Details: When: Friday, February 12th Where: America West Arena, Phoenix Time (Seattle): 6:00 TV: Fox Sports, League Pass Projected Starters: <font color="green">Seattle (34-13)</font> Luke Ridnour Ray Allen Rashard Lewis Reggie Evans Jerome James <font color="indigo">Phoenix (39-11)</font> Steve Nash Quentin Richardson Joe Johnson Shawn Marion Amare Stoudemire Injury Troubles: <font color="green">Seattle</font> Mateen Cleaves: Sprained thumb, ruled out. Damien Wilkins: Knee tendinitis, ruled out. <font color="indigo">Phoenix</font> Nil. Brief Notes: <ul> [*]What a huge game. The Sonics travel to Phoenix to take on the league's most exciting and explosive team, on the back of a huge come from behind win over the Kings. Rashard Lewis and Antonio Daniels did what they couldn't do against the Suns first time around - produce down the stretch, as Phoenix made up seven points in the last three minutes to take a 1-0 season series lead on Seattle's home court. Both teams are fully healthy, and while the Suns finally have a bench, it is still the starters who do the damage. The Sonics rely on a bigger rotation, with nine players capable of contributing in key moments. That may be reduced to eight however, with Danny Fortson in line for a suspension, after throwing a chair (which was caught be a teammate before it reached the court) after being ejected. However, rookie Nick Collison played 23 minutes against the Kings, and his best game as a pro with eight points and three key rebounds in the last quarter, 10 and six overall. He can step in if Fortson doesn't play. [/list] <ul> [*]This game is an All-Star weekend in itself. Shawn Marion, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire will go head to head with Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen. Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson will try to outshoot Allen and Vlad Radmanovic, while Luke Ridnour and Steve Nash will be trying to out-dribble, shoot and pace eachother as they show off their point guard skills. [/list] <ul> [*]Useful/less stat of the day: Reggie Evans is averaging 15.5 rebounds per night during the month of February. [/list] <ul> [*]Word of the day: Humpback; n. A person with a humplike back. [/list]<div align="center">"Reggie Evans may actually be a humpback in disguise, as opponents have a lot of trouble getting over him to rebound once he gains front position."</div> <div align="center">Random Family Guy Quote </div> Peter: Wow Brian, you're like the Arnold Palmer of golf! All predictions, analysis and discussion relating directly to the game, both before, during and after, to be posted in this thread.
The last game between us was a great spectacle, and I'm hoping for some more of the same. Our play has improved since Nash returned and we have been going along nicely, despite an unexpected loss to an undermanned Grizz outfit. The Sonics simply continue to win, and teams will underrate them at their own peril. Both our teams had come from behind wins over the Kings in great games after trailing by double figures. Sacramento really pressured the outside shooters of both teams, shooting 7-21 downtown apiece, but I imagine both side will have more room to shoot the 3ball. Looking forward to this game immensely.
This is going to be another really good game. 112-110 last time I expect more points this time around. Sonics are on a back to back but they are deep enough so that shouldn't be a huge problem. Bench play will be important for Phoenix, they are improved in that area adding in Jim Jackson and Walta Mccarty to go along with Barbosa. People with league pass have been spoiled this week.
It will be very interesting to see where the minutes go tonight with no Fortson. He wasnt a major factor last time against Phoenix and doesnt seem to be a good fit for that matchup anyways. Looking to see Nick play atleast 25-30 minutes these next couple of games..although Potapenko may see sometime as well.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Coolguy777:</div><div class="quote_post">It will be very interesting to see where the minutes go tonight with no Fortson. He wasnt a major factor last time against Phoenix and doesnt seem to be a good fit for that matchup anyways. Looking to see Nick play atleast 25-30 minutes these next couple of games..although Potapenko may see sometime as well.</div> Nick definitely earned more playing time with his game last night...Fortson or no Fortson. The Sonics are really going to have to be on their game tonight because back to backs against two of the NBA's elite rarely ends with a 2-0 record. We'll see though.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Coolguy777:</div><div class="quote_post">It will be very interesting to see where the minutes go tonight with no Fortson. He wasnt a major factor last time against Phoenix and doesnt seem to be a good fit for that matchup anyways. Looking to see Nick play atleast 25-30 minutes these next couple of games..although Potapenko may see sometime as well.</div> I am expecting Collision to have a breakout game tonight, or die trying. Not that last night wasn't good, it was solid with huge plays that were key to winning, but I see him being hungry for more. Basketball is in his blood. I think he wants to prove that he will stick in this league. With the minutes there for the taking he must be aware that this is his chance to shine. This is my favorite team going against my second favorite. You'd better believe I will be glued to the set. I was a little disapointed that flip sat last night, but the fact is, if you don't play D you don't play. Unfortunatly, if he doesn't play, we won't be able to trade him for somebody useful. I would be surprised not to see him get a couple of minutes tonight. Daniels is playing some great ball right now. Did you here the guy say that he thinks he is Lebron James. In the fourth he may as well have been. If it's a close one, he should continue to play as much if not more than Rid. It would be nice if Rad Man found those daggers we are used to. With Marion on him he will need to find his range to be effective. Anyone expect to see Casanova? Me either
Another great showing by the Sonics against two of the league's best in two straight nights. That's Seattle basketball, baby.
Absolutely beautiful basketball game (from both sides of the spectrum). Great play from everyone. Kinda rough game for Collision but again came up big down the stretch.
Quailty win for the Sonics, to go into Phoenix against a rested team and come out with he win was huge. They seem to have a habit of winning back to back games against contenders after beating Spurs and Dallas early on in the season. Rashard Lewis seems to have the highest PPG on a back to back out of any player this year. 33 bench points, thats big right there.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting RiverspoonJones:</div><div class="quote_post">That is what happens when you **** a stranger in the ass.</div> Let's go bowling
We aren't the best team in the league, but we are the deepest and probably the most complete. Outside of shot blocking and a legitimate lost post scoring threat from our bigs, what areas of the game are we lacking? This was probably the second biggest win that we've had all year (beating San Antonio in San Antonio was the biggest). Our guys really believe that they can win despite the elements/adversities. Our bench is phenominal and it seems as if someone different is stepping up every game. We will probably go through some poor stretches in the second half of the season b/c teams will continue to adjust to our pick and roll and transition game but one thing is for certain: Our expectations should now turn to advancing in the playoffs as opposed to just winning the Northwest Division. I'm glad that Nate has been able to experience some success since he has returned from his mother's funeral. Hopefully he remains energized and will continue to make the right decisions to help this team prosper.
