Lakers/Suns Game Blog?

[SpursFanFirst]

Anyone?

[boutons_]

why not?

[SpursFanFirst]

haha That Shaq video cracked me up

[Avitus1]

Phx's entrance video is hilarious.

[mikejones99]

phx hot cheerleaders

[BonnerDynasty]

Wicked insane jump-ball tip!

[dirk4mvp]

The way it's going early, this is gonna be an awesome game.

[BonnerDynasty]

Damn Odom is going to be tough. :(

[BonnerDynasty]

Oneal with a nice block.

[Heath Ledger]

Holy playoff atmosphere Batman!

[SpursFanFirst]

wow...needs a break already?

[ratm1221]

Shaq about to have a heart attack after 3 minutes.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

He'll get used to the minutes I think.

I must say, both Phoenix and the Lakers are looking really, really great with their new pieces.

Both Hill and Odom have really stepped up their games for their squad.

[BonnerDynasty]

Kobe must not be too worried about that finger if he is high-fiving with both hands before the game.

[BonnerDynasty]

Gasol is looking good.

[mikejones99]

no d on kobe or nash

[DazedAndConfused]

We're getting good looks on offense. They hitting all their shots early as expected. We just need to weather the storm and keep pace and then make our move.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

It'll be interesting to see the Suns experiment with their split-personality.

[BonnerDynasty]

lol Shaq.

[mikejones99]

saturday Hornets @ Spurs on NBAtv

[ancestron]

I gotta admit, I want to see Shaq do well.

[SpursFanFirst]

Shaq is like a moose in a China shop...no grace, whatsoever :lol

[DazedAndConfused]

Shaq doesn't look too bad out there, he still needs to get his rhythm back but defensively he is getting rebounds and blocking some shots.

[TampaDude]

Shaq just seems like the anti-Sun...it will be interesting to see how D'Antoni remakes the team around him.

[TampaDude]

Shaq with a crushing jam...and 1!

[mikejones99]

goddam it shaq dunk

[ancestron]

Hey, there's Shaq.

[Road Warrior]

Nice dunk by Shaq... and of course a lane violation!

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

If the Suns are going to be beat in the post-season, it's going to take great coaching strategy

[ancestron]

If the Suns are going to be beat in the post-season, it's going to take great coaching strategy

Looks like the same could be said for the Lakers

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Wow, Shaq with the nifty pass to the cutter.

Phoenix has two quarterbacks..Man, if D'Antoni were a better coach, with the amount of talent that had already been on the sun, I'd be more afraid than I actually am right now.

[mikejones99]

kobe n nash on fire

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Looks like the same could be said for the Lakers
I think we could handle the Lakers more than we could Shaq-Phoenix.

I hope Phoenix and the Lakers meet in the playoffs before any of them meet us. Because that would definitely beat them up.

[TampaDude]

Kobe!!!!!

[ancestron]

Man this is just crazy. Its starting to sink in that Shaquille O'neal is actually on the freakin Suns. who'd have thought that would ever happen.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

:lol

Both teams look goood

Mannnn....this sucks....

Spurs are going to have to earn their championship with a lot more effort this year.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Man this is just crazy. Its starting to sink in that Shaquille O'neal is actually on the freakin Suns. who'd have thought that would ever happen.
A healthy Shaq no matter what age is scary.. We were just lulled to sleep about it due the Heat's bad dissolution of the team after their championship.

[BonnerDynasty]

Harness their energy miyagi son.

[Road Warrior]

A healthy Shaq no matter what age is scary.. We were just lulled to sleep about it due the Heat's bad deconstruction of the team after their championship.
Yeah i agree.

[TampaDude]

Damn...the Lakers look good...

[Kriz-Maxima]

I know its early, far too early, but i think i like the Lakers better.

[DazedAndConfused]

Amare needs to work on that defense of his. He can't even stay in front of Gasol.

[BonnerDynasty]

I'd definitely take the Lakers over the Suns in a 7 game series, assuming Bynum can contribute something.

Kobe, Phil Jackson, some players who can hit big shots, Odom doing his thing, Gasol & Bynum attacking the basket...

[DazedAndConfused]

Bynum will be back 100% in March. We need him to do even less than Pau, just play defense, dunk, and rebound.

[DazedAndConfused]

Fuck these refs, you know they wanna keep this game close and prevent a blowout.

[ancestron]

Grant Hill takin it at Kobe. nice.

[Road Warrior]

Grant Hill is keeping 'em in it.

[ancestron]

Pau Gasol, Sasha Vujacic, and Vladimir Radmonovich should start a band.

[BonnerDynasty]

Vujacic kinda has an emo haircut going on.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Vujacic kinda has an emo haircut going on.
Yeah, Can't really pull off the Long hair look

[TampaDude]

Amare...and 1!

[TampaDude]

Nice pass, Shaq... :lol

[ancestron]

wow Shaq really needs to work on those outlet passes lol.

[ancestron]

damn Kobe is gonna pass Drob tonight

[TampaDude]

Kobe just tied DRob on the all-time points list...wow...

[SAtown]

Kobe tied with Robinson :pctoss

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Lakers have the edge I think

[TampaDude]

Amare!!!

[TampaDude]

Shaq getting chippy...I like it!

[BonnerDynasty]

That right there is why the Suns needed Shaq.

