Game 18: Phoenix Suns (14-3) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (9-9) l Wednesday l 5:00pm l BSAZ

[lilfishi22]

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Gotta imagine he stays in the rotation.

Stix was solid. Made some "rookie" mistakes but his rebounding was good, his activity was good and he played his role. I'd like us to be able to give him more time so by playoff time, he's actually playable in decent minutes

[SunsRback4Good]

Stix did impress me last game. He came into the game and played well in limited minutes something Cam and Shamet haven't done yet this season. I would give Stix more minutes since our other bench players havent performed up to their potential. Monty needs to play guys who will play hard so maybe other players that are struggling will take notice and start playing better once given a chance. That's hard love but will pay off later on.

[lilfishi22]

What I liked about Stix was that he was getting good minutes and was productive when the game was still very much up for grabs in the 4th. He didn't shoot well but he set screens and was part of plays that the team was running so he wasn't looking completely lost out there. 5 boards (2 offensive) in 9min is exactly what I want from the guy even if he doesn't do much scoring for us

[SlovenianDragon]

What I liked about Stix was that he was getting good minutes and was productive when the game was still very much up for grabs in the 4th. He didn't shoot well but he set screens and was part of plays that the team was running so he wasn't looking completely lost out there. 5 boards (2 offensive) in 9min is exactly what I want from the guy even if he doesn't do much scoring for us

To my grave i will say we should have played him in the finals.

Just rebound and play defense. All we needed.

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[Desertfox]

I like the Ayton we've gotten the last 2 games. THAT guy is worth a max deal. He just needs to keep it up. Monty needs to let him freaking shoot the damn ball more too.

To me personally,
I see it simply as a matter of keeping him engaged fully. Now most would probably say that's on him individually to remain engaged. But I'd disagree, And say that it's more a matter of us working to run the offense through him more and making him a focal point rather than running a guard centric style offense. Utilizing Ayton is just much better for our shooters to reestablish their potency on the perimeter due to the immense gravity he creates when the defenses are forced to collapse. But yes, Ayton WHEN UTILIZED CORRECTLY is absolutely worth the max. Although he still does have to working on his ballhandling ( ISO game) and his 3 pt shooting.

The big question is honestly whether or not the suns recognize and are willing to except this. Or will they continue to force the offense through Booker and Paul primarily with Ayton in a supplementary role?

But using Ayton properly means having to pay him properly... Not something the Suns seem willing to do...

[JDJ26]

I like the Ayton we've gotten the last 2 games. THAT guy is worth a max deal. He just needs to keep it up. Monty needs to let him freaking shoot the damn ball more too.

To me personally,
I see it simply as a matter of keeping him engaged fully. Now most would probably say that's on him individually to remain engaged. But I'd disagree, And say that it's more a matter of us working to run the offense through him more and making him a focal point rather than running a guard centric style offense. Utilizing Ayton is just much better for our shooters to reestablish their potency on the perimeter due to the immense gravity he creates when the defenses are forced to collapse. But yes, Ayton WHEN UTILIZED CORRECTLY is absolutely worth the max. Although he still does have to working on his ballhandling ( ISO game) and his 3 pt shooting.

The big question is honestly whether or not the suns recognize and are willing to except this. Or will they continue to force the offense through Booker and Paul primarily with Ayton in a supplementary role?

3pt shooting is nice, but I would rather have Ayton focus on getting to the free-throw line. He already is a good free-throw shooter.

If he can get to the line almost as much as Embiid, he will be a problem and worth the max.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I like the Ayton we've gotten the last 2 games. THAT guy is worth a max deal. He just needs to keep it up. Monty needs to let him freaking shoot the damn ball more too.

To me personally,
I see it simply as a matter of keeping him engaged fully. Now most would probably say that's on him individually to remain engaged. But I'd disagree, And say that it's more a matter of us working to run the offense through him more and making him a focal point rather than running a guard centric style offense. Utilizing Ayton is just much better for our shooters to reestablish their potency on the perimeter due to the immense gravity he creates when the defenses are forced to collapse. But yes, Ayton WHEN UTILIZED CORRECTLY is absolutely worth the max. Although he still does have to working on his ballhandling ( ISO game) and his 3 pt shooting.

The big question is honestly whether or not the suns recognize and are willing to except this. Or will they continue to force the offense through Booker and Paul primarily with Ayton in a supplementary role?

3pt shooting is nice, but I would rather have Ayton focus on getting to the free-throw line. He already is a good free-throw shooter.

If he can get to the line almost as much as Embiid, he will be a problem and worth the max.

True! But I think that could also be a complimentary side effect of choosing to run more offense through him in the post as well. I mean more touches mean more potential fouls to stop his scoring right. Otherwise he's just so efficient, it becomes foul or give up the bucket.

I also think it would be beneficial in any agreement that we come to on his max deal, That a strong benchmark incentive for free throw generation be included! That should promote his interest in getting to the line more and becoming more physical hopefully.

.

[Mulhollanddrive]

What am I missing about Jalen Smith? I always read he played well when he shoots 30% for the game.

[JDJ26]

To me personally,
I see it simply as a matter of keeping him engaged fully. Now most would probably say that's on him individually to remain engaged. But I'd disagree, And say that it's more a matter of us working to run the offense through him more and making him a focal point rather than running a guard centric style offense. Utilizing Ayton is just much better for our shooters to reestablish their potency on the perimeter due to the immense gravity he creates when the defenses are forced to collapse. But yes, Ayton WHEN UTILIZED CORRECTLY is absolutely worth the max. Although he still does have to working on his ballhandling ( ISO game) and his 3 pt shooting.

The big question is honestly whether or not the suns recognize and are willing to except this. Or will they continue to force the offense through Booker and Paul primarily with Ayton in a supplementary role?

3pt shooting is nice, but I would rather have Ayton focus on getting to the free-throw line. He already is a good free-throw shooter.

If he can get to the line almost as much as Embiid, he will be a problem and worth the max.

True! But I think that could also be a complimentary side effect of choosing to run more offense through him in the post as well. I mean more touches mean more potential fouls to stop his scoring right. Otherwise he's just so efficient, it becomes foul or give up the bucket.

I also think it would be beneficial in any agreement that we come to on his max deal, That a strong benchmark incentive for free throw generation be included! That should promote his interest in getting to the line more and becoming more physical hopefully.

.

Another thing I don't understand is why is Booker and Ayton not running a pick and roll game. I rarely see it happen.

[Slim Charless]

To me personally,
I see it simply as a matter of keeping him engaged fully. Now most would probably say that's on him individually to remain engaged. But I'd disagree, And say that it's more a matter of us working to run the offense through him more and making him a focal point rather than running a guard centric style offense. Utilizing Ayton is just much better for our shooters to reestablish their potency on the perimeter due to the immense gravity he creates when the defenses are forced to collapse. But yes, Ayton WHEN UTILIZED CORRECTLY is absolutely worth the max. Although he still does have to working on his ballhandling ( ISO game) and his 3 pt shooting.

The big question is honestly whether or not the suns recognize and are willing to except this. Or will they continue to force the offense through Booker and Paul primarily with Ayton in a supplementary role?

3pt shooting is nice, but I would rather have Ayton focus on getting to the free-throw line. He already is a good free-throw shooter.

If he can get to the line almost as much as Embiid, he will be a problem and worth the max.

True! But I think that could also be a complimentary side effect of choosing to run more offense through him in the post as well. I mean more touches mean more potential fouls to stop his scoring right. Otherwise he's just so efficient, it becomes foul or give up the bucket.

I also think it would be beneficial in any agreement that we come to on his max deal, That a strong benchmark incentive for free throw generation be included! That should promote his interest in getting to the line more and becoming more physical hopefully.

.

Yeah I agree with Ghost. They need to give him the ball more. Not only is he our most athletic player-by a mile. He's also the player with the most potential imo. Plus, these new rules seem like they will benefit teams with bigs that can move and do work down low.

Booker will still get the most shots but DA needs to be a 1b to him. The sooner the Suns realize this, the sooner we can start making a play on the west.

[bwgood77]

Nice hook shot over Allen for Ayton. And then later step back fade shot. Nice to see that shot creation.

Book with a very nice start so far.

[bwgood77]

Everyone is perfect from the field 10-10 total except Crowder (0-2).

[bwgood77]

Not good when you are shooting 68% and 57% from 3, outrebounding them and are only up 3.

[El Hespiritu]

Mmmh...

I guess we're missing a Game Thread.

Aren't we?

[Jdiddy701]

Cavs were feasting in the paint when Ayton was in, Cavs are now feasting at the 3 when McGee is in. That’s not fun!


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[bwgood77]

Mmmh...

I guess we're missing a Game Thread.

Aren't we?

Hey, I changed the title and stickied it!

[bwgood77]

They are so big it's tough for us to match up. Who should our C guard when they have Lauri and Allen in there, 2 7 footers? Then they have Love...2 of them can hit 3s...and this is all with Mobley out.

Jarrett Allen offensive rebounds have hurt even though Ayton has done well on Lauri...but when away from the rim what can you do. They present interesting matchups. It is really weird they play so many bigs and it works so well for them.

[Jdiddy701]

Might have been the worst challenge of all time for Cleveland.


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[Jdiddy701]

DUNK THE BALL AYTON


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[bwgood77]

Book's killing it shooting.

Only thing really killing us is turnovers. Have 10 already.