Suns Basketball » Andre Miller

Blazers Playoff Notebook: McMillan Struggles to Find an Advantage

Fanhouse NBA Blog - suns — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:07:03 +0000

Filed under: Suns, Trail Blazers, NBA Playoffs

PHOENIX -- The Suns and the Blazers both held practice Saturday morning in preparation for their Game 1 match-up Sunday night in Phoenix. Following are selected quotes from the Blazers' media availability; also see the Suns report.

o. Portland had yet another injury situation arise, this time the ankle of Marcus Camby, which the big man rolled during practice on Friday. It won't keep him out of Game 1, but it did keep him away from the media on Saturday. Nate McMillan was asked about how he and his team deal with yet another injury to his team.

"We're kind of numb to that now," Mcmillan said. "You know so many things have happened to us, and we've had to play through this all season long. We'll be ready to go [Sunday]."

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Suns Playoff Notebook: Amar’e Stoudemire Is Looking to Dominate

Fanhouse NBA Blog - suns — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:07:03 +0000

by Brett Pollakoff

Filed under: Suns, Trail Blazers, NBA Playoffs, NBA Videos

PHOENIX -- The Suns and the Blazers both held practice Saturday morning, in preparation for their Game 1 match-up Sunday night in Phoenix. Following are selected quotes from the Suns media availability; also see Blazers report.

o. Alvin Gentry talked about Portland's defense, and what makes the Blazers such a difficult opponent.

"They almost put you in a situation where you've got to grind out the game," Gentry said. "They're not a high-scoring team, but what they do, they do great, and that is they do a great job of defending the ball, and then they do a great job of trying to create situations where there's always three guys in the lane. So if you drive the basketball, there's always three guys there. And I think their whole philosophy is, if you can beat us shooting jump shots, then have at it. But I don't think they give up a lot of easy baskets."

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Blazers Shut Down Stoudemire, Take Game 1 From Suns

Fanhouse NBA Blog - suns — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:07:02 +0000

by Brett Pollakoff

Filed under: Suns, Trail Blazers, NBA Playoffs

PHOENIX -- The historical statistics were slanted completely in the Suns' favor heading into their Game 1 matchup with the Blazers. Portland was 3-24 all-time in playoff series when losing Game 1, including a record of just 1-17 in the first round. And Phoenix was 15-3 all-time in series where the team has protected its home court with a Game 1 victory.

If you're the Blazers, you fix all that by simply figuring out a way to secure a road victory to open the series. Behind a stellar offensive performance from Andre Miller and a great team defensive effort in shutting down Amar'e Stoudemire, Portland was able to do exactly that, surprisingly taking Game 1 from the Suns 105-100.

Stoudemire has been the Suns' best player since the All-Star break, putting up dominant performances on an almost nightly basis. But the Blazers were successful in shutting down Stoudemire, mainly because of the different defensive schemes they were able to throw at him.

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Redemption for Jason Richardson as Suns Rout Blazers in Game 2

Fanhouse NBA Blog - suns — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:07:02 +0000

by Brett Pollakoff

Filed under: Suns, Trail Blazers, NBA Injuries, NBA Playoffs

PHOENIX -- Before the Suns faced the Blazers in Game 2 of their first round series on Tuesday, their head coach Alvin Gentry was lamenting the analysis (or lack thereof) that he heard from one of the national television networks. What bothered him was the suggestion that Phoenix needed to switch Steve Nash off of guarding Andre Miller after Miller's huge 31-point performance in Portland's Game 1 victory.

There was just one problem with that analysis: Nash wasn't the one who was guarding Miller.

"Contrary to what anybody thinks, in the room right here or in any of the national media, Steve Nash did not guard Andre Miller," Gentry said. "I wish people would at least take a look at the game, at least for five minutes, to realize that at no time did Steve Nash [guard Miller]. ... He switched on him twice, and he never scored either time. But to say that he was matched up with him and we have to think about switching ... Just look at the game for five minutes."

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Blazers May Be Gone, but GM Kevin Pritchard Should Stay

Fanhouse NBA Blog - suns — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:06:59 +0000

by Sam Amick

Filed under: Suns, Trail Blazers, NBA Playoffs

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The dead man walking couldn't have looked more alive on Thursday night.

Kevin Pritchard was being Kevin Pritchard again, the Portland general manager mingling on the Rose Garden floor while wondering like the rest of the Rip City residents whether his team had one last punch in store.

True to their fighting form, they did.

So spirited was their 99-90 loss to Phoenix that the home crowd stood until the end as if the outcome was reversed, an insurmountable deficit and the end to a torturously-terrific season greeted in the final seconds with the pulsating "Let's go Blazers!" chant. The Blazers faithful were as feverish as ever, hailing this character-filled crew that endured more than 300 games missed due to injury in the regular season and pushed these Suns far more than was reasonable to expect.

And as the sold-out venue was awash in a Blazers love affair that seemed unthinkable just four years ago, there was nary a local thought on the Jail Blazers days of old. The sagging attendance. The constant Blazer presence on the police blotter. The kind of infamy that rarely gets rectified so soon.

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Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game 1 Breakdown

Adam Brennan — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:22:56 +0000

On Sunday night, I had the pleasure of sitting in a suite for Game 1 of the Suns vs. Blazers series. This was my first playoff game, so I anticipated a ruckus crowd and a lot of intensity from the Phoenix Suns. However, on the contrary I saw neither of these things in Game 1. There was actual a point in the 4th quarter when the Suns were down 99-92 with 1:45 left in the game and literally thousands of fans began filing out of the arena. I understand it was a late Sunday night game and people had the to work the next day, but we are talking about the playoffs here! In a city that has not seen a title since the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks, I would expect far more. The Suns have only made two finals appearances to date: 1976 and 1993. These two were spaced 17 years apart and now 17 years since their last appearance, could this possibly be their year?

Based on Game 1, the Suns are the same old team. They excell in the up and down pace of the regular season and falter in the slower paced NBA Playoffs. I thought perhaps this year may have been different as Alvin Gentry has instilled more of a up-tempe half court offense rather than the Run n’ Gun in the Mike D’Antoni days. To the Blazer’s credit they did a fantastic job defensively. Amar’e Stoudemire faced either Marcus Camby or a double-team every single time he touched the ball. The results of this were obvious; 18 points on 19 shots. In addition, they completely negated the pick and roll; which is the Suns bread and butter play. On defense, the Suns simply could not stop the penetration of Andre Miller and Jerryd Bayless. This is where losing Robin Lopez to a back injury hurts the Suns badly. Lopez does an excellent job of contesting shots as well as the fact that Marcus Camby would have to guard him rather than Amar’e Stoudemire.

The good news for Suns fans is despite the fact the Blazers played a near perfect game, the Suns still had multiple opportunities to tie or take the lead late in the 4th quarter. In addition, many of the Suns role players are getting their first taste of the playoffs and the nerves were definitely prevalent. I expect to see the normal Jared Dudley, Lou Amundson and Goran Dragic tonight. I can’t imagine that the Suns small forwards will shoot a combined 3-16 (Grant Hill, Jared Dudley). Was game 1 simply the Suns taking the Blazers too lightly without Brandon Roy? We will certainly find out tonight, because if the Suns go down 0-2, this may be a short-series. Some will point out that of the Western Conference playoff contenders the Blazers had the worst home record this season (26-15), however anyone who has seen a Blazers playoff game knows that place will be insanely loud. If the Suns go down 0-2 to a team that is obviously superior defensively they can say “night night” to this year’s playoffs.

The Suns keys to victory tonight are relatively simple. Limit the penetration of Andre Miller and Jerryd Bayless and get Amar’e going early and often. The Blazers scored a majority of their points on layups and kick outs to 3-point shooters after the defense had collapsed. This ironically, is exactly what the Suns need to do and Amar’e can be the catalyst. When Amar’e draws the double team kick the ball out and hopefully the Suns 3-point shooters come through.

Game 2 Preview: Trail Blazers at Suns

Michael Schwartz — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:05:25 +0000

Suns 119, Trail Blazers 90 PHOENIX – The Blazers landed the first punch. Now it’s the Suns’ turn to counter. If not, this could be the last game US Airways Center hosts all...

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5 reasons Phoenix Suns fans shouldn’t panic

Michael Schwartz — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 06:20:03 +0000

But remember this: It’s just one game. Instead of wallowing in the misery of a disappointing start to the playoffs, here are five reasons why Suns fans should remain optimistic about their...

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Big Names Will Test Free Agency

Tim Povtak — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Filed under: 76ers, Bulls, Cavaliers, Hawks, Heat, Jazz, Knicks, Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Pistons, Raptors, Rockets, Suns, NBA Rumors

Not everyone is waiting for 2010 - the mother of all free agent summers - to try to improve their team by throwing big money at the seasoned veterans.

Even in hard economic times, the top players like Carlos Boozer, Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Kidd will leave teams and get their financial reward in other places. The squeeze will be on the lower-level free agents who must settle for minimum or various exceptions.

What hurts this class is that only seven teams really have major room under the salary cap to make something happen, and they usually aren't the NBA's biggest spenders. Unless the free agents stay with their current teams, only Memphis, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Atlanta, Portland, Toronto and Detroit have major room.

Although there has been plenty of dancing and unofficial talks the last few days, the real dealings can't start until 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

Here is a breakdown by position of the five most intriguing - and unrestricted - free agents.

Point Guards

Jason Kidd (Mavs) - They made a mistake by giving up promising Devin Harris and two first-round picks to get him. He still can help a good team win, but at age 36 he is slowing noticeably. Someone like Atlanta or Portland may sign him away from Dallas.

Allen Iverson (Pistons) - Must take a big pay cut to keep playing because the Pistons have no interest anymore. He could make a splash for a year with the Knicks in Mike D'Antoni's offense. Or how about reuniting with Larry Brown in Charlotte?

Mike Bibby (Hawks) - He was key in the Hawks ability to get past the first round. They should try hard to re-sign him because they still need his stabilizing influence. He is only 31.