[SAtown]

Fuck the Suns.

[SAtown]

Fuck the Lakers, too.

[ancestron]

Never could hit those free throws

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Shaq getting chippy...I like it!
What did he do? I missed it?

Get mad at Kobe?

[BonnerDynasty]

Collapse on Shaq as soon as he gets the rebound and prepares for the outlet pass :clap

[DazedAndConfused]

This game illustrates how much we miss Bynum. So many missed rebounds, fucking pathetic. Nobody is boxing Amare out and the refs are letting him get away with these push offs. We should be up way more than this.

[TampaDude]

Kobe just passed DRob with that jam...

[SpursFanFirst]

Dallas is about to lose

[1Parker1]

God, Gasol is Soft. How the heck is HE the player that puts the Lakers over the top? Because he has nice stats?

He just got rejected AGAIN by a 36 year old Shaq, coming back from a hip injury.

[ancestron]

So can the Suns pull it out?

[boutons_]

Shaq is showing some emotion, seems to be actually trying, rather than disinterested bemusement.
Will it last for more than one game?

[ancestron]

God, Gasol is Soft. How the heck is HE the player that puts the Lakers over the top? Because he has nice stats?

He just got rejected AGAIN by a 36 year old Shaq, coming back from a hip injury.

Gasol is more interested in FIBA basketball.

[1Parker1]

Kobe's having one of his "kobe games" so I'm guessing he'll will the Lakers to a victory tonight...though he's going to have a tough time

[resistanze]

Odom...

[dirk4mvp]

Odom...


...probably leads the league in missed layups

[TheNextGen]

Looks like the refs are trying to make this game a bit closer.

[SpursFanFirst]

:lol shaq diving for the ball...he'll be injured again before the end of this game.

[TampaDude]

Helluva game so far...

[DazedAndConfused]

First of all the refs are absolutely terrible. Phantom calls against the Lakers left and right. I have no problems if they want to call this game close but we are getting hacked left and right in the paint and there are no calls.

Secondly, we don't even have Bynum and we have held the lead the entire game pretty much. When we get our DEFENSIVE ANCHOR back we will be able to drop the hammer on teams when we get up by 10-11 pts. This game is only a preview of what a fully healthy Laker squad is going to be able to do to this league. Absolute domination on offense and a very solid defense are going to make us a tough team to beat.

[ancestron]

ok.

[DazedAndConfused]

You're hating because you know I'm right. The Laker's offense is set, we are exactly where a championship team needs to be. The only thing lacking is our defense, which will improve dramatically when we get our defensive anchor and 2nd best perimeter defender back.

[Spuradicator]

First of all the refs are absolutely terrible. Phantom calls against the Lakers left and right. I have no problems if they want to call this game close but we are getting hacked left and right in the paint and there are no calls.

Secondly, we don't even have Bynum and we have held the lead the entire game pretty much. When we get our DEFENSIVE ANCHOR back we will be able to drop the hammer on teams when we get up by 10-11 pts. This game is only a preview of what a fully healthy Laker squad is going to be able to do to this league. Absolute domination on offense and a very solid defense are going to make us a tough team to beat.

This guy continues to amuse :lol

[ancestron]

I'm not hating.

[mikejones99]

sasha v should be starting

[SpursFanFirst]

there's still almost 10 minutes left in this game, and the score has already reached 100+ :lol
D-E-F-E-N-S-E!
D-E-F-E-N-S-E!
D-E-F-E-N-S-E!

[ancestron]

who was that guy

[SpursFanFirst]

haha I wondered the same thing

[peskypesky]

Man, it feels so fucking weird to be rooting for the Lakers! I NEVER thought I'd ever want to see them win a game.

[boutons_]

Suns need to step it up, swapping baskets means GAMEOVER

[peskypesky]

You're hating because you know I'm right. The Laker's offense is set, we are exactly where a championship team needs to be. The only thing lacking is our defense, which will improve dramatically when we get our defensive anchor and 2nd best perimeter defender back.
I hate to agree with a Lakers fan, but you're right. The addition of Gasol, the maturation of Kobe and the development of Bynum make the Lakers a serious threat.

[ancestron]

I always expect to see steam coming from D'antoni's collar.

[td4mvp21]

D'Antonio throwing a bitch fit! :lol

[SpursFanFirst]

nice save

[ancestron]

wow.

[TampaDude]

Amare LOOOOOMS!!!

[lurker]

D'Antoni's vocabulary consists of "let's go!", "come on!" and "that's bullshit!"

[mikejones99]

amare doin ok tonight

[ancestron]

D'Antoni's vocabulary consists of "let's go!", "come on!" and "that's bullshit!"

:lol

[peskypesky]

this sure feels like a playoff game, don't it?

[TampaDude]

Kobe's J is unstoppable.

Nice feed to Shaq.

[mikejones99]

kobe is on fire

[peskypesky]

Gasol with the power slam!!!!!!!!!

[ShoogarBear]

Man Kobe is out of control. :lol

[DazedAndConfused]

Gasol With The Throw Down!!!!!!!!!

[ancestron]

There sure are a lot of Laker Fans in Phoenix.

[ShoogarBear]

Shaq will be back on the injured list for another week after this game.

