What in the world is wrong with this team right now?? Ok...last night was fixed..we know that. Thought they would have been just a bit motivated playing the Cavs...they are sleep walking again. WAKE THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Suns up to it again tonight.....
- Thread starter HUDSON
- Start date
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind this game will be an absolute debacle.
The Suns come into tonight on the end of a bizzare road trip that took them to Minnesota, then across the boarder to Toronto and then last night to the Mecca of Basketball Madison Square Garden. Tonight will be the last night the Suns play until they get back home for a game against Sacramento on Saturday Night.
Those of you who have followed my handicapping over the years know that I love these get-a-way day situations. Especially featuring teams that have been crossing int and out of different time zones in a short span. Though for me this is just part of the story.
The reason I believe that tonight provides a GOM situation, versus a simple fading of the get-a-way team, deals with the style Phoenix Suns play (and the shape of the personnel that plays for them.)
Since the Suns are ending the road trip tonight... and are playing in the 2nd game in 2 nights...its important to look at their up-style tempo and the toll it takes on their players. Although the up tempo games are at times fun to watch, they are very taxing on the body. Throw in the travel and local time changes and it becomes VERY taxing. The Suns can play the fast break game....but historically, they just aren't good at putting a whole bunch of good efforts together (especially in a short period of time) because of the physical price it takes. Those of you wondering why the Suns can't win in the playoffs now know why. Not enough energy to sustain high pressure long a series.
Tonight is a prime example of how the Suns energy erodes without rest. I really love this game tonight because not only are the Suns at the end of a tiring road trip, but they also have played their last 3 games versus high tempo teams. So not only have they come off 4 road games, but they have been running their asses off in the last 3 straight.
The proof in the pudding is this... The Suns offense has gotten progressively worse as the road trip has progressed. Look at their scoring output decline, their scoring attempts decline and their turnovers. Below are some raw numbers.
11/25 @ Twolves Suns win 126-111 (52/84 FG, 8 Turnovers)
11/27 @ Toronto Suns win 113-94 (43/84 FG, 16 Turnovers)
12/01 @ Knicks Suns lose 99-126 (35/77 FG, 17 Turnovers)
Above is a good example of how the Suns just run out of gas and get sloppy. Also notice the teams they played, all very high tempo teams that can run with them...This is even more draining on the energy tank.
Tonight they face a Cavs team that has been resting at home since Nov. 28. This is will obviously not be a look ahead game for the Cavs as the Suns are a hot ticket in any city the play, so we know they will be amped and the building will be sold out and full of energy.
The Cavs are also a very physical team, the last thing a road weary Suns want to see right now. The energized Cavs will also be facing that in addition to be in a temporary an offensive decline, is always a defensive mess. The Suns are giving up a horrid 107 point average on the road this season. The Cavs only give up an average 93 PPG at home.
Though the Suns may hang early... this game will get out of control as Cleveland lowers the boom and delivers a blowout win
The Suns come into tonight on the end of a bizzare road trip that took them to Minnesota, then across the boarder to Toronto and then last night to the Mecca of Basketball Madison Square Garden. Tonight will be the last night the Suns play until they get back home for a game against Sacramento on Saturday Night.
Those of you who have followed my handicapping over the years know that I love these get-a-way day situations. Especially featuring teams that have been crossing int and out of different time zones in a short span. Though for me this is just part of the story.
The reason I believe that tonight provides a GOM situation, versus a simple fading of the get-a-way team, deals with the style Phoenix Suns play (and the shape of the personnel that plays for them.)
Since the Suns are ending the road trip tonight... and are playing in the 2nd game in 2 nights...its important to look at their up-style tempo and the toll it takes on their players. Although the up tempo games are at times fun to watch, they are very taxing on the body. Throw in the travel and local time changes and it becomes VERY taxing. The Suns can play the fast break game....but historically, they just aren't good at putting a whole bunch of good efforts together (especially in a short period of time) because of the physical price it takes. Those of you wondering why the Suns can't win in the playoffs now know why. Not enough energy to sustain high pressure long a series.
Tonight is a prime example of how the Suns energy erodes without rest. I really love this game tonight because not only are the Suns at the end of a tiring road trip, but they also have played their last 3 games versus high tempo teams. So not only have they come off 4 road games, but they have been running their asses off in the last 3 straight.
The proof in the pudding is this... The Suns offense has gotten progressively worse as the road trip has progressed. Look at their scoring output decline, their scoring attempts decline and their turnovers. Below are some raw numbers.
11/25 @ Twolves Suns win 126-111 (52/84 FG, 8 Turnovers)
11/27 @ Toronto Suns win 113-94 (43/84 FG, 16 Turnovers)
12/01 @ Knicks Suns lose 99-126 (35/77 FG, 17 Turnovers)
Above is a good example of how the Suns just run out of gas and get sloppy. Also notice the teams they played, all very high tempo teams that can run with them...This is even more draining on the energy tank.
Tonight they face a Cavs team that has been resting at home since Nov. 28. This is will obviously not be a look ahead game for the Cavs as the Suns are a hot ticket in any city the play, so we know they will be amped and the building will be sold out and full of energy.
The Cavs are also a very physical team, the last thing a road weary Suns want to see right now. The energized Cavs will also be facing that in addition to be in a temporary an offensive decline, is always a defensive mess. The Suns are giving up a horrid 107 point average on the road this season. The Cavs only give up an average 93 PPG at home.
Though the Suns may hang early... this game will get out of control as Cleveland lowers the boom and delivers a blowout win
They shouldn't be out of gas. They hardly played in the NYK game LOL
The Cavs are notorious for having poor 3rd quarters when having big leads. Plus, Suns 2nd Unit is much better than Cavs scrubs. I'll be taking Phoenix in the 2H...hopefully it's only 3.5-4.5
The Cavs are notorious for having poor 3rd quarters when having big leads. Plus, Suns 2nd Unit is much better than Cavs scrubs. I'll be taking Phoenix in the 2H...hopefully it's only 3.5-4.5
Actually the cavs 2nd unit isnt that bad but none the less just wanted to let ya know in case ya dont there is no Barbosa tonight...
The cavs went on a 21-4 late first quarter early second quarter run with those scrubs.
I don't think Barbosa played last night either...if this guy makes this much of a difference he should be the highest paid player then...this is ridiculous! Long road or not....no excuse for these so called "professionals" to be getting BLOWN OUT like this two nights in a row. Suns have way too much talent....c'mon!!!!!
Good base, because they did it tonight.
The Cavs 2nd unit is far from a scoring unit, and I think the Suns can make this a 16-17pt game.
Ok by no means am I trying to argue but part of Collins, Gortat, Clark , and Dudley are scoring machines?
The cavs bench outscored the suns 22-2 so maybe it isnt the starters but that 2nd unit of the Cavs doing the damage.
Hudson, I respect all your opinions as well as plays you post but the statement about Barbosa is ridiculous. He makes a difference because he makes the 2nd unit of the Suns go and he is the ONLY scorer that comes off the bench with consistent productivity. That doesnt mean he should be the highest player paid it just means he fills the role he is supposed to besides him coming off the bench where is all that talent?
