Suns beat Jazz 103-98 as Nash leads the ensemble…and chipped a tooth in the making
(AP Photo/Roy Dabner) Steve Nash scored 29 points on 10-of-14 from the field, added 11 assists and 6 rebounds to lead Phoenix past Utah 103-98 to end the two-game losing skid and improve to 17-6.
Nash even lost a part of front tooth in the making, on an inadvertent contact with Carlos Boozer, but still played the whole game with the US Airways crowd chanting “MVP! MVP!” to the great Suns’ QB. According to Nash he’s not going to sell the tooth on e-bay any time soon (check ESPN.com highlights for a few words on this very important issue).
It was a good win since the game was highly contested to the end with the Suns being able to secure the win only in the closing seconds as Steve Nash scored on five consecutive free throws in the last 11 seconds. The Suns bounced back quickly after a couple of very uninspired performances against Minnesota and Miami and even played some good defense.
The Jazz, possibly the best half-court offense in the game right now, shot just 43.8% from the field and the Suns were able to compete in the paint as well, grabbing 44 rebounds to the Jazz’ 49. Boozer scored 24 points while D. Williams (the second best point guard in the game) added 18 and 6 assist to lead the Jazz.
Shawn Marion scored 26 point (12-for-19) and 15 rebounds in helping the cause while Stoudemire had 18 point, 9 rebounds and above all 6 blocked shots.
Amaré is one of the keys to the Suns defense, since most of the outside players can’t really defend one-on-one and prevent drives against top NBA guards, STAT becomes fundamental in helping closing the lanes.
A big presence in the paint, ready to step up and close the driving players is also the key to allow the Suns defenders to chase the ball, play the passing lanes, and generate turnovers and start running.
It was a good win and a confidence builder for Saturday’s game (6 PM) in New Orleans and the first taste of Texas after that.
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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