[TampaDude]

Man Kobe is out of control. :lol

Yeah, really...is this a playoff game??? :lol

[DazedAndConfused]

I fucking love these games against the Suns. It's ALWAYS a playoff atmosphere when we play. The X-mas day game was just incredible.

[remingtonbo2001]

this sure feels like a playoff game, don't it?

Oddly enough.

Thank goodness the Spurs don't start the playoffs until April.

[TampaDude]

Duke lost...YES!!!

[ancestron]

Shaq attack

[ShoogarBear]

Duke lost...YES!!!2 in a row.

[ancestron]

wohhh hahaha

[TampaDude]

Bell got his bell rung by Shaq...ouch!

[DazedAndConfused]

Aint so tough now are you Bell? That's what you get for all that hacking you little bitch

[peskypesky]

payback's a bitch, Bell.... haha

[z0sa]

how many points has shaq scored?

[peskypesky]

haha Shaq is already injuring his own players!! :)

[Kriz-Maxima]

Nice work Shaq, knocking down your teammates.

[DazedAndConfused]

LMAO at Shaq. This is the maximum effort you'll ever get from Shaq. He can't keep this up for the entire playoffs.

[peskypesky]

Shaq
14pts
7 boards
3 assists

[san antonio spurs]

I'd rather take a baseball bat in the head than shaq's elbow

[ShoogarBear]

Holy crap, look at that welt.

[peskypesky]

great game, Bell

0 pts
Kobe 39pts

[san antonio spurs]

OMG Bell's head

[lefty]

Kobe going apeshit on the Suns

[z0sa]

how is he on defense because obviously his offense isnt struggling bad

[TampaDude]

Holy shit...did you all see the knot on Bell's head? Shaq's got a concrete elbow! :lol

[Spider TX]

Aint so tough now are you Bell? That's what you get for all that hacking you little bitch

You're a fucking idiot!

[peskypesky]

how is he on defense because obviously his offense isnt struggling bad

Shaq won't be doing much when Bynum gets back. Right now he's being guarded by Gasol...a total mismatch.

[TampaDude]

Great D by Kobe to rob Shaq of the easy jam.

[ancestron]

pretty good game.

[peskypesky]

You're a fucking idiot!
no he's not. Bell IS a hacking fool.

[TampaDude]

Man, these teams are playing like it's a Game 7...

[DazedAndConfused]

Damn we are just getting killed on the glass. Gasol is boxing out and still not getting the rebounds.

[boutons_]

ya gotta admire Shaq's exception effort tonight.

[peskypesky]

Man, these teams are playing like it's a Game 7...
well, this might be Shaq's last game ever....

[DazedAndConfused]

Shaq won't be doing much when Bynum gets back. Right now he's being guarded by Gasol...a total mismatch.

Exactly we are getting killed on the boards tonight because Gasol cannot box anyone out. When we get Bynum back it's going to be domination on the glass.

[peskypesky]

Damn we are just getting killed on the glass. Gasol is boxing out and still not getting the rebounds.
Gasol doesn't have the strength to box out Shaq. Bynum does.

[TampaDude]

Hey Bell...the reason you don't remember getting hit is because you got knocked the fuck out! :lol

[mikejones99]

la 119 phx115

[TampaDude]

Kobe is on FYYYYYAAAAAHHHHH!!!

[ancestron]

Kobe is letting Shaq know whats up.

[Spider TX]

You guys talk like this current Laker team has done anything when games really count. I know the Suns haven't been past the conference finals, but this current Laker team hasn't even won a damn series and Dazed is talking like they are the Spurs.

[mikejones99]

2 min to go

[ancestron]

the Bucks beat the pistons???

[TampaDude]

Nice foul, Fisher...dumbass... :lol

[lefty]

Sean Mark's line tonight :

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Which equals Shaq and Amare's combined IQ : 0

SO : Marks = Shaq + Amare .


No love for Sean.......

[TampaDude]

the Bucks beat the pistons???

The Bucks were up by a shitload, then the Pistons came back and were a missed 3 from OT.

[mikejones99]

fisher tries to shoot over shaq, what a dumbass

[Kriz-Maxima]

Shaq looks like a fucking pin rolling on the floor.

[ShoogarBear]

Way to defend that paint there in crunch time, Shaq.

[TampaDude]

Ballgame...

[z0sa]

Shaq won't be doing much when Bynum gets back. Right now he's being guarded by Gasol...a total mismatch.

yea, thats why its going to be fun watching him and bynum take turns being pwned by Timmy.

gasol on any solid post player is a mismatch in the offense's favor.

[DazedAndConfused]

Gasolina!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mikejones99]

la wins

[peskypesky]

You guys talk like this current Laker team has done anything when games really count. I know the Suns haven't been past the conference finals, but this current Laker team hasn't even won a damn series and Dazed is talking like they are the Spurs.

This current team hasn't won a series because they haven't played one. WHen they do play one, I guarantee they win.

[mikejones99]

lakers could go out in first round with west so strong

[DazedAndConfused]

That argument would hold water if this Laker team was the same as last year's team. It is drastically different.

[Spider TX]

There's one player different, so yes, this current team has played a few and have lost them. I do agree they will win at least 1 this season, but until that happens, this team hasn't earned any right to say they will dominate a damn thing.

[peskypesky]

Can't wait to see the Lakers and Spurs in the WCF!

[lefty]

Can't wait to see the Spurs and whoever in the NBA Finals!

Fixed

[Spider TX]

They gotta find a way to get by the Suns in meaningful games first

[lefty]

Sean had a one trillion tonight. He probably holds the record for most consecutive one trillions.

Even Alex English couldn't match that

[2centsworth]

Shaq is way too big of a change for Phoenix. It's going to take them a while.

[peskypesky]

They gotta find a way to get by the Suns in meaningful games first

Oh, I think they've found a way. And without Bynum to boot.

[DazedAndConfused]

There's one player different, so yes, this current team has played a few and have lost them. I do agree they will win at least 1 this season, but until that happens, this team hasn't earned any right to say they will dominate a damn thing.

We added

1.) Fisher
2.) Trevor Ariza
3.) Pau Gasol

That makes 3 players by my math.

[2centsworth]

Mike D'Antoni's days are numbered.

[TampaDude]

130-124 Lakers

[DazedAndConfused]

Another debut SPOILED!!! We are 3 for 3 baby!

[ShoogarBear]

D'Antoni is still a dumbass. He's still only going to go seven deep?

[peskypesky]

Suns might lose 3 of the next 4.

[lefty]

Shaq is way too big of a change for Phoenix. It's going to take them a while.

Shaq, 2 months later : "what's the name of the little Canadian guy?"

[peskypesky]

Mike D'Antoni's days are numbered.
As are Steve Kerr's.

[Spider TX]

You put WAY to much on regular season games, and this game especially, Shaq's first with the team. They do it come playoff time, then it means something, until then, this is just a potential way for them to win, but we will see if this works when the big games come.

[Spider TX]

Ok, I forgot about Fisher, but Ariza is about as helpful as Sean Marks, so big deal there.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Suns-Lakers have always been close games.

I still think the Spurs will beat the Lakers in the next meeting

[Road Warrior]

The Lakers are pretty damn good.

[JamStone]

Kobe drink your milkshake

[Spider TX]

Kerr won't be going anywhere anytime soon relative to how quick D'Antoni needs to be kicked out. Perhaps this game will make him realize using more than 8 players actually helps keep the stars fresh and there in the end.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

The Lakers are pretty damn good.
We can still handle them with good coaching.

Gasol just needs to be limited

[mikejones99]

chrst phx coach needs to get more minutes from the bench or they wont go

[Spider TX]

chrst phx coach needs to get more minutes from the bench or they wont go

Exactly. No reason not to use Alondo Tucker for some fill in minutes in there. The guy was pretty damn good in college last year and has played in 5 whole games.

[ElNono]

Phoenix was bad, but without Marion they're terrible.
I actually thought the Lakers would run them over, but with exception of Kobe, everybody else looked pretty average out there.

[DazedAndConfused]

You haven't even seen the Lakers at full strength. We are still missing a huge piece on defense.

[DazedAndConfused]

Phoenix was bad, but without Marion they're terrible.
I actually thought the Lakers would run them over, but with exception of Kobe, everybody else looked pretty average out there.

Yea Kobe tends to do that.

[2centsworth]

As are Steve Kerr's.
not close. Kerr was brought in to rebuild the team into a champion. He has at least 5 years to get it done.

[Spider TX]

Phoenix was bad, but without Marion they're terrible.
I actually thought the Lakers would run them over, but with exception of Kobe, everybody else looked pretty average out there.

Do people actually listen to stuff you say?

[ancestron]

chrst phx coach needs to get more minutes from the bench or they wont go

Thats always been D'Antoni's problem. He needs to learn how to use his bench. He places unreasonable expectations on players' stamina.

[Allanon]

Ok, I forgot about Fisher, but Ariza is about as helpful as Sean Marks, so big deal there.

You haven't been watching Ariza, that dude is a defensive stud (one of the Lakers best) and also has a high flying act.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6OIFNme6w

And now you have Sasha Vujacic (top 10 NBA 3pt shooter), Jordan Farmar (you see him at All Star), Ronny Turiaf (matching heart with some skill) and Vladmir Radmanovic (actually shooting at a high percent this year). And BYNUM...that dude was averaging 20 and 10 in the games before he got injured.

[Chris Duel]

For Shaq's first game with The Suns, I was impressed.

[Allanon]

For Shaq's first game with The Suns, I was impressed.

I agree, Shaq looked great out there tonight. His demise has been exagerated by the media it seems.

The attention he gets and his size gives Amare the room to work. With Matrix in tonight instead of Shaq, Suns lose by 20. They kept in the game with the great inside work by Amare and Shaq.

[BillsCarnage]

For Shaq's first game with The Suns, I was impressed.

As were most ppl i think. The first half he had the jitters, but looked good the second half. I'll take it.

The Flakers played a perfect game, but it wasn't decided until the last minute. The Suns struggled with their offense most of the game and defense.

I fully expect the Suns to play .500 ball the next 10-15gms while Shaq gets integrated, but if tonight is the first step it could get real good here.

[ShoogarBear]

Maybe I'm just pessimistic, but no way I see Shaq keeping up the energy he had tonight. Especially if DumbAntoni refuses to use the bench.

[BillsCarnage]

I agree, Shaq looked great out there tonight. His demise has been exagerated by the media it seems.

