"Out of Synch"

Nov 3, 2006 - Phoenix, AZ Utah Jazz 108, Phoenix Suns 104 - Box Score

I said it before. The Jazz worried me. They are a tough team (Jerry Sloan coached team). They play everyone tough. And they seem to just plain have the Suns number. They have a way of getting the loose balls, fighting for every possession and roughing up players that stymies the Suns' rhythm.

The Suns were "Out of Synch" (Coach D's words). They weren't able to get out on the break, they were taken out of their game, they were pounded inside and when Leandro Barbosa's layup rimmed out with 9 seconds left, it was over.

The Suns went to the line ALOT tonight AND shot free throws very well. But, let's be honest, the Suns play best when the game doesn't get slowed down. The Jazz frustrated Amare, they rendered Boris useless. They clawed, scratched and just plain wanted this game more. But I'm still not worried. There are plenty of things to take away from this game.

Raja Bell kinda warmed up tonight. I'm not sure if it was him getting a rhythm or him just being fired up to play his old 'mates.

The Suns shot very well from the line (even though they're still whiffing from 3-land). Normally the Suns DOMINATE a game when they win the battle of Free Throws, but they were manhandled tonight by a very gritty team.

Leandro Barbosa has been a lion this year. He started tonight and boosted the team's energy. He ahas REALLY stepped up and played good this season. Hell, we'd be 0-3 if it wasn't for him! He shot threes, made plenty of nice defensive plays and he is THE quickest player in the NBA. The thing about him is he doesn't look fast until you see players run next to him. The man is effortless.

Shawn Marion - I've barely mentioned you this year, #31. Don't fret, you are a STUD, Matrix! Inch-for-Inch best rebounder in the League. Solid performance again tonight from the Human pogo stick. We'll get more pub here for you, Shawn!

Amare got frustrated tonight. The Jazz got into his mental framework and flustered him, clearly. Be patient young buck, it will come. (Amare will have a 50 point performance within a month... he's starting to get angry, and someone will pay)

Do you SERIOUSLY think the Suns will shoot 29% from 3 every game this year? If you do, start packing your fishing equipment. Mama said there'll be games like this...

Coach D admitted after the game that Boris Diaw is a bit hesitant in his play and just needs to get his flow back. Clearly, Boris is in his own head, too. Alot of people have been saying he got fat, he's out of shape... on top of this he just signed a fat new contract. 3D just needs to relax again and play the game, not try to live up to invisible expectations. Of course, he'll be fine. He's a fine character, a smart individual and a player with talents unlike any current player. I call him "Magic Junior"

All in all, I think tonight's game was GREAT for the Suns to experience. Yes, I said GREAT!!! They need to know EVERY TEAM will be gunning for them. Every team is going to:

-try to shut the run down
-try to show the Suns are "overrated"
-try to get a piece of the Suns since they are so highly rated.
-try to muscle the Suns (sorry, but THAT won't work for long)
-try to beat the Suns at their game if muscling them doesn't work (that won't work either)
-throw the kitchen sink & all their bigs at the Suns

The Suns have another tough game tomorrow in Lose Angeles against the Clippers (again). Me thinks they will take out some more frustration on the Clips and reassert themselves just in time for the Spurs-Mavs back to back coming up. We'll see how Jalen Rose fits into this squad. Maybe the Suns were thinking about that tonight too, instead of concentrating on the Jazz?

Hey, I still LOVE this team, their makeup, their future. I still have one small concern. I feel like I've been here before. This team is SET for the future. Lots of young talent, all signed to long contracts. Everything seems bright. But the fear of something messing this up before it develops is very prevalent within me. I pray that it isn't something tragic, but I'm scared for the worst to screw this all up - Nash's back, Amare's knees, Diaw's whatever... Coach D flipping out, grabbing a pile of guns and taking out a mall... I just hope that NOTHING keeps this from being a run of titles. I want it. They want it. Phoenix wants it. I just know how hard it is! Maybe, I'll just enjoy it each day, every day in the meantime (Oh, wait. That's what I AM doing!)

Utah scouting report - FEAR the Jazz! I kid you not. they're gonna beat your team too! I'm a big as fan of Chris Paul as the next guy, Deron Williams was the right pick for the Jazz. Kid is the real deal and Jerry Sloan-worthy tough! Kirilenko is STILL a freek talent, Carlos Boozer is the Carlos Boozer the Jazz paid for (and he's very easy to hate) and Matt Harpring is the best football player in the NBA. I respect Jerry Sloan SO much. He has a roster of eh's and so what's and I legitimately fear playing them!!!

Next game - another back-to-back: tomorrow in L.A. against the Clippers (then we won't see them again 'til after the All-Star game.