Game 4: Sacramento Kings @ Phoenix Suns, Monday, October 23rd, 7PM, PT

[Jarlaxle0204]

And we were told Josh Jackson couldn't shoot. lol

[grumpysaddle]

If I wasn't lazy I'd shop earl's face in.

[blee732]

That one turnover?

No, his whole body of work. That TO was just the moment I thought I should change my expectations. I'm not saying I've given up hope on Bender as a player, not by a long shot. Just meant he's a different type of player than I initially hoped.

He's shown he's got great vision though. He will get the ball and make a great pass in an instant like he did with Tyson tonight. He's probably too tall to do much dribbling. He's decent at it but when you are that tall, shorter, feisty NBA guards are going to swipe it on occasion or fairly often. A lot of times when they are around he stops, because he knows he needs to hold on and pass the ball or it will get stolen.

Oh yeah I totally agree with that, great vision, just needs to be more decisive (and we need better finishers).

What I meant was he doesn't quite have the handles and finesse to be a Kukoc/Odom-type player - i.e. able to play the point, create off the dribble, which was my long-shot hope for him. Seems more like a Kirilenko-type who also had very good vision but wasn't someone who'd bring up the ball, take you off the dribble. But he'd find the open guy and make the smart play.

[Midnight_Suns]

Completely different team tonight. Wow.

[denial]

It's amazing how often guys get an open look 3 and take a step or two inside the 3 pt line, and shoot. Nice that Jackson made it, just odd. But I guess if you don't feel right taking that 3, you shouldn't.

I always tell my son to get the BEST possible shot. If you can get two feet closer, then step in. i think that's the general reason people do it. But on that shot by JJ, he should have shot the 3 because the time he took stepping in brought up a defender. He didn't realize how fast the defender would close-out. That's just inexperience in nba.

EDIT: I realize there is an argument, esp by analytics lovers, that those two feet are worth the extra point if you make it. I prefer the easier shot though.

[grumpysaddle]

No, his whole body of work. That TO was just the moment I thought I should change my expectations. I'm not saying I've given up hope on Bender as a player, not by a long shot. Just meant he's a different type of player than I initially hoped.

He's shown he's got great vision though. He will get the ball and make a great pass in an instant like he did with Tyson tonight. He's probably too tall to do much dribbling. He's decent at it but when you are that tall, shorter, feisty NBA guards are going to swipe it on occasion or fairly often. A lot of times when they are around he stops, because he knows he needs to hold on and pass the ball or it will get stolen.

Oh yeah I totally agree with that, great vision, just needs to be more decisive (and we need better finishers).

What I meant was he doesn't quite have the handles and finesse to be a Kukoc/Odom-type player - i.e. able to play the point, create off the dribble, which was my long-shot hope for him. Seems more like a Kirilenko-type who also had very good vision but wasn't someone who'd bring up the ball, take you off the dribble. But he'd find the open guy and make the smart play.

He just needs the in-game experience that Watson never gave him. Already looking like a better situation as far as minutes go.

[kennydorglas]

JJ getting a lot of work through his wrists.

[grumpysaddle]

Ulis is baaaaaack

[kennydorglas]

And our guard play is 1000000% better

[blee732]

Won't show up on the stat sheet, but really liked that D Bender played on Bogdan on the perimeter. Using that length!

[Kerrsed]

Kerrsed, now may not be the best time, but would you mind making a sig with the Suns players on the court, but changing it's name from "Talking Stick Arena" to "Laughing Stock Arena"?

After i finish up this Bledsoe one.

[Blackification]

JJ looking so good

[denial]

There is an appropriate time to occasionally go 1 v 1. I think we have picked our spots perfectly.

[blee732]

Not sure if this has been mentioned...but is that a Blue Diamond Almonds ad on the Kings jerseys?

[darealjuice]

JJ wants that starting spot from TJ. Wouldn't bet against him winning it sooner than later.

[denial]

Won't show up on the stat sheet, but really liked that D Bender played on Bogdan on the perimeter. Using that length!

I saw that too. That whole possession our perimeter was lock down. Awesome.

[Jarlaxle0204]

Won't show up on the stat sheet, but really liked that D Bender played on Bogdan on the perimeter. Using that length!

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say Bender is already our best defender. Bodes well for his continual development.

[Blackification]

Interestng rotations by triano so far though.. warren sitting at like 19 minutes and booker at 21

[denial]

Len is much more engaged too I think. Setting tons of screens. Moving without the ball. Posting up. He is super active. Lots of intangible stuff that forces the defense to work much harder.

[sunskerr]

Oh god Bogdan is really good, isn't he?