Phoenix Suns Wrap 3rd Consecutive Divison Title With 18-Point-Win-Over-The-T-Puppies-Sized Bow.
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by user Manny Stiles
That 16 game lead over the lowly L.A. Fakers was just barely enough cushion for the Phoenix Suns to eek out a third straight Pacific Division crown. (And I turned this down for this...)
The Suns cruised to the victory over the Minny T-Puppies tonight 108-90 (box score) with 6th Man of The Year catching a nod in the starting lineup, 3-D came off the bench. So of course, The Blur went for 20 with 6 assists while Diaw sparked a 11pt-6reb-9asst effort on an efficient 5-6 shooting.
But those two were just "regular" Phoenix Stars (even though we call it our "Sun", it IS a star) contributing this evening. Taco Loco went off in the third quarter with a 16 point blitz (6-9 from 3 on the evening) and for 22 on the night. STAT barely had ANY stats tonight as mild foul trouble limited him to 4pts, 4 reb before the game got out of hand and his need to model the new Division Champs T-Shirts and hats became apparent. Trix had a sleeves-rolled-up 12-10 in a mere 28 minutes of run.
I know for a fact that you have no idea how impactful Kwazee-Eyez and Junior were and how game changing their energy is on the defensive end.
MV3 Shave Nest has his usual MVP-like performance with ANOTHER double-double 18-11 in a mere 33 minutes.
Even more interesting was the insertion of coach Jalen Rose into the game. Coach #8 saw 14 minutes of non-jumping action. What everyone has seemed to miss out on is that Coach #8 is just like another coach, wise, cagey and torn up body that needs prescribed rest. He was merely spending the past 4-5 months getting his creaky old bones ready for a big playoff run. Coach Mike D'Antoni knew exactly what he was doing!
You can't tell me Jalen Rose doesn't know basketball. he's a smart player. And what he lacks in defensive prowess he makes up for in other ways:
- 1) He is a 6'8" guy that knows how to handle the rock, and can even bring the ball up court. (another unique Suns talent)
- 2) He can pass and get the ball moved to the open man (critical in this Offense)
- 3) Dude can chuck the three with accuracy
- 4) Wise can defeat athletic (He may have the vertical of a train, but he gets good position)
- 5) He has 6 fouls to use (and he uses them, "p.r.n." - as needed)
Also
- Pat Burke got three productive minutes of play tonight. Always a home fan favorite, Ireland's Favorite Sun missed a three, but had a thunderous rebound-dunk and a vicious swat off the glass on the defensive end. Pat makes it clear he is no Paul Shirley out there, he's a bald force (from Auburn, too)!
- Is it ME or did Theoretical Tradebait have the quietest 30-16 since the last time he played the Suns? Why does he have HUGE games (30+, 40+pts, 15-20 Rebs) )against us with relative low impact (mostly losses)? Go back and check the stats!
- I didn't see the post game interview, but here's how I KNOW it went.
Reporter #1 - Steve, what does this third straight division title mean?
Steve Nash - It's a great accomplishment for the franchise. We have bigger goals, some things to work on, cliches to prepare, playoffs to get ready for... nothing against the T-Wolves; They're a great team. Competitiors, they really battled out there.
Reporter #2 - Steve, three titles, 3 MVPs; has a nice "ring", eh? Steve Nash - You're exactly right, we're just focusing on bringing a championship to this town and as many boring, show-you-how-focused-we-are interviews as possible.
Next up, a home and away with those wooo! scary! Las Vegas, I mean Sactown Kings. Go Suns! (and Devil Rays!)