The attention he gets and his size gives Amare the room to work. With Matrix in tonight instead of Shaq, Suns lose by 20. They kept in the game with the great inside work by Amare and Shaq.

The Suns basically lost by Shaq's missed FT's.

[Allanon]

Without Shaq, you guys would have been outrebounded by quite a bit. Lamar averaging 15 rebounds the last few games only had 7. Gasol had 3. The big fella made his mark...still can't hit his free throws.

[Jeremy]

I can't remember the last time we only gave up 7 offensive rebounds, or had such a good rebounding night. Shaq instantly improved us in that area tonight. Next up: defense. I hope D'antoni's right that the players just didn't quite know what they were supposed to do on defense yet.

Anyway, for the first game playing with Shaq and it being Shaq's first game in a month--I'll take it. (Even though it would have been nice to pull out the win.)

[z0sa]

DumbAntoni

:lol I agree with your point as well. What is his thing with not using the bench Phoenix fans?

[BillsCarnage]

I can't remember the last time we only gave up 7 offensive rebounds, or had such a good rebounding night. Shaq instantly improved us in that area tonight.
I've said it in other threads.. Once Shaq is integrated i fully expect the opponent offensive rebounds to be cut in half. You saw glimpses of that tonight. Amare had almost as many offensive rebounds (6) as the Lakers had as a team (7).

That hasn't happened all season..



Next up: defense. I hope D'antoni's right that the players just didn't quite know what they were supposed to do on defense yet.

You could see it with players running into each other or Flakers getting wide open. That should get better as well and they're going to trade for a wing defender as well.

But, the Flakers did a great job of exploiting the Suns with the pick and roll.. Neither Amare or Shaq like to play that high out. D'Ant has his work cut out on that one.


Anyway, for the first game playing with Shaq and it being Shaq's first game in a month--I'll take it. (Even though it would have been nice to pull out the win.)

Agreed. Good first step.

[TheNextGen]

Awesome game! Shaq was energized..u think he can keep it up?

Also...the Suns won alot of games because of thier free throws...Shaq missing free throws is gonna be huge.

I dont know about you guys..but you can already see how slow the pace is compared to past games. Suns had ALOT of half court sets.

The Suns will propably figure it all out, but probably to the expense of losing home court advantage.

[z0sa]

But, the Flakers did a great job of exploiting the Suns with the pick and roll.. Neither Amare or Shaq like to play that high out. D'Ant has his work cut out on that one.

What do you think his answer will be? The spurs will pull that card as well, but I think parker may have slightly more to worry about now that Shaq could be lurking down low.

Did shaq look tired tonight towards the end? again, I missed the game ... :(

[Medvedenko]

Good win tonight.

[BillsCarnage]

What do you think his answer will be? The spurs will pull that card as well, but I think parker may have slightly more to worry about now that Shaq could be lurking down low.

Shaq will do the same thing he did to Raja.. KO him with an elbow.. :lol :lol


Did shaq look tired tonight towards the end? again, I missed the game ... :(

He was fine at the end. His first half was terrible, but looked much better the second half. He was pulled in the last few minutes when the Suns needed shooters on the floor.

[Purple & Gold]

suns with Shaq look good. They are finally not a flawed team anymore. Shaq instantly makes them a much much better rebounding team. As for defense this is as good as it gets for him.

Big win for the Lakers though. Lakeshow now holds the tiebreaker with Phoenix.

[baseline bum]

Shaq looked very tired in the second quarter, but surprisingly good late in the game (he had one stretch where he scored 9 straight on LA in the middle of the fourth).

[DazedAndConfused]

The disparity in rebounds won't be there when Bynum gets back. Amare cannot exploit him like he can Gasol and Odom.

[Jeremy]

Ready for another D'antoni quote, Spurs fans? ;)

"On O'Neal's future minutes, D'Antoni said, 'You know me. . . . As long as he's healthy, he can play 48 minutes for all I care. He's not old.'" (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0220sunsnb0221.html)

[BillsCarnage]

The disparity in rebounds won't be there when Bynum gets back. Amare cannot exploit him like he can Gasol and Odom.

Or it will when Shaq is in better playing shape.

[Purple & Gold]

Or it will when Shaq is in better playing shape.

No way Bynum is a great rebounder. He will box out Shaq easily. Odom and Gasol will clean up on the court with Andrew.

[z0sa]

The disparity in rebounds won't be there when Bynum gets back. Amare cannot exploit him like he can Gasol and Odom.

not to jump offtopic, but if AMARE is exploiting them on rebounds...

what do you think Tim is going to do? I bring it up only because you said in the other thread they could keep him off the glass.

Back to the subject, I knew Shaq would have a presence on the suns. But are they going to change their playing style drastically and feel uncomfortable in the system because of shaq? I saw one person post there was far more half court possessions. Couldn't that translate into a bad thing if you're Phoenix?

[LakeShow]

Shaq looked good. I haven't seen him that animated in years. Its good to know that you still walk the walk sometimes. I'm proud of him! Good Game!

Love this Lakers team and what the future holds. They were never expected to be able to beat the best teams in the league until Bynum got back. This is turning into a special season and when Bynum and Ariza get back they will be unstoppable. Life is good!

:smokin

[Purple & Gold]

not to jump offtopic, but if AMARE is exploiting them on rebounds...

what do you think Tim is going to do? I bring it up only because you said in the other thread they could keep him off the glass.

