Pistons run over Phoenix 116-86 as Suns play worst game of the year
(Photo Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images) The Pistons dominated the Suns and beat them 116-86 in a game that right from the start proved to be out of reach for Nash and Co.
Yes, it was that bad.
The Suns missed too many shots, including a few easy ones, in the first quarter and the Pistons took an early lead at the first intermission, 27-16.
Detroit did a good job on defense and forced Phoenix into bad shots selection, a few turnovers (4) including a 24 seconds violation (it’s always a bad sign when the Suns commit those). The lead was extended to 17 points early in the second as the Pistons kept shooting very well.
Stoudemire scored 14 in the second quarter (18 in the half, 31 in the end) and the Suns tried to close the gap in the period, and partially did it with a 11-2 run, before the Pistons got the momentum back with defence and scored a bunch of easy points off the frequent Suns’ turnovers. At the half Detroit lead was a game-high 18 points, at 59-41.
And if you thought the first half was bad, well, all you had to do was wait and watch the third quarter that was much worse as Detroit enjoyed frequent leads of over 30 points.
It was 75-50 with 6:04 left in the 3rd when Coach D’Antoni called a time out in disgust and things got even worse. 90-58 at the end of the third quarter. I can’t recall the last time the Suns trailed by that much at home.
The Suns got NOTHING from Hill (zero points), Diaw (2 points), Barbosa (18 when the game was over by 20 minutes), Bell (8 points) and Steve Nash (11 points and 6 assists). There’s not really any detail to report. Let’s just hope it was a bad night, for whatever reason.
The Suns tried to make the final score a bit less bitter in the fourth quarter when Marks, DJ, Diaw, Barbosa and newly acquired Linton Johnson were on the floor. Without much success, anyway.
Over the last three games we have experienced a nice win (vs Boston), a tough loss (vs LA) and an “unacceptable” defeat (vs Detroit).
The Suns are clearly still looking for their identity with Shaq on the court and O’Neal is trying to establish his no non-sense approach to the game: just look for example at the occasional high elbow here or the flagrant foul there.
While Phoenix is still looking to find their way, Detroit clearly knows how to play - and win - as a team. They have been together for a few years now and their system is in perfect synchrony.
Rasheed Wallace led the Pistons with 22 points while five others scored in double digits. Chauncey Billups (14 points, 11 assists) orchestrated an almost perfect performance for the Motor City’s quintet.
The Suns (38-18) will now hit the road and play the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday night (6 PM) and the Hornets in the Big Easy the night after that.
Yours truly, Steve Fan (I guess this time the Pistons didn’t care about Diesel-power)
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
(1 votes, avg: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...Related Articles:
