shown his weaknesses.

Oh well. What I know now is that the Phoenix Suns is really serious in making it to the Finals and win the NBA Championship. For the past seasons, the Suns has become one of the elite teams in the West. But despite all effort esp from Steve Nash, the Suns just couldn't get through the Finals. Mike D'Antoni, I guess, have just realized that being edgy on the offensive end isn't enough. And so, the acquisition of Shaq was made in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks [don't know him]. If Shaq stays healthy, he could help the Suns become a balanced team both in the offensive and the defensive end. The big question now is, will Shaq be able to bring the Suns to the Finals? The West is just teeming with top caliber teams like the rising New Orleans Hornets*, Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers*, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, LA Lakers, and Golden State Warriors [have i missed some team?]. "That just shows you how good the West is and how dominant a lot of teams are," Robert Horry said. So, will the Suns be able to get passed those teams come playoffs time? "Even though he was playing at a high level, I sensed he was frustrated," said Steve Kerr, Phoenix Suns General Manager.

Gay's Jumper

The place is the FedExForum arena at Memphis and the name of the Grizzlies hero is Rudy Gay.

Rudy Gay, jersey #22, is the culprit for the 2nd loss of the San Antonio Spurs. With only 2.4 secs left on the 4th quarter, Manu Ginobili dunked and tied the game to 85-85. But then, Rudy Gay hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer, giving the Grizzlies a win against the Spurs. The Memphis Grizzlies outscored the San Antonio Spurs during the 1st half. But after halftime, the Spurs defense throttled the Grizzlies. Tim Duncan had another double-double collecting 16pts and 14 rebounds. Manu Ginobili got 20pts, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. The Spurs' bench provided some depth adding 39pts. But unfortunately, Rudy Gay was at the right spot, at the right time and hit the winning shot. The Grizzlies won 88-85.

Rudy Gay's winning shot, nice view, eh ;-)
Grizzlies' Gay Halts Spurs' Comeback Bid

Injured list:
[SAS] Francisco Elson[sprained right ankle]and Tony Parker[sprained left ankle]; [MEM] Pau Gasol[jammed big toe] and Mike Conley[labral tear, right shoulder]

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Feels like the playoffs, huh? Nah!.. It's just the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns or should I say Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Hmm. The Suns gave the Spurs their first loss at the Alamo City on their previous game. The Suns gave their effort to play good defense against the Spurs. But today, is a different story the Suns didn't beat the Mavs at the American Airlines Center, Dallas, for a reason I could not very well comprehend. The stats tell me that Suns should've won. They were shooting 52% while the Mavs were contained to 46%. What happened? Nash had an airball on a crucial moment of the game, maybe that was it. It would've made a difference like the shot Rudy Gay made. [sigh!] Nowitzki had a stunning 31pts. Erick Dampier was the king of the boards getting 10 rebounds. The flaw of the Suns play would probably be their rebounds. They were outrebounded by the Mavs. The Mavs won 108-105 against the Suns.

Mavs Hold Off The Suns

First Loss at Home

There is always a first time and this time the San Antonio Spurs got their first loss at home to the Phoenix Suns. Tim Duncan, the highest scorer of the Spurs, got 36pts, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists [looks like he's back in action!]. Grant Hill haven't aged at all with 22pts, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. Suns who are in double-figures are Steve Nash [10pts, 10 assists], Amare Stoudemire [17pts], Leandro Barbosa [18pts], and Boris Diaw [11pts]. The San Antonio Spurs outrebounded the Phoenix Suns with 49 boards but that wasn't enough though. The game was tight even without Tony Parker and I am glad that Tim Duncan's numbers are back. Cheers to the Suns because they are the first team to beat the Spurs at the Alamo City this season.

Halftime

It's halftime guys and the Suns-Spurs game is close. Very close indeed, the Phoenix Suns leading by one pt 51-50 and Tim Duncan already has 24pts, 12 rebounds [a very nice double-double], and 2 turnovers. On the side of the Suns, the leading scorer is the veteran Grant Hill having 12pts and a block. Jacque Vaughn replaced Tony Parker, who's sported a sprained left ankle, as a starting point guard has 6pts and 4 assists. Steve Nash, of course, leads the Phoenix Suns in assists. There's still a lot of time and anything can happen on the next 24mins.

Rematch : Suns [17-7] - Spurs [18-5]

Today, we're expecting a rematch between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. The Suns will visit the Alamo City for the first time this season. As I have mentioned on my previous entry, the game between the two top teams in the Western Conference is going to be intense. The San Antonio Spurs have home court advantage but will they be able to keep their clean record at home? Or will the Suns be the first team to win at the AT&T Center? To Suns fans, peace out!

>>Suns-Spurs Preview @ NBA.com

Another news about the Suns-Spurs game, Tony Parker and Francisco Elson might be unable to play. I bet the Suns will take advantage of it.

"Without Parker or Duncan they seem to be doing pretty well anyway. They're a great team and they've got a lot of weapons. It just cuts down one of their main weapons. Obviously, it benefits us, and we've got to take advantage of it." - Mike D'Antoni, Suns coach

"I have nothing against Robert at all," Nash said Sunday. >> That's what a real sportsman is, unlike somebody I know. Peace out!.. =P

And oh! the Dallas Mavericks are facing the Orlando Magic. Ohh I love this, there are a lot of great games to watch today!..