Game 42 : Oklahoma City Thunder (22-17) at Phoenix Suns (15-26), Sunday, Jan 7, 6:00PM MST

[darealjuice]

Great team win tonight. I'll always take a win when it's on the backs of our young players, and one against a team as talented as the Thunder is definitely impressive. Hopefully this is a glimpse into what we can be if Josh and Dragan turn into the players we expect them to be. Bummed to see Chriss go down, but it was great to see Bender take advantage of the opportunity.

Josh had his best game of his young career. He's still very overaggressive and taking a few too many tough shots, but I don't mind him staying aggressive and love the confidence, especially if he knocks those kinds of shots down. Love to see him attacking the paint and finding shooters and cutters, he was an excellent passer at Kansas but it hasn't quite transferred consistently yet. I think he's got a good base for his handle and has a knack for getting to the paint, it's a matter of getting stronger to handle contact, refining his handle, and getting better with his left hand around the rim right now.

Bender also had a career game tonight. Loved his defense, his shot was on fire tonight, he had a few nice passes, and he even attacked the basket for a nice finish at the rim. I've got really high hopes for him, at this point it seems like worst case he can be a 3-and-D big for us, but he's got a lot of potential as a passer and should be able to takes bigs off the dribble once he's more comfortable with the ball.

I'm liking Booker at the point, he gets so much attention off ball on defense that our offense gets seriously bogged down with how physical teams get denying him, so letting him play point and distribute more when he gets the double teams helps out a lot. Bender at center was a nice move for us too, the paint seriously opened up for us with him forcing the big to cover the perimeter. Would like to see some more of that.

[Qwigglez]

Where are the people that mentioned that we've had the easiest schedule and things will only get harder from here? Like we aren't capable of beating playoffs teams.

I think the Thunder players didn't do a good job scouting our guys, they were likely homing in on Booker and Warren. This game should be a major boost to Bender/Jackson's confidence and I hope it's only the beginning of things to come. If they can maintain some level of consistency the rest of the season we'll be a good position going into next season.

We've definitely shown the ability to beat playoff teams, beating Minnesota, Washington and others, just like all teams do. Just like you stated, the Hawks have beaten some. But all those people are right in the fact that are schedules gets much tougher. That's a fact and I think anyone can equate that with wins being harder to come by. I don't recall anyone stating we can't beat playoff teams, but could have missed it.

Yes our schedule is getting tougher but it seems people think we only won the amount of games we won because we are only capable of beating sorry teams. It seems people suggested we cannot beat playoff teams stating we will still likely finish bottom 3 in the standings. Nobody may have directly said this, but how else are we going to finish bottom 3 if not by losing games? While we are only 4-6 wins better than the bottom 2 teams in the league, only 3-5 wins separate us from the 7-8 seed right now. Not saying we are going to make the playoffs but we aren't as incompetent of a team as some seem to suggest.

We are 7-5 in our last 12 games. Our biggest loss in that stretch was against the Nuggets, but it came on the 2nd night of a back to back in Denver where the altitude may have been a factor, and our flight was delayed, which may have messed with the players before game rituals. The first half I thought we played fairly well. I think our players just ran out of gas in the 2nd half. I believe we also played well against the Spurs, but their vets just took over. Almost made that comeback against the Sixers before they got hot in the last 6 minutes of the game. Anyway my point is we have been holding our own lately.

[Qwigglez]

Where are the people that mentioned that we've had the easiest schedule and things will only get harder from here? Like we aren't capable of beating playoffs teams.

I think the Thunder players didn't do a good job scouting our guys, they were likely homing in on Booker and Warren. This game should be a major boost to Bender/Jackson's confidence and I hope it's only the beginning of things to come. If they can maintain some level of consistency the rest of the season we'll be a good position going into next season.

I'd be one of them.

One win against a decent team n the trash talk commences. Ridiculous.

Anyway, they will lose most of these types of games, n like it. It was their night tonight, nearly everybody had an all world game for their particular talents. Good for the suns. N good for you to get caught up in the moment, but savor the flavor, for they will struggle.

The Suns will lose most of these types of game and like it? What are you saying here? The players will enjoy the losses? I'm a very competitive person and I hate losing in anything. I doubt the players will look at the losses and like it...

I don't mind the team struggling. We've played well lately, even against the Spurs and Nuggets.

[bwgood77]

Where are the people that mentioned that we've had the easiest schedule and things will only get harder from here? Like we aren't capable of beating playoffs teams.

I think the Thunder players didn't do a good job scouting our guys, they were likely homing in on Booker and Warren. This game should be a major boost to Bender/Jackson's confidence and I hope it's only the beginning of things to come. If they can maintain some level of consistency the rest of the season we'll be a good position going into next season.

We've definitely shown the ability to beat playoff teams, beating Minnesota, Washington and others, just like all teams do. Just like you stated, the Hawks have beaten some. But all those people are right in the fact that are schedules gets much tougher. That's a fact and I think anyone can equate that with wins being harder to come by. I don't recall anyone stating we can't beat playoff teams, but could have missed it.

Yes our schedule is getting tougher but it seems people think we only won the amount of games we won because we are only capable of beating sorry teams. It seems people suggested we cannot beat playoff teams stating we will still likely finish bottom 3 in the standings. Nobody may have directly said this, but how else are we going to finish bottom 3 if not by losing games? While we are only 4-6 wins better than the bottom 2 teams in the league, only 3-5 wins separate us from the 7-8 seed right now. Not saying we are going to make the playoffs but we aren't as incompetent of a team as some seem to suggest.

We are 7-5 in our last 12 games. Our biggest loss in that stretch was against the Nuggets, but it came on the 2nd night of a back to back in Denver where the altitude may have been a factor, and our flight was delayed, which may have messed with the players before game rituals. The first half I thought we played fairly well. I think our players just ran out of gas in the 2nd half. I believe we also played well against the Spurs, but their vets just took over. Almost made that comeback against the Sixers before they got hot in the last 6 minutes of the game. Anyway my point is we have been holding our own lately.

I've always thought we would likely not finish bottom 5 and might be fringe bottom 5 and thought 5-7 was more reasonable. After the first three games I may have begin to change my mind (I don't recall for sure) but we came out and played better the next 4 or so, so still felt 5-7 would be likely. We had some amazing comebacks and close finish wins against Atlanta, Memphis and Sacramento which were fun (especially Atlanta on the back of Chriss' block and Booker taking over), and tonight was especially fun because of Bender and Jackson's breakout.

But I had checked the schedule and some other teams have played fairly well too, like Chicago and Dallas which was surprising (especially the Bulls with the winning streak) but then you have the Hornets, Brooklyn and even Sac...all these five teams and us are 4-6 or 5-5 in the last 10.

And I've shown the schedules with many of those teams with the toughest schedules which means their schedules get easier and they likely play each other a bit. Then the Bulls will have LaVine back and maybe Memphis gets Conley back. Ultimately it could partly depend on approaches these teams take, whether they trade some vets or whatever.

But I think anywhere between 6-8 is where we fall (given the close wins and some key injuries to teams, like Conley), and not because we play badly, but because the schedule is tougher and some teams are more experienced.

However, if guys like Gobert and Blake are out for extended periods of time, those teams could suffer, so who knows? Maybe we even go higher. I think most likely is falling in the middle of the range, like around 7, and with injuries to other teams, maybe more like 8.

However, I think the draft is probably at least 8 deep. I'd love Young or Doncic but regardless of if we finish 4th or 7th, we would still likely need luck to move up, and I'm not sure there will be much difference between those slots. I am really intrigued with Jaren Jackson for example, and he could be there at 7 or so. Even a guy like Wendell Carter who would probably rank 9 could be a good pick.

But as far as I'm concerned, I personally think we can beat anyone...and any team can beat another on a given night...maybe not if GS plays everyone and is on their A game, but most other teams. But I do think wins will be harder to come by against tougher teams.

[hollywood6964]

Where are the people that mentioned that we've had the easiest schedule and things will only get harder from here? Like we aren't capable of beating playoffs teams.

I think the Thunder players didn't do a good job scouting our guys, they were likely homing in on Booker and Warren. This game should be a major boost to Bender/Jackson's confidence and I hope it's only the beginning of things to come. If they can maintain some level of consistency the rest of the season we'll be a good position going into next season.

I'd be one of them.

One win against a decent team n the trash talk commences. Ridiculous.

Anyway, they will lose most of these types of games, n like it. It was their night tonight, nearly everybody had an all world game for their particular talents. Good for the suns. N good for you to get caught up in the moment, but savor the flavor, for they will struggle.

The Suns will lose most of these types of game and like it? What are you saying here? The players will enjoy the losses? I'm a very competitive person and I hate losing in anything. I doubt the players will look at the losses and like it...

I don't mind the team struggling. We've played well lately, even against the Spurs and Nuggets.

You can't be serious....when I said and like it, it's like when you didn't want to eat your vegetables when you were a kid, and your mom said "you'll eat your vegetables and like it".

[Qwigglez]

I'd be one of them.

One win against a decent team n the trash talk commences. Ridiculous.

Anyway, they will lose most of these types of games, n like it. It was their night tonight, nearly everybody had an all world game for their particular talents. Good for the suns. N good for you to get caught up in the moment, but savor the flavor, for they will struggle.

The Suns will lose most of these types of game and like it? What are you saying here? The players will enjoy the losses? I'm a very competitive person and I hate losing in anything. I doubt the players will look at the losses and like it...

I don't mind the team struggling. We've played well lately, even against the Spurs and Nuggets.

You can't be serious....when I saif and like it, it's like when you didn't want to eat your vegetables when you were a kid, and your mom said "you'll eat your vegetables and like it".

I seriously didn't understand what you meant is all. I still don't get it though.

[hollywood6964]

The Suns will lose most of these types of game and like it? What are you saying here? The players will enjoy the losses? I'm a very competitive person and I hate losing in anything. I doubt the players will look at the losses and like it...