Andre Miller (Sixers) - Still puts up good numbers and rarely misses any games, but his lack of playoff success should be a red flag. Might stay with the Sixers if outside interest isn't there

Ronnie Price (Jazz) - More of a low-budget guy who should try his luck elsewhere because he won't play much behind Deron Williams. Might be what either Atlanta or Philadelphia needs if their current starter leaves.

Shooting Guards

Kobe Bryant (Lakers) - No need for anyone in LA to worry. When you're the champ, everyone loves you again to the max, which is what he'll receive should he decide to opt-out and sign a longer deal. If he brings Odom and Ariza along for the ride, the Lakers can repeat.

Ben Gordon (Bulls) - This one is going to cost because several teams are interested. Can't stop anyone on defense, and plays in a system that helps him. Likely will stay where he is because the Bulls need him.

Anthony Parker (Raptors) - Only NBA player who isn't as good as his sister, but he will be looking around in hopes of finding a better-paying home.

Marquis Daniels (Pacers) - Pacers let him become unrestricted because for all his talents, he doesn't always focus well. Still can play multiple positions on the perimeter, but he'll have to wait until the tops guys sign first.

Dahntay Jones (Nuggets) - He is coming off his best all-around season. He is just entering his prime and his playoff performance, especially at the defensive end, will be rewarded. Nuggets success in the playoffs works in his favor.

Small Forwards

Ron Artest (Rockets): With Yao Ming potentially lost for the 2009-10 season, the Rockets really need to keep him, especially after the way they came together late last season. Artest isn't quite the lock-down defender he once was, but he's still a well-rounded player who can win games. Miami might try but they don't have the money he wants.

Hedo Turkoglu (Magic) - The traded traded for Vince Carter because they didn't want to play Turkoglu's asking price. He is leaving a championship contender to get more money in Portland or Toronto.

Trevor Ariza (Lakers) - An outstanding second half of the season - and his playoff performance - earned him real money for the first time in his career. Lakers want him back, but he's not good enough to overpay.

Shawn Marion (Raptors) - Will never be as good as he once was playing alongside Steve Nash. No one ever is when they leave Nash. Will have to take a cut, but may end up at Oklahoma City or Memphis.

Grant Hill (Suns) - With Shaq gone and Stoudemire almost out the door, Hill is likely to join one of the contenders. Still has some game left, and could end up in Miami or San Antonio if the Spurs let go of Michael Finley.

Power Forwards

Carlos Boozer (Jazz): He is expected to opt out Tuesday, but the Jazz may not pay him the monster contract he wants. He's been injured way too much to give him a max deal. It's why they've targeted Paul Millsap to be his replacement. Detroit or New York might give him what he wants.

Anderson Varejao (Cavs): The addition of Shaq to the front line makes him very important. He really could shine next to the big guy, grabbing all sorts of rebounds. He'd be smart to re-sign in Cleveland.

Charlie Villanueva (Bucks) -- Surprised that the Bucks didn't make him a qualifying offer. He has been lobbying hard to play in Cleveland, but if Varejao returns the Cavs really don't need him. Sacramento and Atlanta are expected to make a run, but don't be surprised if he stays where he is.

Brandon Bass (Mavs) - He looked good in a limited role behind Dirk Nowitzki, and would be a nice rebounder for a team that already had a good center like Orlando or San Antonio. Will get a nice raise because he's a hustler who doesn't mind doing the dirty work.

Lamar Odom (Lakers) - It's tough for a team to not pay you well when you help win an NBA title. Odom will have to take a pay cut if he wants to stay, but he won't find a better fit, where he can stay in a secondary role behind a pair of stars.

Centers

Rasheed Wallace (Pistons) - He's too old (36) to play anywhere but with one of the contenders. The Pistons want someone younger, like Boozer, when they try to add another big piece in 2010. The Magic, Celtics and Spurs want his championship experience.

Zaza Pachulia (Hawks) - A big bull in the middle who can knock down people. Anyone in the East who needs bodies to help with Dwight Howard could use him.

Mehmet Okur (Jazz) - Another one of those centers who would rather face the basket and take 3's. Expected to opt out and become unrestricted on Tuesday. Good shooter who can win games if his team already has a low-post threat. Just don't expect him to bang around the boards.

Chris Andersen (Nuggets) - Teams love his shot blocking and high-octane engine. His popularity in Denver means the Nuggets probably will overpay to keep him. For a guy who was bounced from the league a few years ago, his stock sure has risen.

Rasho Nesterovic (Pacers) - Still has the skills to play center in the NBA, but the Pacers often wonder about willingness to play physical. Will make a good backup somewhere, but don't count on him as a starter.

Big Names Will Test Free Agency originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Names Will Test Free Agency

Tim Povtak — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Filed under: 76ers, Bulls, Cavaliers, Hawks, Heat, Jazz, Knicks, Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Pistons, Raptors, Rockets, Suns, NBA Rumors

Big Names Will Test Free Agency originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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