Game 5: New Orleans Pelicans (3-1) @ Phoenix Suns (3-1) l Friday l 7:00pm l ESPN

[bwgood77]

Took care of business tonight, good win. Nice luxury to have Biyombo as 3rd string C for sure.

Yeah it's awesome having a vet whos good with that role and ready to go when needed. I'm good with them keeping Biz around for years, Haslem style, as the back of the bench big and vet leader.

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Great guy too...ambassador for his country. You know his money is well spent and goes to people in need.

[Fo-Real]

Remember when this board wanted to replace Monty Williams? He’s the reason the Suns are so locked in. I have no idea how he does it, but he has our bench looking like one of the best benches in the league, when they’re actually probably one of the worst. Saw a few that wanted Udoka or Snyder. What a joke! We’re lucky to have him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep, has been very depressing on this board and I'm sure will be again when we stumble a little. "Worst coach", "Worst GM", "Worst bench in the league", "CP no longer an NBA player at all", "Payne, Lee Jock aren't NBA level players" ETC. You would have thought we had the worst record in the league last year instead of the BEST and it made no difference at all that we were in the NBA FINALS the year before..... just a bunch of angry, seething crying dudes posting for the last couple months.
Can we please have another serious and anger filled conversation about how we didn't take Luka and how its our fault that Boston took Tatum before we could! The coin flip for Alcindor!!!!! CURSE YOU SARVER!! In 1969, I know that little 7yo bastard affected that coin flip somehow!!

[Fo-Real]

It's Monty's fault that Ayton is where he is in terms of development. It's also Monty's fault with whatever was going on with this team in terms of comraderie both at the end of the Mavs series and now with Jae.

He doesn't get points with me for winning games against teams missing 3 of their 4 best players. Remember how you used to give a running count on all of the non-dunks Ayton would not do-even when he was still hitting jumpers and layups? Keep that same energy.

Don't praise Monty for winning against the bench guys.

Yep, fire and trade everyone. We have been the same old worst team in the league and nothing at all has changed since Jones or Monty got here. Sell this ruined franchise to Vegas for gods sake!!

[Slim Charless]

It's Monty's fault that Ayton is where he is in terms of development. It's also Monty's fault with whatever was going on with this team in terms of comraderie both at the end of the Mavs series and now with Jae.

He doesn't get points with me for winning games against teams missing 3 of their 4 best players. Remember how you used to give a running count on all of the non-dunks Ayton would not do-even when he was still hitting jumpers and layups? Keep that same energy.

Don't praise Monty for winning against the bench guys.

Where in the world was the hatred, you have against Monty and Jones developed? This team is playing some of the best basketball they have ever played. The bench thus far has been fun to watch and very effective. Craig has been the biggest surprise. What players were the warriors missing, when we blew them out?

We won tonight without Ayton and thus far he is not playing up to his contract. I expect that will change in the future.

Ayton isn't playing up to his contract because once again Monty isn't handling him right.

You didn't hear me complaining after the Dubs game did you? No, you didn't because that was a great win. This was a victory over someone who's missing 3/4 of their best players.

I'm not critical of our players btw. I'm saying why the rush for praising the doofus walking the sideline. What makes you think he can coach us to a title?

[Slim Charless]

Remember when this board wanted to replace Monty Williams? He’s the reason the Suns are so locked in. I have no idea how he does it, but he has our bench looking like one of the best benches in the league, when they’re actually probably one of the worst. Saw a few that wanted Udoka or Snyder. What a joke! We’re lucky to have him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep, has been very depressing on this board and I'm sure will be again when we stumble a little. "Worst coach", "Worst GM", "Worst bench in the league", "CP no longer an NBA player at all", "Payne, Lee Jock aren't NBA level players" ETC. You would have thought we had the worst record in the league last year instead of the BEST and it made no difference at all that we were in the NBA FINALS the year before..... just a bunch of angry, seething crying dudes posting for the last couple months.
Can we please have another serious and anger filled conversation about how we didn't take Luka and how its our fault that Boston took Tatum before we could! The coin flip for Alcindor!!!!! CURSE YOU SARVER!! In 1969, I know that little 7yo bastard affected that coin flip somehow!!

You've never seen me say any of that. I never called JJ or Monty the "worst" I've just said that-especially in the case of Monty, he isn't good enough to win a title with.

Also as to the rest of it. My opinion is that guys who would give a running count on all of the non-dunks Ayton would not do-even when he was still hitting jumpers and layups on the day he gets his career high. Those posters? Need to keep that same energy now in their giddiness over Monty.

[Iceman36]

Remember when this board wanted to replace Monty Williams? He’s the reason the Suns are so locked in. I have no idea how he does it, but he has our bench looking like one of the best benches in the league, when they’re actually probably one of the worst. Saw a few that wanted Udoka or Snyder. What a joke! We’re lucky to have him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep, has been very depressing on this board and I'm sure will be again when we stumble a little. "Worst coach", "Worst GM", "Worst bench in the league", "CP no longer an NBA player at all", "Payne, Lee Jock aren't NBA level players" ETC. You would have thought we had the worst record in the league last year instead of the BEST and it made no difference at all that we were in the NBA FINALS the year before..... just a bunch of angry, seething crying dudes posting for the last couple months.
Can we please have another serious and anger filled conversation about how we didn't take Luka and how its our fault that Boston took Tatum before we could! The coin flip for Alcindor!!!!! CURSE YOU SARVER!! In 1969, I know that little 7yo bastard affected that coin flip somehow!!

Thank you! Waaaaaay too much negativity in here...again!

Team looks great again. Since the bubble, we are having a fantastic time as being a Suns fan, but lots of people complaining all the time. I'm a die hard Suns fan since 1993 and there are always ups and downs. Right now, I'm apreciating the good times and enjoy it a lot, cause bad times come soon enough back again!

[sunsbg]

You can't always have the best coach, GM, 6th man, 10th man in the league. There are 29 more teams battling for their services.

[Fo-Real]

Remember when this board wanted to replace Monty Williams? He’s the reason the Suns are so locked in. I have no idea how he does it, but he has our bench looking like one of the best benches in the league, when they’re actually probably one of the worst. Saw a few that wanted Udoka or Snyder. What a joke! We’re lucky to have him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep, has been very depressing on this board and I'm sure will be again when we stumble a little. "Worst coach", "Worst GM", "Worst bench in the league", "CP no longer an NBA player at all", "Payne, Lee Jock aren't NBA level players" ETC. You would have thought we had the worst record in the league last year instead of the BEST and it made no difference at all that we were in the NBA FINALS the year before..... just a bunch of angry, seething crying dudes posting for the last couple months.
Can we please have another serious and anger filled conversation about how we didn't take Luka and how its our fault that Boston took Tatum before we could! The coin flip for Alcindor!!!!! CURSE YOU SARVER!! In 1969, I know that little 7yo bastard affected that coin flip somehow!!

You've never seen me say any of that. I never called JJ or Monty the "worst" I've just said that-especially in the case of Monty, he isn't good enough to win a title with.

Also as to the rest of it. My opinion is that guys who would give a running count on all of the non-dunks Ayton would not do-even when he was still hitting jumpers and layups on the day he gets his career high. Those posters? Need to keep that same energy now in their giddiness over Monty.

I never mentioned one name, seems like you are feeling some kind of way!! The shoes don't choose you, you choose the shoes!! You want those in the box or are you wearing them out of the store sir?!?!

[SunsRback4Good]

Yep, has been very depressing on this board and I'm sure will be again when we stumble a little. "Worst coach", "Worst GM", "Worst bench in the league", "CP no longer an NBA player at all", "Payne, Lee Jock aren't NBA level players" ETC. You would have thought we had the worst record in the league last year instead of the BEST and it made no difference at all that we were in the NBA FINALS the year before..... just a bunch of angry, seething crying dudes posting for the last couple months.
Can we please have another serious and anger filled conversation about how we didn't take Luka and how its our fault that Boston took Tatum before we could! The coin flip for Alcindor!!!!! CURSE YOU SARVER!! In 1969, I know that little 7yo bastard affected that coin flip somehow!!

You've never seen me say any of that. I never called JJ or Monty the "worst" I've just said that-especially in the case of Monty, he isn't good enough to win a title with.

Also as to the rest of it. My opinion is that guys who would give a running count on all of the non-dunks Ayton would not do-even when he was still hitting jumpers and layups on the day he gets his career high. Those posters? Need to keep that same energy now in their giddiness over Monty.

I never mentioned one name, seems like you are feeling some kind of way!! The shoes don't choose you, you choose the shoes!! You want those in the box or are you wearing them out of the store sir?!?!

These shoes are made for walkin'
And that's just what they'll do
One of these days these shoes are gonna walk all over you

[oddity]

Mikal just has these magical stretches sometimes where he dominates both ends of the floor and singlehanded changes the momentum of the game. He had a few of these stretches tonight. That 3 into the steal and beautiful bounce pass to CamJo into the block was inspiring to watch. He's also been steadily looking smoother and more confident with his mid-range game. He nailed 3 or 4 beautiful middies this game. I just love where all the signs are pointing EXCEPT every time I feel like Bridges is going to round the corner into being a consistent third option offensively he cools off and settles back into the flow of the offense. I want Mikal to stay aggressive looking for his shot throughout this Aytonless stretch and especially beyond, because this team looks so dangerous with 3 guys who can generate some offense from the perimeter in the starting lineup

PS: dude can pass too. Every one of those 4 dimes were huge

[sunsbg]

Mikal just has these magical stretches sometimes where he dominates both ends of the floor and singlehanded changes the momentum of the game. He had a few of these stretches tonight. That 3 into the steal and beautiful bounce pass to CamJo into the block was inspiring to watch. He's also been steadily looking smoother and more confident with his mid-range game. He nailed 3 or 4 beautiful middies this game. I just love where all the signs are pointing EXCEPT every time I feel like Bridges is going to round the corner into being a consistent third option offensively he cools off and settles back into the flow of the offense. I want Mikal to stay aggressive looking for his shot throughout this Aytonless stretch and especially beyond, because this team looks so dangerous with 3 guys who can generate some offense from the perimeter in the starting lineup

For Suns to win anything after CP3 is gone, they need to build offense around all of Booker, Bridges and Ayton. Cam J, still don't think is a long term solution at PF, also trading DA is still a high probability. Booker is not Doncic and as seen by Mikal and DA's play in NO series when Book was out, they are capable to take more responsibility.

[lilfishi22]

Mikal just has these magical stretches sometimes where he dominates both ends of the floor and singlehanded changes the momentum of the game. He had a few of these stretches tonight. That 3 into the steal and beautiful bounce pass to CamJo into the block was inspiring to watch. He's also been steadily looking smoother and more confident with his mid-range game. He nailed 3 or 4 beautiful middies this game. I just love where all the signs are pointing EXCEPT every time I feel like Bridges is going to round the corner into being a consistent third option offensively he cools off and settles back into the flow of the offense. I want Mikal to stay aggressive looking for his shot throughout this Aytonless stretch and especially beyond, because this team looks so dangerous with 3 guys who can generate some offense from the perimeter in the starting lineup

PS: dude can pass too. Every one of those 4 dimes were huge

Thought Mikal was going to make that leap last season but it was just never consistent enough to think that he had. I had really high hopes for him but offensively, I'm not confident he's built like a scorer mentally. He's a bit like Ayton in that you almost have to force them to score in order for them to get into a scoring mindset otherwise they are just happy to do the dirty work and let others create.