I don't mind the team struggling. We've played well lately, even against the Spurs and Nuggets.

You can't be serious....when I saif and like it, it's like when you didn't want to eat your vegetables when you were a kid, and your mom said "you'll eat your vegetables and like it".

I seriously didn't understand what you meant is all. I still don't get it though.

Really? Like as in you'll have no choice. You'll eat them n like it, as in learn to like it, because you have no choice. It's just an old silly saying.

[Puff]

That ball movement tho.... :o

I mean...damn. We're really fun to watch right now. The passing and team work and effort are excellent.

Chriss, Jackson, and Bender are all improving.

I'm a tank advocate, but I can't argue with us playing like this. If we win games with Book/TJ/JJ/Bender scoring 26/23/17/20...f-it!

I have no idea why people ever criticize Triano.

1. He has created a team that passes the ball.
2. A team where if you do not play hard or smart, you are on the bench.
3. The youngsters all have been given a chance
4. Plus he has not had a training camp yet.

I could give a crap what the players think of him I think he should be our coach for the forseeable future. I actually think the players like him. What a breath of fresh air after the Wooden fiasco.

[Qwigglez]

That ball movement tho....

I mean...damn. We're really fun to watch right now. The passing and team work and effort are excellent.

Chriss, Jackson, and Bender are all improving.

I'm a tank advocate, but I can't argue with us playing like this. If we win games with Book/TJ/JJ/Bender scoring 26/23/17/20...f-it!

I have no idea why people ever criticize Triano.

1. He has created a team that passes the ball.
2. A team where if you do not play hard or smart, you are on the bench.
3. The youngsters all have been given a chance
4. Plus he has not had a training camp yet.

I could give a crap what the players think of him I think he should be our coach for the forseeable future. I actually think the players like him. What a breath of fresh air after the Wooden fiasco.

The team could still use a few yoga sessions on the beach, some inspirational quotes, the coach telling them they can be great almost immediately after meeting them, and things of that nature though. Some things that JT hasn't implemented yet.

[thamadkant]

Defensively, this is the Bender I envisioned... aggressive and roaming around a lot. When he is active, you can just see his confidence go up and his overall game raises up. This is the Bender I want to see.... pesky defensively and feeding off of that energy to boost his offense.


Josh Jackson... this is the player I envision in a few years time... 15 points 7+ rebounds and 4-5 assist with good hustle, defense and overall aggressiveness... His shot and offense will just get better as he has the off season to work on it... but you cant teach that confidence, the guy has confidence found only in stars.

[Funky Tut]

I am a tank advocate as well but I also hate the Thunder and Westbrook annoys me so I think it was a solid win. I'd like really like to end up with a top 5 pick this year as well as watch our young guys grow.

[Saberestar]

The team system is automatic now I can barely remember a time recently where I've thought too much iso or poor defensive rotation.

I agree.

We have been playing like a TEAM under Triano. I like his system, we are playing all of our players to their strengths.

He is my favourite option as a HC for the next few years. I can not imagine a better option available.

[Saberestar]

Bender needed a game like that. And we, Suns fans, needed to watch a game like that from him.

He can build on this game. He can be PERFECT on the starting lineup in the future next to Booker and Warren...he creates a lot of space with his 3p shooting and his passing ability.

Really happy with the overall game, I can not wait to watch the next one.

4 days off....is gonna be a long break, but the team can use it to practice and rehab some injuries.

[Saberestar]

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[jcsunsfan]

Wow. What a fantastic, efficient game for Bender. Highly efficient effective offense, excellent position on defense. Interesting thing about Bender's blocks. He made them because of his speed more than his size. If you go back and look, he hardly jumped on any of them, he just closed so fast on the player that they did not compensate for the potential blocker.

[bwoolf2]

It was a great game by Bender and I think Defensively he can continue that, but lets be honest he isnt going to shoot like that on a nightly baiss no one does so offensively that game is going to be an anomaly until he learns to score down low and on drives to the basket which means he needs to get stronger which will come with time he is barely 20.

[bwgood77]

It was a great game by Bender and I think Defensively he can continue that, but lets be honest he isnt going to shoot like that on a nightly baiss no one does so offensively that game is going to be an anomaly until he learns to score down low and on drives to the basket which means he needs to get stronger which will come with time he is barely 20.

But he showed that ability to drive with a great finish on one play, so hopefully he just gets the confidence to do more of that.

[sasquatchBob]

It was a great game by Bender and I think Defensively he can continue that, but lets be honest he isnt going to shoot like that on a nightly baiss no one does so offensively that game is going to be an anomaly until he learns to score down low and on drives to the basket which means he needs to get stronger which will come with time he is barely 20.

But he showed that ability to drive with a great finish on one play, so hopefully he just gets the confidence to do more of that.

I remember watching some highlights from his time with junior national team. At the time it seemed like driving to the basket is his bread and butter. So it's in him, he just has to figure it out at this level.