Game 28 Preview: Oklahoma City at Phoenix
by Zorgon on Dec 23, 2009 12:11 PM CST
in Gameday
61 comments
Time: 8:00 PM Central Standard Time
Place: The US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona
TV: KSBI-TV, KUTP-TV My 45
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1)
Enemy Blog(s): Bright Side Of The Sun, Suns Stufft, Valley of the Suns
Backstory: Well, what is there to say about Phoenix? They were the NBA's November darlings, the team that everyone thought had finally gotten back on it's feet. Sadly, December has not been nearly as kind, as they have a record of 4-7 so far. The record is a bit strange, though. they have wins against solid teams like Orlando, San Antonio, and Sacramento, but at the same time, they have an embarassing loss to New York. I suppose it comes with being such an up and down team.
The Thunder will hope the Suns are on the down part of the rollercoaster tonight, as the Thunder are under .500 for the first time in a long time, are on the 2nd game of a back to back, and really need this win.
Matchups:
Center: Nenad Krstic vs. Channing Frye
This is actually a winnable matchup for Nenad Krstic. Channing Frye isn't that much of a down-low banging center, so I think Krstic can compete and mix it up a bit. Still, I think his stats will end up being a bit less impressive than Frye's.
Power Forward: Jeff Green vs. Amare Stoudamire
Jeff Green seemingly overcame his weakness against big men yesterday against the Lakers, but can he do it again tonight? I'd put the chances at doubtful. Expect a big game from Amare.
Small Forward: Kevin Durant vs. Grant Hill
Man oh man, would I love to see this matchup were Grant Hill in his prime. Sadly, now, he's just a shadow of his former self and Kevin Durant will outclass him everywhere but in the department of defense. Still, I doun't think Hill will be a huge problem for Durant.
Shooting Guard: Jason Richardson vs. Thabo Sefolosha
Most people see Jason Richardson as a dunker, but in reality, he relies on his jumpshot a great deal. I could see Sefolosha slowing him down significantly.
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook vs. Steve Nash
Steve Nash is obviously the better player here. Russell Westbrook better have a pen and paper handy, because he's about to witness greatness.
Battle of the Benches:
Leandro Barbosa is out, which is good news, leaving Goran Dragic, Louis Amundson, and Jared Dudley to man the bench for the Suns. They're probably better than we're all thinking right now, but I'd still have to give the bench advantage to the Thunder.
Coaching and Intangibles:
The Thunder had to play extremely late last night, and they lost an hour by moving into the Mountain Time Zone. It would really suck to be them right now. Still, the suns have been on a bad streak lately, so I'll give the advantage to the Thunder.
Bottom Line:
I think a lot depends on Jeff Green and taking advantage of when the Suns' bench is on the floor. It's really not that Hurculean of a task, and I think this is a very winnable game.
Prediction: Thunder 111, Suns 103
How do you think the game will go? Vote in the Poll!
And, again, feel free to drop any comments you might have during, before, or after the game below. I might be here during the game to drop my thoughts as well. Go Thunder!
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Apologies for the poor quality of the Preview
But after all the writing I’ve been doing over the past couple of days, combined with the fact that I just spent 3 hours working on a video project and it all went to waste because I forgot to press “save”, makes for a somewhat good excuse. I’m burnt out!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
it is tough to win in that gym as the cavs became the first team to do so this year, but if we play as we did last night we should be right there with a shot to pull it off. the key to beating the suns as i see it is to let nash score because when he is scoring and not distributing they are not nearly as effective overall. The other thing is that with the suns even as explosive as they are you are never out of the game because they have a knack for building big leads and letting teams back in the game. The key for the Thunder my just be the bench big men as Collison and Ibaka have the ability to control the glass against most of the suns bigs, the question is if they will both use it.
Anyone know if Maynor is going to dress/play for the game tonight?
dont know if he is going to play, but he will be with the team.
“Just finished my physical in oklahoma city. Now off to phx for the game 2nite”
nice contested
jumper by jg. almost surprised they called that travel on amare.
This game WAS going great.
Jeff Green is overcoming his lack of performance against big men, Maynor is drppin dimes, and KD is being extremely productive. The only small complaint I had was about Harden being 0-3 from 3, but it’s not a huge problem.
BUT THEN WE GAVE UP OUR 12 POINT LEAD. Now it’s only 2, and it was tied at one point. But that’s what the Suns will do to you, they’ll have huge runs and non-runs. It drives me crazy. This is why I hate the Suns.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
phoenix
they just keep coming. ya need good depth to beat this team.
15 for 18 from the line
we shoot over 80% from the line as a team. that’s sick
stevie nash
dude is one bamf. 40 50 90. he can’t get enough. averages double figure dimes, and the scoring. indfatiguealbe(sp?)
that looked great
serge iblocka, kd outlet pass, to a streaking numba 3 draft pick
floor lt. general maynor
to james that was ice cold
kevin durant
has an arsenal of shots, that’s like skyhooks but from any angle. finger roll 3d
Finally
It’s nice to see some fouls called on the Suns for a change.
serge lost a jump ball?
that doesn’t even seem possible
kd
can get to the line in crunch time. all night.
Amazing
They’ve been absolutely ridiculous with the fouls in the paint tonight.
OOOH!
Look at that strongman move by KD in the Paint! We’re in the lead!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
LOOK AT THAT TIP!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
by Zorgon on Dec 23, 2009 10:33 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
If that tip ends up winning us the game
That just might secure him the award.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
KD JUST SECURED THE WIN!!!!
It’s OVA, It’s OVA! We’re .500 at Christmas!!!!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
kd
how can he not be mvp. dude is one ice cold motha frr
put our 88%
ft shooter on the line. thanx bye bye
Great Game!!!!
I’m so happy that they did not let this one get away!!
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
helps us in the standings and helps us by lowering phx w our pick from them. double win.
by mleetch352 on Dec 23, 2009 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
nice road win
for these road warriors, it must be so good to win before xmas
have a
very merry christmas yalls’ seeya on sat. !!!
Word Up!!!!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
yep you too!!!
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
thats damn right Thunder nation !!
good win in a very hostile envi !!
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
by the way Z
please show some love for our very good 3 bench players in Harden , Serge , and Nick all played great !!!!
also is you have time try and discuss Serge’s increasing mins and his very good scoring % wasnt he 5-6 tonight ….again!!!!
Thunder Up!!!!! lol ( i said that just for you Z)
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
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Northwest Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denver
|
53 | 29 | .646 | 0 | Lost 1 |
|
Utah
|
53 | 29 | .646 | 0 | Lost 4 |
|
Oklahoma City
|
50 | 32 | .609 | 3 | Lost 2 |
|
Portland
|
50 | 32 | .609 | 3 | Lost 2 |
|
Minnesota
|
15 | 67 | .182 | 38 | Lost 7 |
(updated 9.2.2010 at 4:09 PM CDT)
Thunder Schedule
Last 5 Games
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Fri 04/30 | L 94 - 95 |
|
@
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Tue 04/27 | L 87 - 111 |
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Sat 04/24 | W 110 - 89 |
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Thu 04/22 | W 101 - 96 |
|
@
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Tue 04/20 | L 92 - 95 |
Loud City - Bring The Thunder (Rafter Banner)
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