Back to the subject, I knew Shaq would have a presence on the suns. But are they going to change their playing style drastically and feel uncomfortable in the system because of shaq? I saw one person post there was far more half court possessions. Couldn't that translate into a bad thing if you're Phoenix?

Amare only exploited them because Gasol had to deal with Shaq. That will change when Bynum is back.

You think Oberto and KT demand attention like Shaq does??

[Purple & Gold]

Back to the subject, I knew Shaq would have a presence on the suns. But are they going to change their playing style drastically and feel uncomfortable in the system because of shaq? I saw one person post there was far more half court possessions. Couldn't that translate into a bad thing if you're Phoenix?

No. Being able to play half court offense is a good thing. That's how playoff games are played.

[RonMexico]

Good game, but D'Antoni still has terrible game management skills. I had fun watching it.

[Purple & Gold]

Good game, but D'Antoni still has terrible game management skills. I had fun watching it.

So did I :smokin

[RonMexico]

Amare continues to look really good out there and I was happy with his offensive rebounding, but he needs to keep it up vs. others in the West and when Bynum comes back.

Barbosa continues to piss me off with his terrible half-court offense. In games decided by 6 points or less, his mental mistakes are killers - i.e. stupid jumpers and bouncing the ball off himself to the backcourt.

Suns also were the victim of a few bad breaks - Bell getting hit by Shaq, the Pau jump ball being called off the Suns, and Nash missing that runner which led to a long rebound and Pau's dunk.

Also, why let the clock run down so much and not foul? D'Antoni trying to emulate Pitino's trap didn't work.

[Purple & Gold]

Amare continues to look really good out there and I was happy with his offensive rebounding, but he needs to keep it up vs. others in the West and when Bynum comes back.

Barbosa continues to piss me off with his terrible half-court offense. In games decided by 6 points or less, his mental mistakes are killers - i.e. stupid jumpers and bouncing the ball off himself to the backcourt.

Suns also were the victim of a few bad breaks - Bell getting hit by Shaq, the Pau jump ball being called off the Suns, and Nash missing that runner which led to a long rebound and Pau's dunk.

Also, why let the clock run down so much and not foul? D'Antoni trying to emulate Pitino's trap didn't work.

Amare is an excellent player, he will only look better next to Shaq. Barbosa is not a PG. Not his fault. As for bad breaks, the Suns were the benefit of more than a few calls. They allowed Shaq and Amare to foul away. D'Antoni sucks. He's on his way out the door.

[DazedAndConfused]

not to jump offtopic, but if AMARE is exploiting them on rebounds...

what do you think Tim is going to do? I bring it up only because you said in the other thread they could keep him off the glass.

Back to the subject, I knew Shaq would have a presence on the suns. But are they going to change their playing style drastically and feel uncomfortable in the system because of shaq? I saw one person post there was far more half court possessions. Couldn't that translate into a bad thing if you're Phoenix?

Before Bynum went down we were the #1 team in rebounding in the NBA. Let me repeat that, the #1 team in rebounding. Trust me, he is absolutely essential to our rebounding and defensive game.

[RonMexico]

Amare is an excellent player, he will only look better next to Shaq. Barbosa is not a PG. Not his fault. As for bad breaks, the Suns were the benefit of more than a few calls. They allowed Shaq and Amare to foul away. D'Antoni sucks. He's on his way out the door.

Suns did get their fare share of calls, but I was talking more about breaks - balls bouncing this way and that - near the end.

Still, I love D'Antoni's ability to make adjustments on the defensive end.... oh, wait - I mean letting Pau screen and roll for layups all game.

[z0sa]

No. Being able to play half court offense is a good thing. That's how playoff games are played.

No shit, I'm a fan of the spurs, I know all about the half court set :rolleyes

what I'm saying is, for three years now they've been orchestrating a defenseless, uptempo style, always trying to stay away from the half court set. They get shaq, now theyre running half court sets and trying to play defense? You cant make an about face in a basketball system with 2 months til playoffs.

[Xylus]

Things I liked:

-Amare has played like an MVP since Shaq arrived in Phoenix. I was curious to see how he'd respond with Shaq actually on the floor, and I LOVED what I saw. 37 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals... the Amare Stoudemire Project, indeed.
-Shaq had a lot of energy and didn't look that out of shape to me. In a few weeks time, I don't think he'll have any trouble keeping up with this team.
-The crowd was electric. That's not something I've seen in Phoenix since last year's playoffs, and I can only imagine it'll stay that way the rest of the season. I went to a Suns game two weeks ago and the crowd was completely dead. This was a complete turnaround.
-Shaq played 28 minutes, and looked his best in the final minutes of the game.
-REBOUNDING--The Suns won the war of the glass, 46-33, against a competent rebounding team. I hope this is a sign of things to come, because rebounding has been our biggest problem for some time.

Things I did not like:

-Shaq's FT's: What. The. Fuck. I always knew he was bad, but I've never wanted the other team NOT to foul mine. :lol We just went from the best FT shooting team to the worst.
-I really, really miss Shawn Marion. His perimeter defense was invaluable.
-There were a couple of plays where Shaq jogged up-court, while Pau ran, which led to a couple of easy Laker buckets.
-At times, it looked like Shaq was completely lost, but that's understandable for a guy who hasn't played in so long, with brand new teammates, a new coach, in a completely new system.


