**On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

[TheMatrix31]

Well, I figured it'd be good to start the Phoenix Suns season thread since everyone else is doing their teams. I was awfully excited about the season, and dont get me wrong, I still am, but the loss of Amare hurts.

I dont want him playing a minute this season.

That said, they expect the lineup to be Nash, Bell, Jones, Marion, and Thomas. Very athletic and quick starting 5, but it's nothing like last years.

Key Additions:
Raja Bell
Kurt Thomas
Boris Diaw

Key Losses:
Amare Stoudemire (might as well count him as a loss till next year)
Joe Johnson
Quentin Richardson

It's gonna be tough replacing these guys, but I think we'll be okay. Even if we're not okay, the primary concern is Amare.

We increased our depth, defense, and rebounding by adding all the guys we've added, and I think James Jones will be a pleasant surprise. I think we'll be good.

GO SUNS!

[TheMatrix31]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

Suns/Sonics on NBATV. Raja Bell is playing REALLY well. We got a 5 point lead early in the 2nd. I have a feeling we're gonna be pleasantly surprised with Diaw, even if he's from France.

[nkhera1]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

Wow the Suns actually held a team to under 85 points, though it was preseason.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

Heh...I think our defense is gonna be pretty good, man. We had an insane amount of blocks last night.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

Well, tonight is the big night! Against Dallas, it'll be tough, but the home crowd will be rockin' I'm sure.

Looks like our starters will be Nash, Bell, Jones, Marion, and Thomas. I like that lineup if Bell and Jones can play like they were in the preseason. Our depth is gonna be very important, and Jimmy J, Boris, Leandro, and Brian Grant have to come up HUGE for us since Amare is gonna be out for such a long time.

I hate seeing everyone on the TNT broadcast (and everywhere, for that matter), underestimate our team again. But I like it, because we thrive on underestimation.

People will be surprised, again.

GO SUNS!

[TheMatrix31]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

Start the season off with an absolute CLASSIC game! Unfortunately, we lose a 17 pt lead in the 4th and subsequently the game in double overtime.

Our defense was absolutely great except for the stretches late in the game where we appeared very laxed. They got a bunch of easy buckets on us and we have to shore that up.

Offense got better in the 2nd half, but still, I'd like to have more consistency. Marion had an off night as far as scoring went, but in every other facet he was great as usual.

Why cant we shed the "losing big leads" stigma? We've had this f'n problem for years now, and its just ridiculous.

Oh well, Lakers on Thursday!

[nkhera1]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

They need to start the games sooner than 8:30 Phoenix time. Half the fans have to leave by half time in order to go to work or school the next morning.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

Heh...I love living on the West Coast! Well, tonight, I TiVoed the game cuz of work and started watching around 11:30pm. I ended it around 1ish. Generally though, I dont mind the late starts, since it's not so late when the games end around here.

You gotta think, though, they cant start games at 3:30 or 4 for the East Coast.

One thing that bothers me is how close the Game 1 of the TNT broadcast and the Game 2 are. The first game ALWAYS runs into the other!

[RockinDaMike]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

They need to start the games sooner than 8:30 Phoenix time. Half the fans have to leave by half time in order to go to work or school the next morning.

Yeah seriously, i was bitchin about that. I guess we know how east coast peeps feel. But yeah the game was awesome, i'm more comfortable seeing nash less than 20 points and more than 12 assist. I hated seeing nash score 30 for some reason, i rather he got everyone involved like yesterday.

Who i'm really impressed with is Raja Bell, i love this guy already. Put in solid jumpers, playing tough D. I hope Kurt Thomas is ready next game for some Nash passes. I had a few flashbacks to last years season where a couple plays that Thomas was in that it was Amare Yackin it on folks. But oh well, as long as we play efficient we'll be fine.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

STOP GIVING UP OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS!

[RockinDaMike]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

STOP GIVING UP OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS!

Seriously, i was getting pissed all game long. Shareef killed us. I'm glad Barbosa and Diaw stepped it up. If Diaw can work on his shot we found a gem.

[nkhera1]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

Thomas needs to get some rebounds, I mean thats the reason why we brought him here.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

I cant believe Boris missed that f'n layup, man.

[nkhera1]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

I cant believe Boris missed that f'n layup, man.

Agreed he should have dunked it but i also believe the refs made a few mistakes near the end of the game.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: **On The Horizon** (2005/2006 Phoenix Suns Discussion)

WTF!!! Why can't we win close games. And i have no idea why Barbosa was on the bench, he was freakin torchin all of Detroits guards all night. And Nash was doing some weird stuff at the end, he looked so uncomfortable. Man i hate going to bed pissed off....ahh and i hope this is the end for the late games too!