Game 51: Phoenix Suns (36-14) @ Los Angeles Clippers (34-18) l Thursday l 7:00pm l TNT

[SunsRback4Good]

it is kind of concerning that they were hot from 3 in both games we played them. and they have a **** of great shooters it seems. we gotta do something to counter this in the playoffs should we meet them.

I mean, a LOT of the 3s tonight were well defended. They just couldn't miss. Still only 2 games out of a ton of games. It happens.

This, and also up to the 4th quarter when the Suns ran out of steam we were getting our 2 point shots off pretty easily as well as get into the paint. I mean, the Clippers shooting lights out is one thing, but the Suns were uncharacteristically bad and it was still a back and forth game for the most part.

In the playoffs, I'll put my money on the team that can mix it up between 2s and 3s and doesn't have to live and die by the 3. Again, if either the Clippers had shot their season average from 3 or the Suns had shot their season average this would have been a different game. It's just that both things happened, the Clippers were lights out and the Suns couldn't hit Rihanna with Chris Brown's fist.

[Mr Puddles]

Amazing how one troll on the GB exposes all those who are scared of the Suns. We doing big thangs baby because the hate is REAL! CP3 was a guy that people loved, hoped he would win a ring......or at least thats what they said, now that he is with us and we are 2nd in the league, all of a sudden CP3 haters EVERYWHERE! Fans from all different western conference teams quick to jump into the Game Thread talking all their s**t. LMAO.

I swear every thread created on the GB about the Suns has Lakers fans popping up posting how the Suns are the team everyone wants to face in the playoffs (BBQ chicken... yuk yuk). They're that girl who can't stop talking about how much she's over her ex - and how she doesn't even think about him anymore. I hope they have fun watching the play-in tournament, while the big boys in the league will be getting ready for playoff basketball.

[Saberestar]

Can't be too upset about this loss. Suns clearly didn't have their legs under them after the intense OT game against the clippers.

The Clippers were hitting ridiculous three-pointers too while the Suns couldn't buy a three-pointer to save their lives.

The Clippers are not going to go 18-37 from three-point land every night, and the Suns are not going to go 6-24. I liked how close the Suns kept it despite having everything going against them.

it is kind of concerning that they were hot from 3 in both games we played them. and they have a **** of great shooters it seems. we gotta do something to counter this in the playoffs should we meet them.

I mean, a LOT of the 3s tonight were well defended. They just couldn't miss. Still only 2 games out of a ton of games. It happens.

Yeah, those three from Rondo (3/4) are not normal.

The Clippers are not that great as a shooting team after losing Lou Williams.

The biggest issue with them is that they have three premier long-armed defenders in Leonard, Batum and Paul George.

All of them are around 6'8 tall and have over 7'1 wingspans.

They are gonna put always two of them on CP3 and Book, and that is why the Clippers are probably the toughest matchup for our offensive system and in particular our mid range shots.

[Frank Lee]

But they have no answer for an aggressive DA. If anything was learned last night, it’s that DeAngry can really impact the game. We need more of that guy and less DeYawndre. He’s looks to be finding some fire. One thing we really need from him is to take advantage of mismatches. Too often he gets a little guy on him and then wanders out of the paint if he doesn’t immediately get the ball. Once he figures it out and sets up in front of the rim, then DEMANDs the ball, only good things happen.

If we get a 7 game rematch with the clips, and I hope so, sparks will fly. May be more.

[spanishninja]

Can't be too upset about this loss. Suns clearly didn't have their legs under them after the intense OT game against the clippers.

The Clippers were hitting ridiculous three-pointers too while the Suns couldn't buy a three-pointer to save their lives.

The Clippers are not going to go 18-37 from three-point land every night, and the Suns are not going to go 6-24. I liked how close the Suns kept it despite having everything going against them.

it is kind of concerning that they were hot from 3 in both games we played them. and they have a **** of great shooters it seems. we gotta do something to counter this in the playoffs should we meet them.

I mean, a LOT of the 3s tonight were well defended. They just couldn't miss. Still only 2 games out of a ton of games. It happens.

I think what we need to do is not just defend the 3s, but try to take those shots away from them in the first place. Don't know if that's even possible but that may be the next step we would need to take to strengthen our chances.

[bwgood77]

What's up with not playing Galloway and Moore. The team needs bench scoring, 3pt shooting and resting CP3 and those still don't get any minutes.

It is baffling. I mentioned in the GT yesterday that we should be looking down the bench in this game because our starters had played so many minutes in an OT game. I get that guys like Book, Bridges, Ayton and Cam have young legs and they played admirably today but I don't get why we wouldn't go down the bench to play guys like Gallo and Moore to give guys more of a breather when they are available.

Jones brought in those guys exactly for this reason.

He's just told them he appreciates their hard work, buying in and doing what the team needs, even if it isn't playing, and rotating them each for a few games to keep them all somewhat fresh. I don't think it's a bad strategy and is a good way to keep the players bought in and help them not wish they were elsewhere.

I think despite not playing, they all really like being on the team.

My bigger question is when Saric struggles as bad as he has, we need to play Frank some. He played very well for quite a stretch too and we were even on a nice winning streak while starting him. I am really worried about Dario's inconsistency, because it could really hurt us in the playoffs.

He is on one of the best contracts in the league though, so he could be a nice filler trade piece later, though I doubt we ever move him, given that Monty has said he's one of his favorite players.

[darealjuice]

Frustrating loss, but I think we showed that we can compete with them. They're not going to lose much when they're shooting 50% from 3, and we're not going to win much shooting 25% from 3. I thought we defended well and got them into late shot clock scenarios a lot, they just made shots.

It'd be nice to take care of this home stretch. The following 7 game stretch of @Bucks, @Sixers, @Celtics, @Nets, @Knicks, vs. Clippers, and vs. Jazz is going to be a test for us, and the Clippers and Nuggets are on our heels.

[bwgood77]

But they have no answer for an aggressive DA. If anything was learned last night, it’s that DeAngry can really impact the game. We need more of that guy and less DeYawndre. He’s looks to be finding some fire. One thing we really need from him is to take advantage of mismatches. Too often he gets a little guy on him and then wanders out of the paint if he doesn’t immediately get the ball. Once he figures it out and sets up in front of the rim, then DEMANDs the ball, only good things happen.

If we get a 7 game rematch with the clips, and I hope so, sparks will fly. May be more.

I know I've said it a lot, but I expected Deandre to step things up down the stretch like his final 1 1/2 months last year pre bubble. But this is a new level.

The confidence is strong. While he may have inconsistent games like everyone does, I think he knows what it takes and has the fire, desire, and work ethic to keep improving.

I know I had a lot of theories and reasons I thought contributed to him not doing as well earlier, despite being extremely efficient with good rebounding numbers, contested shots and screen assists.

I will say he's even surpassed my expectations in blocking shots and getting to the line though, which is great.

I do wonder on top of the getting used to Paul, having to hear so much from him and having that overthinking part, as well as a very long isolated break in the offseason, if having a baby impacted him and his focus a bit...I am not even sure when the baby was born. He talked about him, but never mentioned when he was born, and during and shortly after that it may have had some impact, as well as leading up to it.

I think he's locked in now though and will be moreso to start the season next year with a proper offseason and training camp, etc.

[DroughtsOverPHX]

But they have no answer for an aggressive DA. If anything was learned last night, it’s that DeAngry can really impact the game. We need more of that guy and less DeYawndre. He’s looks to be finding some fire. One thing we really need from him is to take advantage of mismatches. Too often he gets a little guy on him and then wanders out of the paint if he doesn’t immediately get the ball. Once he figures it out and sets up in front of the rim, then DEMANDs the ball, only good things happen.

If we get a 7 game rematch with the clips, and I hope so, sparks will fly. May be more.

I noticed about 5 games ago that even though he was having a low production game, he didn't look lost. The kid is changing. In the past he's been too lost to get pissed off. We are getting better at feeding him and now he wants the ball. If he's not careful, he's gonna live up to that tattoo.

[sunsbg]

But they have no answer for an aggressive DA. If anything was learned last night, it’s that DeAngry can really impact the game. We need more of that guy and less DeYawndre. He’s looks to be finding some fire. One thing we really need from him is to take advantage of mismatches. Too often he gets a little guy on him and then wanders out of the paint if he doesn’t immediately get the ball. Once he figures it out and sets up in front of the rim, then DEMANDs the ball, only good things happen.

If we get a 7 game rematch with the clips, and I hope so, sparks will fly. May be more.

He sometimes does it because he respects Book and CP3 too much. He was on a smaller player on one occasion last night, but just cleared the path for Paul's drive, who was defended by Zubac. It's OK as CP3 and DB will usually take advantage when defended by a bigger guy, but a balanced offense is still better. Moreover, Ayton had nice passes to cutting players in Mikal and Craig again. He's not a bad mid-range shooter either, so they can use him both in the low and high post to initiate the offense, which just shows his enormous potential.

[RingColluder]

it is kind of concerning that they were hot from 3 in both games we played them. and they have a **** of great shooters it seems. we gotta do something to counter this in the playoffs should we meet them.

I mean, a LOT of the 3s tonight were well defended. They just couldn't miss. Still only 2 games out of a ton of games. It happens.

Yeah, those three from Rondo (3/4) are not normal.

The Clippers are not that great as a shooting team after losing Lou Williams.

The biggest issue with them is that they have three premier long-armed defenders in Leonard, Batum and Paul George.

All of them are around 6'8 tall and have over 7'1 wingspans.

They are gonna put always two of them on CP3 and Book, and that is why the Clippers are probably the toughest matchup for our offensive system and in particular our mid range shots.

That's not right. Lou wasn't doing anything for us this year, he looked totally lost. Marcus Morris is an incredibly underrated 3pt shooter (6th in 3pt FG% in the league), PG is great at the catch and shoot 3's, Kawhi, and virtually every other role guy other than Rondo is equipped to shoot 3's (Ibaka, Bev, Reggie Jackson, Kennard, Batum).

Your team will beat our team by constantly getting into the paint and making your 3's. Without PG playing abnormally good I think you guys take it. Our job is to neutralize Booker like we did to Dame Lillard remarkably well a game or two ago. I don't see any answer for Ayton on our team.

[lilfishi22]

What's up with not playing Galloway and Moore. The team needs bench scoring, 3pt shooting and resting CP3 and those still don't get any minutes.

It is baffling. I mentioned in the GT yesterday that we should be looking down the bench in this game because our starters had played so many minutes in an OT game. I get that guys like Book, Bridges, Ayton and Cam have young legs and they played admirably today but I don't get why we wouldn't go down the bench to play guys like Gallo and Moore to give guys more of a breather when they are available.

Jones brought in those guys exactly for this reason.

He's just told them he appreciates their hard work, buying in and doing what the team needs, even if it isn't playing, and rotating them each for a few games to keep them all somewhat fresh. I don't think it's a bad strategy and is a good way to keep the players bought in and help them not wish they were elsewhere.

I think despite not playing, they all really like being on the team.

My bigger question is when Saric struggles as bad as he has, we need to play Frank some. He played very well for quite a stretch too and we were even on a nice winning streak while starting him. I am really worried about Dario's inconsistency, because it could really hurt us in the playoffs.

He is on one of the best contracts in the league though, so he could be a nice filler trade piece later, though I doubt we ever move him, given that Monty has said he's one of his favorite players.

I don't get this this mindset. Keep them fresh? They barely play rotation minutes as is lol what is there to get tired from? DNP-CDs? When you have guys who are ready to go and in a game where we could use fresher legs and shooting to keep up with a fresh Clippers team, we don't use them - save for 5 Carter minutes.

Galloway is a guy that could've really helped even with the few minutes he should have played.

[Revived]

A lot of the threes we gave up is when Ayton wasn’t in the game and Clippers killed us with dribble penetration. They would attack the rim hard and Saric doesn’t bother what so ever to protect the rim so our wing players have to help off the Clippers 3pt shooters by running to the paint. The Clipper player that’s attacking the rim then kicks it out to the open shooter (the one who the Suns player helped off) and he splashes the wide open 3. It’s basically “give up the wide open layup or the wide open 3” when Saric is in the game.

In short, Dario Saric imo is basically the reason we gave up a lot of 3s last night. Even in the Utah game, they hit 3s usually when Saric was in the game and it’s the same reason.

Earlier in the season, Saric at least bothered to get in position to draw a charge on defense. Now he doesn’t do anything or lazily swipes at the ball which does nothing or gets called for and-1.

I think Saric is the #1 player on our team that’s gonna be exposed in the playoffs by basically every team in the West. It’s really a shame that Suns didn’t bother acquiring a big man who can protect the rim for depth at the deadline. Saric isn’t even respected at the 3pt line anymore because of how awful he’s shooting it from there. 31% from 3 in the last 10 games and 35% for the season overall on basically wide open attempts. Booker shoots 36% for the season as well from 3 but his 3s are usually contested and he hits the wide open ones at a good clip (even though teams rarely leave him open).

[Slim Charless]

LMAO. Undeserved toss imo but still LMAO

GTFOH with the underserved toss. Dude elbowed him in the nuts then was a ****.

Dude should be fined too.

Probably not gonna get the fine now. He's out for the next month or so. Hurt his hand being a dirty player. They should still hit him with the fine lol.

[ATTL]

It was nice seeing them feed Ayton in the 3rd. Maybe try that more than one quarter every few games.

[Fo-Real]

Probably Saric's worst game.

[bigfoot]

LMAO. Undeserved toss imo but still LMAO

GTFOH with the underserved toss. Dude elbowed him in the nuts then was a ****.

Dude should be fined too.

Probably not gonna get the fine now. He's out for the next month or so. Hurt his hand being a dirty player. They should still hit him with the fine lol.

My guess is the dumbazz punched a wall after he got ejected and broke his hand. Going after a rebound doesn't really sound plausible. He got what he deserved ... karma.

[bwgood77]

It is baffling. I mentioned in the GT yesterday that we should be looking down the bench in this game because our starters had played so many minutes in an OT game. I get that guys like Book, Bridges, Ayton and Cam have young legs and they played admirably today but I don't get why we wouldn't go down the bench to play guys like Gallo and Moore to give guys more of a breather when they are available.

Jones brought in those guys exactly for this reason.

He's just told them he appreciates their hard work, buying in and doing what the team needs, even if it isn't playing, and rotating them each for a few games to keep them all somewhat fresh. I don't think it's a bad strategy and is a good way to keep the players bought in and help them not wish they were elsewhere.

I think despite not playing, they all really like being on the team.

My bigger question is when Saric struggles as bad as he has, we need to play Frank some. He played very well for quite a stretch too and we were even on a nice winning streak while starting him. I am really worried about Dario's inconsistency, because it could really hurt us in the playoffs.

He is on one of the best contracts in the league though, so he could be a nice filler trade piece later, though I doubt we ever move him, given that Monty has said he's one of his favorite players.

I don't get this this mindset. Keep them fresh? They barely play rotation minutes as is lol what is there to get tired from? DNP-CDs? When you have guys who are ready to go and in a game where we could use fresher legs and shooting to keep up with a fresh Clippers team, we don't use them - save for 5 Carter minutes.

Galloway is a guy that could've really helped even with the few minutes he should have played.

What I mean is, after signing an experienced vet FA to the team, play them instead of burying on the bench. Fresh may have not been the best word, but more having the more recent game experience than had they been buried on the bench the whole season, in case players get injured.

If I kept anyone on the bench it would be Carter, given his age, longer contract, etc, and allow Galloway and Moore to play better individually but Moore seems to be the better passer and defender and more of a glue guy....we went 18-4 with him in his most recent stretch, like a 67 game win pace in a normal season. Dario played far better with him too....not sure if it's a coincidence but I wouldn't write it off as one.

We have to be ready for an injury to one of our starting guards, and I think it's good to have some game experience for those guys, though, like I said, I'd rotate Galloway and Moore in that spot being vets who seem to fit better on a contending team. Carter is under contract and can learn from the vets and get more time next year.

[Revived]

There are a handful of players who rest without injury, but most who do have ailing injuries or are coming back from one. Doncic, for example, doesn't rest for the hell of it.

Unless you are talking about the bubble or near the end of the season when seeds are determined and players rest.

But yeah, I know you are a big proponent of it.

I'm not unless it involves injury or a team is up really big...or maybe if something is clinched. I'd rather players keep the momentum.

Now if it's clear certain players simply cannot handle playing b2bs that would be a different story but in our 9 b2bs this year, that doesn't seem to be an issue, so despite how much you say it, I doubt it's something we will do under normal circumstances.

Have we had many back to backs this season in which we went to OT the night before? Iirc there was the Denver one from earlier in the season and only this so far.

I hate having so many back to backs in general lol. It’s cool if it’s only like 2 or max 3 back to backs for a whole season but the way the NBA does it’s weird scheduling, they make it many more. I know just about every NBA player hates the back to backs too and many have talked about how it needs to be reduced but not much has happened.

I hate it in football too when a team has to play SNF and then play TNF like 4 days later. Teams should play TNF when their coming off a bye week imo. Of course yeah it’s worse in football than basketball because of the physicality of the sport but generally I think there should be adequate time between games, a week or more football and at least a day for basketball. If they are gonna schedule it in basketball, at least make it two back to back home games instead of team having to travel afterwards.

We have had 2 games after an OT...a win against Indy in one of them, and a double OT loss to Denver on the other one...we would have likely won that if we didn't have people foul out.

But OT isn't that big of a deal. It's 5 minutes. It's not like it's an extra quarter. We are young. These guys have plenty of injury especially now that they are in peak game shape over midway through the season.

They won't do b2b home games normally because teams want to maximize arena revenue..season ticket holders generally don't want to go 2 nights in a row.

Players prefer b2bs on the road so they can get home more quickly...maybe unless they are in LA or NY or Miami or something.

Looks like the Clippers rested Paul George for their back to back game they played after ours lol. He actually only played 34 mins the night before against us as well.

[bwgood77]

Have we had many back to backs this season in which we went to OT the night before? Iirc there was the Denver one from earlier in the season and only this so far.

I hate having so many back to backs in general lol. It’s cool if it’s only like 2 or max 3 back to backs for a whole season but the way the NBA does it’s weird scheduling, they make it many more. I know just about every NBA player hates the back to backs too and many have talked about how it needs to be reduced but not much has happened.

I hate it in football too when a team has to play SNF and then play TNF like 4 days later. Teams should play TNF when their coming off a bye week imo. Of course yeah it’s worse in football than basketball because of the physicality of the sport but generally I think there should be adequate time between games, a week or more football and at least a day for basketball. If they are gonna schedule it in basketball, at least make it two back to back home games instead of team having to travel afterwards.

We have had 2 games after an OT...a win against Indy in one of them, and a double OT loss to Denver on the other one...we would have likely won that if we didn't have people foul out.

But OT isn't that big of a deal. It's 5 minutes. It's not like it's an extra quarter. We are young. These guys have plenty of injury especially now that they are in peak game shape over midway through the season.

They won't do b2b home games normally because teams want to maximize arena revenue..season ticket holders generally don't want to go 2 nights in a row.

Players prefer b2bs on the road so they can get home more quickly...maybe unless they are in LA or NY or Miami or something.

Looks like the Clippers rested Paul George for their back to back game they played after ours lol. He actually only played 34 mins the night before against us as well.

The LA Clippers will be down a handful of starters when they take on the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Among the sidelined players is Paul George, who is being given the night off for injury management.

George recently confirmed that the bone edema injury that kept him out of seven consecutive games earlier in the season has "flared up" again, though he feels he can play through it. Given the circumstances of tonight's contest — the second night of a back-to-back against a lowly Rockets team — it's hard to blame the team for taking the extra precaution.

34 minutes? That's a lot of minutes. More than his avg. The only guy who plays 34 minutes avg on our team is Booker...the most for anyone else is 32 (Bridges and Paul) and only one other at even 30 (Ayton).