Overall, I was impressed with Shaq's first game, particularly with the effect it had on the Phoenix crowd and Amare Stoudemire. The difference in rebounding was a very, very, very welcome sight. Assuming the opponents' FG% comes down from 56.5% (ugh), the Suns may start winning the rebounding battle consistently, which hasn't ever been the case during the Nash-Stoudemire era.

Also, Kobe played like a man possessed. I thought this guy had a bad pinky...?


Definitely a great game with a huge playoff atmosphere. The Lakers and Suns are now the premiere rivalry in the NBA--that's not to say they're the two best teams in the West, but there is a definite hatred between these two ballclubs. It's hard to say how they'll match up when a less-than-100% Andrew Bynum comes back and Shaq finally gets integrated into the Suns' offense. It should be fun.

If there is a God, these two teams will meet in the playoffs.

[mikejones99]

no defense

[RonMexico]

This is an important observation from the Suns' blogger in the 3rd quarter:

"Also, anyone notice that D'Antoni is sticking to a seven-man rotation? Hopefully, they pull off a deal to get another body in there. Otherwise, we'll have to strap an oxygen tank to Shaq's back."

[Xylus]

I wish DJ Strawberry got some more burn. I loved his effort on D against Kobe during the 4th quarter. Kobe hit most of the shots against him, but they were very difficult shots.

[RonMexico]

I wish DJ Strawberry got some more burn. I loved his effort on D against Kobe during the 4th quarter. Kobe hit most of the shots against him, but they were very difficult shots.

Yeah, you can't really help it when Kobe is in assasin mode. Ross and Strawberry coming off the bench would be huge.

Then again, does D'Antoni know he has a bench?

Barbosa still angers me with stupid mental mistakes.

[Xylus]

Barbosa has inexplicably taken a step back this year. Now that D'Antoni has committed to a 7-man rotation, never have his contributions been more important.

[TheNextGen]

suns did alot of half court sets...th better get used to it.

[Xylus]

suns did alot of half court sets...th better get used to it.
As long as Barbosa isn't any part of those half-court sets, we should be fine.

[atxrocker]

amare with a very impressive effort. monster game. he's a great talent.

[RonMexico]

Barbosa has inexplicably taken a step back this year. Now that D'Antoni has committed to a 7-man rotation, never have his contributions been more important.

He does one of a few things: takes a terrible shot, makes a terrible pass, or dribbles the ball off himself into the backcourt.

With Shaq in, they should run a little more off of him and let Barbosa use his speed to cut to the hoop or find an open spot for a kickout. They could do the exact same thing with Diaw on the high or low block.

[DazedAndConfused]

does anyone else think that the trainers are lying about Kobe's finger? For a guy with a torn ligament he is sure dunking the ball with authority; and shooting pretty damn well! :lol

but but KOBE SHOULD GET THE SURGERY!!!!!!!!!!

[TheNextGen]

but but KOBE SHOULD GET THE SURGERY!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you just didnt jinx your team. :rolleyes

[2Cleva]

If there is a God, these two teams will meet in the playoffs.

D'Antoni is apparently an atheist.


"I don't know if it can be any more (intense)," D'Antoni said. "It's pretty good. ... Hopefully, we don't meet them in the playoffs."

http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/breakout/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_lakers_notes_21.43ce967.html

[ApolloCreed]

I thought the Suns and Shaq looked pretty damn good. The Lakers gave up 124 points to the Suns and that was their first game with Shaq?

How did the Suns go from an awful rebounding team to a great one overnight?

If those two teams met in the playoffs, Id take the Suns. Kobe is great, but the Lakers hit a ton of outside shots. Hard to see that happening four times.

[RonMexico]

I thought the Suns and Shaq looked pretty damn good. The Lakers gave up 124 points to the Suns and that was their first game with Shaq?

How did the Suns go from an awful rebounding team to a great one overnight?

If those two teams met in the playoffs, Id take the Suns. Kobe is great, but the Lakers hit a ton of outside shots. Hard to see that happening four times.

Yeah, I hope Kobe doesn't shoot 64% on a ton of contested outside shots with an even more injured pinkie. If he does over 4 games, then just give him the MVP.

[TheNextGen]

I thought the Suns and Shaq looked pretty damn good. The Lakers gave up 124 points to the Suns and that was their first game with Shaq?

How did the Suns go from an awful rebounding team to a great one overnight?

If those two teams met in the playoffs, Id take the Suns. Kobe is great, but the Lakers hit a ton of outside shots. Hard to see that happening four times.

I doubt the suns will keep those rebounding numbers up against the lakers when Bynum, Gasol and Odom is underneath the basket.

[DazedAndConfused]

Lakers scored most of their points in the paint actually. The outside shots they hit were mostly uncontested wide open jumpers, sans Kobe. Bynum is actually our biggest weapon against the Suns, he keeps Amare off the glass and wreaks havoc in their paint on offense. This series won't be close if he can come back healthy.

[ApolloCreed]

Lakers scored most of their points in the paint actually. The outside shots they hit were mostly uncontested wide open jumpers, sans Kobe. Bynum is actually our biggest weapon against the Suns, he keeps Amare off the glass and wreaks havoc in their paint on offense. This series won't be close if he can come back healthy.

