Lakers 111, Suns 99: Just What The Mamba Ordered
by C.A. Clark on Feb 17, 2012 10:17 PM PST
in Game Recaps
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PrintThe Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns by the final score of 111 to 99 behind a prodigious game from Kobe Bryant, and an offensive explosion the likes of which we haven't seen all season. Kobe was strong in all facets of the game, dropping 36 points on 25 shots and adding 9 rebounds and 6 assists as well. As for the team, one of the best bench performances of the season keyed the highest point total the Lakers have seen all season, and just the 4th time this season the Lakers have scored more than 100 points. All this came despite twenty turnovers, but the Lakers shooting (and a little charity from Phoenix, who had 17 turnovers of their own), including 3-4 and 6-7 nights for Troy Murphy and Matt Barnes, was too much to overcome.
As has often seemed to happen this season, the advantage the Lakers have in the middle did not translate so much into on court success. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum both ended the night with double doubles, but Pau's 10 points and 13 boards involved having more shots than points scored, and Andrew Bynum's 17 and 14 included 4 turnovers, usually the result of picking up his dribble and getting trapped too often. Also, as expected, the Lakers were pretty well torched by the pick and roll, as they allowed Steve Nash to pick up 17 assists (he only scored 11 points), with Marcin Gortat as the benefactor, dropping 21 points and 16 boards.
But tonight was about the Lakers offense looking crisp and draining jumpers. For the 2nd straight game, there has been a poise about the offense that was lacking in the majority of the season to date. That poise didn't translate to success Tuesday against the Hawks, but it worked out well tonight. As it turns out, playing at team that doesn't defend very well was just what the Mamba ordered. Here's hoping Sunday's contest is just another dose of the prescription.
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Actually a nice win tonight. Yay!!!
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
The Mamba Ordered Tacos?!!!!
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Steve Nash stats for tonight:
11 points
3 rebounds
17 assists
2 steals
7 turnovers
Proud to be a brony.
There should be a Vegas prop bet any night Nash and Lin both play: Who has more turnovers?
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Derek Fisher +7 - I rest my case
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Mike Brown Logic: Glock is secret weapon.
I unleash in 2nd half. Brown comes in and jacks 3s Nash should be shooting out of jealousy. We win AND get free tacos. Mike Brown logic is same as Popovich logic: it takes a chess mind to figure out. Checkers minds need not apply :)
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
I am happy with that. Defensively you cannot stop Nash on every front
but if he got only 11 pts I’ll take the 17 assists. Nothing wrong with that. But damn! 17!! sick. Since Magic there are only two pgs that have played like Magic..Nash and Jason Kidd. Well the younger Jkidd. He was a beast in the open court on a fast break. Bastard used to pass to himself by throwing it from almost half court towards the back board and getting the bounce back for a lay up.
THE BANDWAGON: Championship? lol you’ve gotta b kidding. - Emmceee /we aren't winning anything this year man - BlueXfalcon / We arent winning anything this year - Lakergirl / we aren’t winning anything this yurrrrr - Tkuang /I expect them to make it past the first round, but I will be very happy if they make it past the second.- Gil M. / We aren’t gonna win anything this year, dude - Aethereal / don't think we will win anything this year. Seriously-CLDPC / I’m not expecting something big from this Lakers team this season - Yoshifan
Good win. Hope we can get a similar outcome in PHX on Sunday.
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"I never met a person from whom I did not learn something."- John Wooden
"If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me."- John Wooden
Main twitter
SBN twitter
You and me both. Never want to see the Lakers lose in person.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Are you going to the game?
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
I live in Phoenix so it should not be hard.
Suns don’t sell out anymore cause the economy hit worse here than everywhere else (most of our pre-2005 economy was real estate based). I will go down there a couple hours before game and either get upper deck at face or get scalper tickets slightly above face if the seats are lower level.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Oooh, hope we win so you can have fun!
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
Having fun at Suns fans - friends of mine expense tonight
and will do so times 10 Sunday if we go 3-0 on them this year. The Suns fanbase despises the Lakers irrationally. The Lakers don’t really hate the Suns (except for Kobe who feels robbed of 2 MVPs by some little white Canadian dude) but the Suns fans REALLY hate the Lakers. I don’t get it but it is very fun when we systematically destroy them and expose their eternal weaknesses every time we play them.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Well, Kobe's Suns hatred isn't about the MVP (that's the fans' hate). His is about 1st round exits at their hands.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
Those Suns teams were so much better than the Luke/Lamar/Smush/Kwame/Kobe Lakers
I still tell Suns fans if they had paid Joe Johnson Boris Diaw’s money they would have had 2-3 rings at the Spurs’ expense. Sad part is they know it.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
That was when Kobe got the Suns fans' hate full-fledged.
Raja Bell still never has to buy his own beer in this town cause he clotheslined Kobe.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
So glad we didn't get him last season.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
Makes sense.
Kobe would have been the only guy who thought he could win those series. That Suns team was stacked.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
nash deserved the first mvp...
his second should be kobe’s
"I’ve always been comfortable as a kid growing up to think that when my career is over, I want them to think of me as an overachiever despite the talent that I have. To think of me as a person that’s overachieved, that would mean a lot to me. That means I put a lot of work in and squeezed every ounce of juice out of this orange that I could. Hopefully, they perceive me as person who did whatever he had to do to win above all else. Above anything. Above stats. If they say that about me I’ll be happy." - KOBE BRYANT
The rivalry isn't a recent thing. It goes back to the 1970 Western Conference Semifinals.
Paul Silas & Connie Hawkins vs. Elgin Baylor & Wilt Chamberlain. Epic 7 game series that started the hatefest.
You’re right in that “the Lakers (fanbase) don’t really hate the Suns” as much as we Suns fans despise L.A. But you can’t really call a four decade long rivalry, no matter how one-sided it might be currently (thanks to our incompetent ownership and front office) “irrational.”
Between being a fan of the Phoenix Suns & KC Royals, I'm used to disappointment.
"You know, what do we have to lose? Why not root for us?...For us, it's just going out there and having fun and balling." - Channing Frye
Not sure what this means. We won that game, right?
That poise didn’t translate to success Tuesday against the Hawks, but it worked out well tonight.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
I think he means offensive success.
Because that game was ugly.
by 82 games of pain! on Feb 18, 2012 2:33 AM PST up reply actions
Beto Duran @DuranLA
Gentry “nobody wants to face Lakers in playoffs” Kobe “I agree”
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"I never met a person from whom I did not learn something."- John Wooden
"If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me."- John Wooden
Main twitter
SBN twitter
LOL
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 10:31 PM PST up reply actions
Gentry is a straight shooter.
I am 100% certain he called those last 2 timeouts to draw up a play to deny Laker Fans their rightful Tacos. Gentry doesn’t miss much.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
This laker team is not built for the reg season
by Archon on Feb 17, 2012 10:34 PM PST via mobile reply actions
The Lakers now are built like the Spurs teams were that we used to destroy with Shaq.
Fortunately for us, no one has a dominant force equal to Shaq so we have a good shot with team defense and championship pedigree to win a couple more titles the way the Spurs won theirs, by default.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
lulz
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Feb 17, 2012 10:47 PM PST up reply actions
LOL
Remember the Spurs started Avery Johnson at point for their first couple titles before Tony Parker came from France.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
And Avery was way better than Fisher is right now.
Not even close.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
johnson was a great shooter
"I’ve always been comfortable as a kid growing up to think that when my career is over, I want them to think of me as an overachiever despite the talent that I have. To think of me as a person that’s overachieved, that would mean a lot to me. That means I put a lot of work in and squeezed every ounce of juice out of this orange that I could. Hopefully, they perceive me as person who did whatever he had to do to win above all else. Above anything. Above stats. If they say that about me I’ll be happy." - KOBE BRYANT
I think sometimes that these "trade rumors" affects Pau's play
He just look out of it sometimes…… Thats my dude though
I have a bad headache, and its for BASKETBALL REASONS
Follow me on Twitter @FRESHPRINCE526
i agree
pau doesn’t know how to focus and detach like kobe does
"I’ve always been comfortable as a kid growing up to think that when my career is over, I want them to think of me as an overachiever despite the talent that I have. To think of me as a person that’s overachieved, that would mean a lot to me. That means I put a lot of work in and squeezed every ounce of juice out of this orange that I could. Hopefully, they perceive me as person who did whatever he had to do to win above all else. Above anything. Above stats. If they say that about me I’ll be happy." - KOBE BRYANT
i wish that pau would get bynum's mindset (go figure!)...
where as it “affects” paus play..bynum went on record and said he really didnt care if he got traded or not. he would still be playing how hes playing, whomever’s jersey he sported. pau needs to chill….
by Mark Jaramillo on Feb 19, 2012 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
I think people need to leave Pau alone as far as how his mind is. That's not going to change. He is who he is.
He’s still trying to play through it all.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
good game from the bench
missed the 3rd Q, happy that Kobe found a rhythm
111 points!!!
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
I know, I missed all but the last few minutes :/
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Feb 17, 2012 10:52 PM PST up reply actions
I still have to respect that the Detroit Red Wings have not lost a home game
since before Tebow’s winning streak started.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Go Lakers!
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Feb 17, 2012 10:52 PM PST up reply actions
Sorry, I should have started that with
“Off-topic ESPN is still on my TV sorry guys but us Laker fans can respect other greatness cause we know it when we see it:”
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
is it like 25 home games won now?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 10:54 PM PST up reply actions
All I know is it is absurd and goes back to a few days after Halloween.
I live in AZ. Everyone in Phoenix is from somewhere else. I have 4 friends from Detroit. They tell me this stuff so I looked it up and respect their roll.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
lol, i know that
i have family in Phoenix. Actually more now live in AZ as my half-bro just moved there.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 11:05 PM PST up reply actions
Good times. Lakers are here Sunday night for the first time this year.
Should be fun
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
enjoy!
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 11:07 PM PST up reply actions
Oh and Go Lakers!!! Outstanding win tonight over the Suns!
Clutch late-game D for the Tacos and Clutch 2Q performance from the bench to take the game away from the Suns and break their will to win.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
lol
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Feb 17, 2012 10:59 PM PST up reply actions
Good times blue. Believe me as a Phoenician I am enjoying this victory more than most here tonight.
I texted my friend who is a Suns fan at half that the Good news for him was that the tacos were in jeopardy and the bad news for him was that our bench was whooping the Suns and the Suns are playing Telfair when the Lakers wouldn’t touch him even though we are starting Fish.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
ah, I can relate
all my friends are Kings fans
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Feb 17, 2012 11:18 PM PST up reply actions
Clogged gills?
D Fish! < * (((( <{
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:21 PM PST up reply actions
lol
THE BANDWAGON: Championship? lol you’ve gotta b kidding. - Emmceee /we aren't winning anything this year man - BlueXfalcon / We arent winning anything this year - Lakergirl / we aren’t winning anything this yurrrrr - Tkuang /I expect them to make it past the first round, but I will be very happy if they make it past the second.- Gil M. / We aren’t gonna win anything this year, dude - Aethereal / don't think we will win anything this year. Seriously-CLDPC / I’m not expecting something big from this Lakers team this season - Yoshifan
Lakers - Suns | Game Thread Stats
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Total Users: 54
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Name # of Posts
LOOOeee 208
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Jason78 99 (T-8th)
SoCalGal 76 (T-9th)
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gotchaking 68
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
Wow been a while.
Thanks go out to jxn and LG for being away for an evening to let the rest of us have a chance :) Good times tonight! Always fun to beat the Suns!
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
I need to stay off Twitter during the game.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
firstto100 made 100 comments!
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
Dat's just how I roll
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"I never met a person from whom I did not learn something."- John Wooden
"If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me."- John Wooden
Main twitter
SBN twitter
5th in the West...and rising
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
We can help that road record starting next week.
The bench has to produce.
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:10 PM PST up reply actions
The season is still young.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Golden Days, Purple Knights
i love things like this, where I can find out about times with my teams that I was too young to experience.
Hearing Magic talk about how great it was to shut up Boston fans when they finally beat them in 85, so awesome.
I can only imagine how sweet that was for long time Laker fans
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 11:07 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Glorious.
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:14 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Posted previously...always sweet
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:15 PM PST up reply actions
Boston was considered a racist town back in the day too.
Magic is too diplomatic to state it like that but there was a lot of symbolism back then. Not very many people stuck in the old ways respected an African-American leader of a team. 1985 was closer to the early 1960s than to 2012. So yeah, Magic loved shutting them up.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Ugly story of how they treated Russell at one point, in Boston. Of all people.
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:25 PM PST up reply actions
Had to eat in the kitchen and in hotel room.
So fucked up.
THE BANDWAGON: Championship? lol you’ve gotta b kidding. - Emmceee /we aren't winning anything this year man - BlueXfalcon / We arent winning anything this year - Lakergirl / we aren’t winning anything this yurrrrr - Tkuang /I expect them to make it past the first round, but I will be very happy if they make it past the second.- Gil M. / We aren’t gonna win anything this year, dude - Aethereal / don't think we will win anything this year. Seriously-CLDPC / I’m not expecting something big from this Lakers team this season - Yoshifan
Boston is still considered a racist town.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
The bench unit turning it around is definitely the most encouraging thing.
Blake/Goudelock seem to be figuring it out as a backcourt, Murphy is getting and taking open shots, and Bynum is improving at being the centerpiece of the bench offense. Barnes especially has done some nice work, notably as a ballhandler off the P&R, as he’s turned that driving lane he gets into an opportunity for himself or a teammate a lot of the time, plus his rebounding has been solid for the position. Now, if we could replace Fisher with a real P&R point guard to help the starting unit mesh more, we’d have a nice squad on our hands.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
The Lakers Bench is very good at Home which is real nice.
I would love to see them travel well in the second half of the season. Especially as we will have to steal a road game or two in the playoffs it appears. I would like to have faith in our bench being able to help in that cause.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
I should have said very good lately.
The last few home games have been good bench performances. Even before the Grammy trip they were playing well.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Hopefully Brown will give them good run on the road. With Bake back, they should be more efficient.
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:26 PM PST up reply actions
I don't think Barnes has ever taken a night off. He never just stands around waiting for kobe
probably the best slasher the Lakers have.
THE BANDWAGON: Championship? lol you’ve gotta b kidding. - Emmceee /we aren't winning anything this year man - BlueXfalcon / We arent winning anything this year - Lakergirl / we aren’t winning anything this yurrrrr - Tkuang /I expect them to make it past the first round, but I will be very happy if they make it past the second.- Gil M. / We aren’t gonna win anything this year, dude - Aethereal / don't think we will win anything this year. Seriously-CLDPC / I’m not expecting something big from this Lakers team this season - Yoshifan
Too bad Ariza left.
I wish I could have seen him in a Lakers uniform now.
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." - Wilt Chamberlain
by SuperNerdToTheRescue on Feb 18, 2012 10:04 AM PST up reply actions
He struggled for a few games when MWP became the starter.
He wasn’t assertive like when he started. Hope he continues his good play.
by BoneCruncher24 on Feb 18, 2012 10:11 AM PST up reply actions
I have recently noticed as well, unlike our bench in the past,
they dont tend to give up leads or get blown out. they have an ability, if they are sucking on offense, to force the opposition into sucky offense as well. the few times other teams have gone on runs and taken 10 point leads, the starters minus one of our big three (so fisher and mwp on the floor with a bench guy) give up these big runs. if signing arenas means fish is put on th ebench for good, i say we do it. i just dont think its going to happen.
"What we want to remember—what we will remember—is the indelible vision of Kobe, his arms outstretched, delirious with joy and disbelief, running after and grabbing hold of Lamar Odom’s floating downcourt pass, while all the purple and gold streamers in the world are raining down on the hardwood." - Brian Tung
by LakersFoEva on Feb 18, 2012 10:22 AM PST up reply actions
I'm new B***HES!!!!!! Lakers fan since 1982 NBA FINALS
Kareem beat Dr. J and I was like 7 years old…..I’ve been so blessed to be a lifelong Lakers fan…especially after moving up the Bay Area a few years ago and getting to know all these sorry ass Warriors fans —-it’s really quite pathetic.
LAKERS, Baby…..YEAH!
Hear ya. I have been dealing with Suns fans since 2003. Bitter bunch they are.
Welcome to a good community of chill knowledgeable Laker fans. As you will learn, the articles posted on this site are top-notch analysis.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
..and fans of the Jazz, Spurs, Mavs, Rockets, Seize, Calves. Get in line.
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:35 PM PST up reply actions
Welcome to SS&R!
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
If we had won, I'd check in to gloat
we didn’t so I’m here to take my medicine…. feel free to point and laugh at the Suns, we’ll get you next time.
hope not, lol
i think Brown had a few moments for you guys cuz he heard what you said before the game.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 11:25 PM PST up reply actions
no shit
I missed most of the game, I met up and was reconnecting with some old friends. when no one was looking I was checking on the game, Brown actually had some very good moves this time out.
his rebound dunk off a long shot
made me remember his hops
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 11:33 PM PST up reply actions
yes...now
if only he could remember his hops, take it to the rack shannon, and throw it down Mr Brown
he wants to be
Downtown Brown a little too much
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 11:38 PM PST up reply actions
Respect for coming correct Suns fan...AND for hanging with your team through down times. They'll be back.
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:28 PM PST up reply actions
...amd when they're back, they'll be talking shit again. LOL
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:29 PM PST up reply actions
No doubt they will.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
The only thing I am laughing about is Gentry calling 2 timeouts in the last 40 seconds to run a play to ruin the free tacos and failing in his endeavor.
The Suns just have to figure out if they are willing to truly suck horribly for a couple years to try to get the right ping-pong ball so they can turn their franchise around. The Suns can forget getting free agents with other lucrative options unless Jerry Colangelo decides he wants to buy the team back from Sarver so they have to hope for the lottery to treat them well. If the Suns ever do win the lottery, they will be able to keep the guy. Phoenix is not Cleveland in that respect.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
The same way the Cowboys quit Emmitt Smith:
cut him and wait for some sad operation to pick him up cause no one outside of the city Nash goes to will ever remember him there. He’ll probably end up in Toronto after they cut salary by trading Calderon to us for the $8M trade exception we got from Dallas for Lamar Odom.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
or
the Colts with Peyton Manning, pretty soon anyway
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 11:42 PM PST up reply actions
except...
unlike Emit, Nash is not washed up, leads the NBA in assist and (knocking 40’s door down) is an all star.
Emmitt wasn't washed up either.
He just appeared that was cause he had the Cardinals offensive line in front of him. Jake Plummer left that O-Line for a good one in Denver and was in the AFC Title Game within 2 years.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Yep
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:46 PM PST up reply actions
Nash isn't washed up. But Sarver can't give him a team to compete.
DON’T BE PORTLAND!!!! Portland had Drexler and those guys, hung on to them too long and as a result had to reach for the 7-12 overall pick in the draft every year (J.R Rider, Ruben Patterson, etc.) Then they decided fuck it let’s suck … next three drafts 5th pick Brandon Roy, 3rd pick LaMarcus Aldridge, 1st pick Greg Oden (OK they should have taken Durant but at the time most people would have gone center there)
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
i think the point he's making is
the Suns FO has to be the bad guys and cut bait, It’s clear Nash won’t force their hand.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 18, 2012 12:01 AM PST up reply actions
Exactly. Nash has no blame here.
Nash is the good soldier. The decision is on the Suns front office to decide if they want to be Indiana at the end of Reggie Miller’s career or Portland at the end of Drexler’s career and hang on too long and not be able to rebuild quickly. Or do they deal Nash to spend his last couple years somewhere else (Miami would be perfect for him but don’t tell Mario Chalmers or Pat Railly :) ) and truly suck … like 18-48 suck so they can get a Top 5 pick in a loaded draft and rebuild around Harrison Barnes or heaven forbid Anthony Davis (Suns .. Defense … Mayans are right it must be 2012).
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Nash IS to blame here
and I’m fine with it. He’s too good to just let go , he’s too old to build around. he’s not gonna come off the bench to be a spot up shooter just to chase a ring. I love the suns and I love NBA Basketball, all thanks to Nash…IF he leaves I’ll root for him, but remain a suns fan. while he’s here, I’ll forgo the trade speculations and savor the opportunity to watch Steve Nash be a basketball GOD. wouldn’t you all feel the same way about Kobe?
I am not asking you to give up on the Suns.
On the contrary, ride with them while they give youth a chance. Enjoy your few victories with the solace of knowing that you will get a big time draft pick to be your future franchise guy and because AZ is a great place to live (I live in N. Phoenix myself) and the owner is capable of keeping and paying a franchise guy. Then when you have Austin Rivers reincarnating Russell Westbrook and you have next year’s top 1-and-done big guy inside cleaning up you can tell everyone you were there for the Sebastian Telfair era the same way we brag about surviving the Smush Parker era.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
can you imagine?
For the short time before Roy’s career was cut short:
PG:__________
SG: Brandon Roy
SF: Kevin Durant
PF- LaMarcus Aldridge
C-____________
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." - Wilt Chamberlain
by SuperNerdToTheRescue on Feb 18, 2012 10:12 AM PST up reply actions
i know right?
what the hell? :)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 17, 2012 11:52 PM PST up reply actions
Not to be cold but the Suns have to move on.
D-Backs have moved on from Luis Gonzalez to Justin Upton … Suns have to do the same thing. Picking 12th in the draft every year turns you into the Indiana Pacers post-Reggie Miller. A lot of decent players but no one to trust at the end of a playoff game to kill a series.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
This. Basically what I said in the preview thread, albeit with more tact.
There is no sense wallowing in mediocrity in any sport. At any juncture, you need to have a clear plan of how you’re going to go about rebuilding and what kind of time schedule it is going to take. Especially in basketball, you find your franchise player in the draft and rebuild around him, seeing as you’re basically guaranteed to have him for at least eight years between his rookie deal and first extension. Meanwhile, you kill your bad deals, use your cap space to leverage picks, young assets, and similar off teams that need to unload them, and before your drafted stars sign their first big extension, make some splashes using your cap space to get an impact player via free agency or trade. Basically what Portland would have done if Roy and Oden (and half the team really) stayed healthy and what is going on in OKC. You could even look at Memphis, which traded away its star (Pau) for picks, cap space, and some young assets (Crittenton/Marc) and they turned all of those things into pieces for a fairly solid team. Point being, you have to suck really bad to get better and know when to blow it up and cash in your present assets for younger pieces, which is definitely what Phoenix needs to do.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
Right, but the human aspect comes in.
The paying customers for Suns games have a median age of about 50 (at least it might be a lot higher than that) and they appreciate Nash’s old school game. Given the $ structure in this city at least a third maybe even half of season ticket holders are LDS (aka Mormons) who appreciate that Nash has been a positive role model in the community.
It is just hard for the people here to let go of Steve Nash even though it is in the best interests of the franchise for them to do so because he has been loyal to the fanbase of this city and so they feel as though they are betraying his loyalty to them if they agree with the notion that the franchise needs to move on. There are just too many old-school people who have the $ to impact things here that appreciate Nash and will not let him go unless he demands it.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
I understand that, but at a certain point, you have to put the needs of the franchise ahead of the individual player.
When players spout the cliche, “It’s a business,” it really is. Loyalty and dedication should be rewarded no doubt, and players that are good soldiers (i.e. Paul Pierce slaving away on terrible Boston teams waiting for the front office to put a championship core around him) should be lauded and the franchise should make an honest effort to retain their services and pay them accordingly. That said, Nash is 38, this core is nowhere near contending and they don’t have the assets on the roster either to flip for an impact player or the wherewithal to bring one in via free agency. I totally agree with you that it’s not an easy choice, but at a certain juncture, it just becomes a far worse situation for the team in the long-term if they put personal loyalty above what the franchise needs. For instance, in 2014 when we have $0 committed to the payroll and a lot of marquee free agents (the entire Miami trio for starters) are available and say Kobe insists on being paid something excessive for what a 36 year old Kobe can realistically bring to the table, then you have to start thinking about what is important for the franchise in the long-term.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
LOL Nelson!
"I keep telling everybody we’re going to be fine," Bryant said. "This is the start of the year and it’s tough to kind of get out on the road. We had some very tough opponents to start the season with on the road. It’s kind of getting used to everything with no practices. We’re going to be A-OK."
by Zen and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:33 PM PST up reply actions
Next time is Sunday night 7:30 AZ Time
I am not certain 42 hours is enough time to teach interior defense or find someone Kobe didn’t grow up watching on TV when he was a kid to guard him.
Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
lmao.
We’d get the entire Chinese market!
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. -- Sun Tzu
Home cooking
Nice win Lakeshow.
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
LOL...this was funny
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." -Kobe Bryant
Other than gm 6 of 08
gm 7 of 06 was probably kobe’s darkest day ranks up there. he still harbors the remorse that he quit that game, whether he thinks the entire notion is stupid, it still fuels him to this day when he faces against nash n the suns and perhaps will always follow him like a bad shadow cuz it is true: kobe holds a grudge against himself more than anyone. but fuck, that’s why he’s the best.
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
I doubt Kobe holds a grudge against himself
cuz I doubt he believes he quit in that game.
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
Don't Forget To Change Your Sig Tomorrow Since We're Playing Phoenix, SCG
If anything he hates that he didn't play his way and feels that's why they lost
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
Don't Forget To Change Your Sig Tomorrow Since We're Playing Phoenix, SCG
Yeah I can see this as his reason.
I think he explained why he played that way on TNT halftime during a Cavs game when he was the guest.
by BoneCruncher24 on Feb 18, 2012 10:14 AM PST up reply actions
kobe is by no means a quitter
he’s never been. but cmon MM, you really want to go back and review that game and tell he simply wasn’t playing the way he wanted? his reluctance to fire more than 1 shot, his refusal to cut and draw the double or play his style, the aggressive fire in his eyes was well beyond faded. his body language said it all. i can understand if he resorted to getting his teammates involved by creating for them and what not, but many times in that game you see him jus stand around and watch his shitty team miss shot after shot without making much effort to go to the ball or get into the zone to attack or to even ACT like a decoy. whether he didn’t play in his own style or not, and whether he refuses to ever put “kobe” and “quit” in the same sentence doesn’t disregard the truth: his actions spoke for him that game. when i watched that game, i got the notion that it was his way to rebel and show the world what kind of debacle and travesty of a “nba team” he was on; it was his way to renounce the FO that such a team had no chance without him. Ito me that was his way of saying “this is the lakers fate without a kobe.” it hurts that he chose to do it that game. however you want to sugarcoat it, perhaps he didnt really give up as much as he chose to rebel and reveal the ugly truth behind the organization and it comes to me as no surprise that it was following the series that he cried mutiny and threatened to leave if the FO failed to provide him with decent talent he could tolerate. i dont think it was a coincidence.
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
and by following the series
i mean that it was after that series he really began promulgating his discontent with the lakers
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
Kobe has no remorse because he didn't quit that game. Nothing to feel remorse for.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
I was just about to say that lol
"One thing LeBron James has won that Kobe Bryant never has, and never will: A bronze medal."- Josh Tucker
"Fisher's defense is called escort service in my country, just accompany" -Ibou
42-1 on Barebones TDM classic ... BEAT THAT XBOXERS
Wave is not a blogger.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein
Captain Obvious, er, MagicJohnson: Kobe, Bynum & Gasol all must step up big to beat the @Hawks.
Tweetness
I feel bad for Steve Nash.
He stuck with the Suns, without a single complaint. That’s taken a toll on him now, he is on a lottery team, with no trade options because he is a little long in the tooth. Which is even more unfortunate since he can still play at an all-star level.
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." - Wilt Chamberlain
by SuperNerdToTheRescue on Feb 18, 2012 10:08 AM PST reply actions
Its good to see the bench produce vs a terrible team and defense
Until they do it vs good teams and a good d it just seems like fools gold. You never know, confidence is a big thing and could carry them onward. I hope the FO doesnt have as much faith in the team as some of u do and makes a move to improve rather than stand pat and do Nothing!
See me on Twitter follow me @ EddieCheeze, Catch me on FB friend me Eddie Cheeze, See my group on youtube listen to us Hood Platinum, want me ta kill a track email me Cheeze2k11@gmail.com....Im errwhere
by EmmCeee on Feb 18, 2012 2:53 PM PST via Android app reply actions
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