[oddity]

Mikal just has these magical stretches sometimes where he dominates both ends of the floor and singlehanded changes the momentum of the game. He had a few of these stretches tonight. That 3 into the steal and beautiful bounce pass to CamJo into the block was inspiring to watch. He's also been steadily looking smoother and more confident with his mid-range game. He nailed 3 or 4 beautiful middies this game. I just love where all the signs are pointing EXCEPT every time I feel like Bridges is going to round the corner into being a consistent third option offensively he cools off and settles back into the flow of the offense. I want Mikal to stay aggressive looking for his shot throughout this Aytonless stretch and especially beyond, because this team looks so dangerous with 3 guys who can generate some offense from the perimeter in the starting lineup

PS: dude can pass too. Every one of those 4 dimes were huge

Thought Mikal was going to make that leap last season but it was just never consistent enough to think that he had. I had really high hopes for him but offensively, I'm not confident he's built like a scorer mentally. He's a bit like Ayton in that you almost have to force them to score in order for them to get into a scoring mindset otherwise they are just happy to do the dirty work and let others create.

I'm a little more high on Bridge's ability to have a scorer's mentality, because he looks really aggressive during stretches when we're missing a few of our top guys, but I definitely agree that he is way too willing to shy back into a more passive offensive role. Maybe it's defending the other team's best player, or maybe it's internalizing his role as a 3 and D complimentary piece a little bit too well. Either way, his time at Villanova showed he definitely has some dawg in him and was willing to take the leading scorer role, it's just about whether he can develop the confidence to do that at the NBA level consistently.

[lilfishi22]

Mikal just has these magical stretches sometimes where he dominates both ends of the floor and singlehanded changes the momentum of the game. He had a few of these stretches tonight. That 3 into the steal and beautiful bounce pass to CamJo into the block was inspiring to watch. He's also been steadily looking smoother and more confident with his mid-range game. He nailed 3 or 4 beautiful middies this game. I just love where all the signs are pointing EXCEPT every time I feel like Bridges is going to round the corner into being a consistent third option offensively he cools off and settles back into the flow of the offense. I want Mikal to stay aggressive looking for his shot throughout this Aytonless stretch and especially beyond, because this team looks so dangerous with 3 guys who can generate some offense from the perimeter in the starting lineup

PS: dude can pass too. Every one of those 4 dimes were huge

Thought Mikal was going to make that leap last season but it was just never consistent enough to think that he had. I had really high hopes for him but offensively, I'm not confident he's built like a scorer mentally. He's a bit like Ayton in that you almost have to force them to score in order for them to get into a scoring mindset otherwise they are just happy to do the dirty work and let others create.

I'm a little more high on Bridge's ability to have a scorer's mentality, because he looks really aggressive during stretches when we're missing a few of our top guys, but I definitely agree that he is way too willing to shy back into a more passive offensive role. Maybe it's defending the other team's best player, or maybe it's internalizing his role as a 3 and D complimentary piece a little bit too well. Either way, his time at Villanova showed he definitely has some dawg in him and was willing to take the leading scorer role, it's just about whether he can develop the confidence to do that at the NBA level consistently.

I think I just come off more pessimistic because I was very optimistic about his offensive development previously and didn't see the development and production I was hoping for. Ultimately, we know he can score, he can score in a variety of ways and it doesn't necessarily have to be breaking down his defender in one on one scenarios (probably the lowest efficiency type offense) but while I think he's done well to find scoring opportunities just through off ball movement to this date, I do think he can take on more of that offensive responsibility. The problem now is that Booker is less of a passer than CP3, Ayton is taking on more of a creation role it seems and with Cam being promoted to the starting line up and with him having very much a scorer's mindset, there's seemingly more competition now than ever for scoring opportunities.

As a team, that's a great place to be with 3 guys wanting the ball but it just doesn't bode as well for Mikal who will have to work harder or at least make better use of his possessions to score. It's exactly why I had high hopes for him last season. We needed someone from the group the step up as the #3 and without much competition behind Booker and Ayton, Bridges was primed to be that #3. He still had a great season especially on the defensive end but offensively, it was a bit disappointing to see his usage, production and offensive rating basically either plateauing or taking a step back.

He's on a better trajectory through these first 5 games with an increased assist rate, efficiency, offensive production and even rebounding so I'm happy with where he's at right now but I guess my original hopes of him being a more offensively focused player isn't particularly high anymore. I don't have too many complaints so far this season because he is tied for #2 in scoring on the Suns but yeah last season was a disappointment for me and I've since reset my offensive expectations of Mikal