Suns actually scored more points in the paint.

If the Suns continue to rebound like they did last night, I don't see how anyone's gonna have a chance against them in a seven game series. You can't hope to shoot 60% four times, can you?

[Xylus]

Suns actually scored more points in the paint.

If the Suns continue to rebound like they did last night, I don't see how anyone's gonna have a chance against them in a seven game series. You can't hope to shoot 60% four times, can you?
What were the numbers in the paint?

[DazedAndConfused]

Suns actually scored more points in the paint.

If the Suns continue to rebound like they did last night, I don't see how anyone's gonna have a chance against them in a seven game series. You can't hope to shoot 60% four times, can you?

You're not going to rebound like that when Bynum gets back. Before he went down we were the #1 rebounding team in the league. We have shot over 50% from the field everytime we've played the Suns this year. As long as they continue to play subpar defense we will be able to shoot a very high percentage from the field.

[Sportcamper]

Apollo…The Lakers survived a very motivated Shaquille & an on fire Amare… (You can’t ask for more than that)…There is still the possibility that Andrew & Trevor will return for the playoffs…I think the Lakers have taken the upper hand against the Suns...

[ApolloCreed]

Apollo…The Lakers survived a very motivated Shaquille & an on fire Amare… (You can’t ask for more than that)…There is still the possibility that Andrew & Trevor will return for the playoffs…I think the Lakers have taken the upper hand against the Suns...

I just saw it differently. The Lakers were extremely fired up and Phil Jackson played Kobe nearly the entire game.

The Lakers shot the ball extremely well, but they couldn't stop Amare from doing whatever he wants on the inside and you can't trade jump shots for dunks. In the end, I think the Suns would take it.

[DazedAndConfused]

I just saw it differently. The Lakers were extremely fired up and Phil Jackson played Kobe nearly the entire game.

The Lakers shot the ball extremely well, but they couldn't stop Amare from doing whatever he wants on the inside and you can't trade jump shots for dunks. In the end, I think the Suns would take it.

Do you not realize that the Laker's defensive anchor Andrew Bynum wasn't even playing? Amare won't be able to do that when he's there. It's a bit more difficult to jump over Bynum than it is Gasol or Odom.

The fact that you still couldn't beat us @ home with us on a back-to-back is pretty telling. We historically shoot well against PHX because they don't play defense, that's not going to change if we meet in the playoffs.

[The_Game]

I doubt suns would get more than 1 game in a 7 game series vs the lakers. They looked great. With Bynum? oh man...

[TheNextGen]

I just saw it differently. The Lakers were extremely fired up and Phil Jackson played Kobe nearly the entire game.

The Lakers shot the ball extremely well, but they couldn't stop Amare from doing whatever he wants on the inside and you can't trade jump shots for dunks. In the end, I think the Suns would take it.

1) Shaq very motivated (probably the best you'll see out of him)
2) Suns had Home Court advantage
3) Lakers - NO Bynum
4) Lakers Back to Back
5) IMO, Both teams were fired up.
6) Lakers run better than the suns when Shaq is in the game. Half court sets hurt the suns specially when barbosa has the ball.
7) Missed FT's will KILL the suns

I dont see thi working out. Shaq doesnt need to be doubled team anymore.

[Spider TX]

Do you not realize that the Laker's defensive anchor Andrew Bynum wasn't even playing? Amare won't be able to do that when he's there. It's a bit more difficult to jump over Bynum than it is Gasol or Odom.

The fact that you still couldn't beat us @ home with us on a back-to-back is pretty telling. We historically shoot well against PHX because they don't play defense, that's not going to change if we meet in the playoffs.

It's really sad how great you think this Laker team is just because they have won a few regular season games. Fact of the matter is, they haven't won anything, and they will not beat the Suns in a 7 game series yet again. It will be great when the Suns beat them for a 3rd straight year to see this board and you aren't ranting and raving about an overhyped Laker team anymore this year. Bynum is good, but he is not this unreal superstar you make him out to be right now, so get off your high horse until they win something important.

[DazedAndConfused]

It's really sad how great you think this Laker team is just because they have won a few regular season games. Fact of the matter is, they haven't won anything, and they will not beat the Suns in a 7 game series yet again. It will be great when the Suns beat them for a 3rd straight year to see this board and you aren't ranting and raving about an overhyped Laker team anymore this year. Bynum is good, but he is not this unreal superstar you make him out to be right now, so get off your high horse until they win something important.

It's funny how your coach does not seem to share your opinion.

"God I hope we don't play them in the playoffs...."

[ancestron]

It's funny how your coach does not seem to share your opinion.

"God I hope we don't play them in the playoffs...."

Its funny how this is your fist post in like a week that doesn't mention Bynum.

[DazedAndConfused]

Its funny how this is your fist post in like a week that doesn't mention Bynum.

It's funny how obsessed you are with me.

[Spider TX]

Dude, you and this Bynum thing is ridiculous, and I just noticed any posts from you yesterday. He might be great one day, but he is not a superstar yet, and he is not a player that is going to completely shut Amare, Shaq, Duncan, and any other big man down to less than 10 points and 5 rebounds. We understand he has talent, and makes a difference to the Lakers, but get off his nuts like he is the greatest center in basketball, he is far from that still.