Suns beat “shorthanded” Knicks, improve to 6-2
(Barry Gossage/NBAE Photos) The Suns beat what was left of the team formerly known as the New York Knicks 113-102 last night at the US Airways in Phoenix and improved their record to a very good 6-2.
Stoudemire had is best all around game of the young season with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocked shots as well.
Leandro Barbosa, once again in a starting role due to the absence of injured Raja Bell, scored 23 on 11-for-18 shooting, Grant Hill (very focused despite getting ready for his Oprah appearence today) scored 21 and shot 3-4 from 3-point range, while Shawn Marion added 23 as well. The Suns got at least 21 points from four of their starters, while Nash just kept passing the ball around. Steve had 5 points, on only 6 shots, but 12 assists. The third quarter was all about dunks, lay ups and easy baskets for the Suns, a nice workout in other terms.
Once again coach D’Antoni made very limited use of his bench players as, even while enjoying large lead, Marks, Tucker and the Junior Straw failed to set their feet on the court.
New York already without Quentin Richardson and Zach Randolph lost unhappy Stephon Marbury when he flew back to NYC basically quitting the team and Coach Isiah Thomas a few hours before the game. Quite frankly it won’t matter much (and couldn’t care less actually) whether he did it with or without the Knicks’ coach permission. Isiah is out of control anyway.
Anyway, a “shorthanded” New York team, never really had a chance as the Suns held a comfortable lead throughout the game even reaching 21 points late in the game. The Knicks even lost M. Collins to injury only six minutes into the game.
The last time the Knicks won in Phoenix was February 2003 and Coney Island’s Finest was playing for the Suns.
The Suns have a day off now and will play the Bulls on Thursday night in Phoenix (8:30 PM on TNT). It should be a very interesting game despite Chicago’s 1-5 record since the Bulls are actually good and the kind of team – young and athletic – that this Suns team seems to have some difficulties to handle (i.e. Lakers and Hawks).
Yours truly, Steve Fan
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Posted by Steve Fan
Blogger and Steve Nash enthusiast. Don't get in his way, he'll MVP your ass.
http://sonsofstevenash.blogspot.com
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