Suns dominate Wolves 115-95 as D’Antoni looks for defense
(AP Photo/Paul Connors) The Suns dominated the Timberwolves, 115-95 was the final, in a game that showed why Phoenix is the best scoring team in the League and Minnesota is - simply said - the worst team in the NBA (1-19 on the road).
The Suns started the game like they actually didn’t care, playing shaky defense and allowing the Wolves to look like a real NBA team. Phoenix had a 12-2 run late in the quarter to close the deficit to just 4 points (32-38) after the first period.
Then, something interesting happened.
Coach D’Antoni went defensive and inserted an unseen quintet of Diaw, Bell, Strawberry, Skinner and Barbosa to play a 3-2 zone defense.
I think this set the tone for the entire game as the Suns put a lot of energy and effort on the court and all of a sudden it was the Suns of old: pure running pleasure.
D.J. was inserted in the game in the first quarter - ahead of Marcus Banks - and played 19 minutes of solid basketball. The Straw can play different positions and can be used as a valuable sub at guard and small forward.
Phoenix doubled Minnesota 35-17 in the second quarter and took a 63-59 lead to the locker room and the rest was history as they say.
Ten Suns scored in the game with five scoring over 17 points led by Stoudemire with 23 (and 11 rebounds). Bell (great game Raja!) scored 20 (0-for-4 on 3-pointers but a perfect 9-for-9 on 2-point shots), Barbosa added 19 and Marion 18.
The second half started with the Suns moving the ball around, scoring easy baskets led by the perfect Nash at QB. Steve was 6-for-6 from the field, 4-for-4 on free throws, dished 13 assists.
One last question, what was Nash doing on the court with 7 minutes left in the game and the Suns up by 24? It took more than 2 full minutes to realize it and give him some rest.
The Suns (28-12) will now host Jason Kidd and the Nets (18-20 but 9-6 on the road) on Sunday night (6PM)
Yours truly, Steve Fan
Join the discussion at The Locker Room Forum. Arizona Sports 24/7.
Posted by Steve Fan
Blogger and Steve Nash enthusiast. Don't get in his way, he'll MVP your ass.
http://sonsofstevenash.blogspot.com
(Rate this post)
Loading ...Related Articles:
