SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Nikil Selvamhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-10-22T14:00:08-07:00https://arizona.sbnation.com/authors/nikil-selvam/rss2012-10-22T14:00:08-07:002012-10-22T14:00:08-07:00What are the top 10 games on the Suns' schedule?
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The Phoenix Suns kick off their 2012-13 campaign on October 31st against Golden State. With 82 games between then and April 17th, there's a lot of basketball on the horizon. We break down the 10 most intriguing match-ups on Phoenix's schedule.</p> <p>The 2012-13 NBA season is almost here, and the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> will begin their campaign with plenty of new faces on the roster. Following the departure of <span>Steve Nash</span>, <span>Grant Hill</span> and <span>Robin Lopez</span> along with the addition of <span>Goran Dragic</span>, <span>Kendall Marshall</span>, <span>Michael Beasley</span>, <span>Wesley Johnson</span> and <span>Luis Scola</span> during the offseason, this Suns team looks drastically different from the Suns teams of seasons past.</p>
<p>All of this change means that there will be plenty of storylines to follow over the 82-game schedule. Here's an early look at the top 10 Suns games to watch in 2012-13:</p>
<p><b>Monday, November 5th- at <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a></b></p>
<p>After facing the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a>, <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> and <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a> to open the season, the Suns head to Miami for a match-up against the defending champion Heat. Miami has an even better team on paper this year with the offseason additions of <span>Ray Allen</span> and <span>Rashard Lewis</span>, and they are the early favorites to win it all. If Phoenix can somehow pull off a strong showing here with either a win (crazy, I know) or a close loss (say, six points or less), the Suns might be able to develop some early-season momentum.</p>
<p><b>Monday, November 12th- vs. <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a></b></p>
<p>The Nuggets played like the Suns of old last year, and they're going to continue playing an up-tempo style this season as well. Led by point guard <span>Ty Lawson</span> and their athletic wings, Denver led the league with 19.8 fast-break points and 104.1 total points per game in 2011-12. With Goran Dragic pushing the ball up the floor for Phoenix, this should be a very high-scoring and entertaining contest.</p>
<p>This game also marks an important part of the Suns schedule before a challenging stretch against the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a> (home), <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> (away) and Miami Heat (home) in three of the next four nights.</p>
<p><b>Friday, December 14th- vs. <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a></b></p>
<p>Remember when the Suns and the Jazz faced off in a must-win game late last season for the final Western Conference playoff spot? The Jazz prevailed 100-88 in Salt Lake City and sent Phoenix to its second consecutive offseason without a playoff berth. Neither team has clearly improved its roster from last year, and these two squads could find themselves fighting for a low playoff seed once again this year. The head-to-head record could become a factor in such a case, and it'll be important for Phoenix to pick up this win at home.</p>
<p><b>Saturday, December 29th- at <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Timberwolves</a></b></p>
<p>Just a few days before we ring in 2013 and permanently put the 2012 apocalypse theories to bed (assuming that we're all still alive), new Suns additions Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson take on their former team for the first time. Both were high draft picks out of college and both have underperformed in their NBA careers so far. Fortunately, the Suns have helped top draft picks rejuvenate their careers in recent seasons (Shaquille O'Neal, Grant Hill). Could Beasley and Johnson join that list? Odds are that we'll know one way or the other by the time this game ends as both Johnson and Beasley will have played 31 games with the Suns.</p>
<p><b>Saturday, January 12th- at Chicago Bulls</b></p>
<p>Phoenix's match-up with Chicago marks the end of a tough four-game Eastern Conference road trip that consists of two back-to-backs. The Suns will be at Milwaukee and at Boston on January 8th and 9th before playing at Brooklyn and at Chicago on January 11th and 12th. Yikes, that's four games in five nights. This stretch will help reveal just how strong the Suns are as a road team against decent to strong competition. Going 2-2 or better during this part of the schedule has to be considered a success.</p>
<p><b>Wednesday, January 30th- vs. Los Angeles Lakers</b></p>
<p>Mark your calendars. January 30th is the day that Steve Nash returns to the desert as a Laker for the first time. We'll probably hear a fair amount of boos for Nash throughout this game, which is a shame considering everything that he has done as a Sun. But the fact is undeniable: lots of Suns fans still feel betrayed by Nash's decision to join their hated division rivals. You can expect the crowd to be electric for this one, and it may be just the boost that the Suns need to spring the upset. This may be the single biggest game of the season for Phoenix.</p>
<p><b>Friday, February 8th- at <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a></b></p>
<p>The first half of February is brutal for Phoenix, and this contest marks the beginning of a tough three-game stretch just before the All-Star Break. Phoenix takes on OKC twice over three nights and then faces the Lakers on the road two days later. Basically, the Suns could end up facing the top two teams in the West three times over five nights just before their week off. A couple of losses here wouldn't be too tragic, but a couple of wins could help this team a lot.</p>
<p><b>Sunday, February 24th- vs. <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a></b></p>
<p>We all know that the Suns like to pick things up after the All-Star Break. Last season, Phoenix rebounded from a 14-20 start with a 19-13 run after the break to challenge for the eighth playoff spot in the West. This game against the Spurs is Phoenix's fourth contest after All-Star Weekend, and we should know by the end of this contest whether or not the Suns have what it takes to make another late-season run (or if there's anything to make a run at).</p>
<p><b>Saturday, March 9th- at <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a></b></p>
<p>This game is Phoenix's first match-up with the Rockets in 2012-13 before playing them three more times over the next 38 days. Dragic and Scola face off against their old squad for the first time, and they'll be motivated to put up stats against the organization that let them leave after last year. If Dragic and <span>Jeremy Lin</span> can maintain the flashes of high-level play that we saw from them last year, we could be in for a series of very entertaining point guard match-ups. Also, the four games against Houston during the season's final six weeks could be critical for playoff seeding if one or both teams is in the playoff race.</p>
<p><b>Sunday, April 7th- vs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Hornets</a></b></p>
<p>Phoenix's closing schedule is once again littered with Western Conference foes (17 in a row last season, eight in a row this year), and this game against the Hornets could be crucial in making the playoffs if the Suns are in the hunt. After this match-up, Phoenix plays four of its final five regular season games on the road against playoff-caliber competition (at Houston, Dallas, Minnesota and Denver). It'll be hard to come by wins during that stretch, and it'll be important for the Suns to take care of the young Hornets at home before the road trip begins. With young superstar <span>Anthony Davis</span> playing alongside former Sun Robin Lopez and talented guard <span>Eric Gordon</span>, the Hornets could be fighting for a low playoff seed themselves and will make this a very interesting game.</p>
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<p>Between these 10 games and the other 72 on Phoenix's schedule, there will be plenty of intriguing match-ups to watch this season. Let's hope that the Suns can put together a strong campaign in the first year of the post-Nash era.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/10/22/3538526/phoenix-suns-2012-13-nba-schedule-top-10-games-to-watchNikil Selvam2012-08-11T06:00:14-07:002012-08-11T06:00:14-07:00Olympics 2012: Russia-France Running Diary And Team USA Finals Preview
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<img alt="Russia and France get ready to play for a berth in the finals and a shot at Olympic gold against the United States." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eAWeNQ0dfqhGMuhNP346aZL5W-k=/0x46:1100x779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/1288154/DSCN4429.JPG" />
<figcaption>Russia and France get ready to play for a berth in the finals and a shot at Olympic gold against the United States.</figcaption>
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<p>A live account of the Russia-France women's basketball semifinal at the Olympics and a look ahead to the victor's gold medal clash with Team USA</p> <p>I managed to get tickets to the women's Olympic basketball semifinals on Thursday night between Russia and France after hours of frantic searching online. Finally, I managed to click through at the exact time that someone else sold their tickets back to the London 2012 website and proceeded to purchase my ticket.</p>
<p>The game turned out be a great contest between two proud nations. I had no idea what the two teams- or their fans- would be like, nor did I have a clue as to what to expect from the game itself. As I soon discovered, however, the privilege of representing one's country at the Olympics provides for some great entertainment.</p>
<p>Here's how the game went:</p>
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<p><b>First quarter</b></p>
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<p>10:00- The energy in the building is quite noticeably tilted in France's favor. The French rush out to an 8-0 lead, much to the delight of the crowd.</p>
<p>7:02- Russia's best player, Becky Hammon (introduced as such during the pre-game montage, also plays for the San Antonio Stars in the WNBA), enters the game. I start to wonder whether or not it's a good idea to have your best player coming off the bench. Maybe she's recovering from injury?</p>
<p>3:41- Nope, Hammon looks great and makes an impact right away. She drains a wide open three to score seven consecutive points and bring her team within two at 12-10. Looks like things may be looking up for Russia. Either way, I need to settle on a team to root for.</p>
<p>2:30- France goes on a 6-0 run by doing what they've excelled at the entire game: driving to the basket and finding open shooters. If only Russia could get some offense from anybody not named Hammon...</p>
<p>0:08- France nails a three-pointer right before the buzzer to go up 24-15. 24 points in one quarter? The French are on fire. I decide to cheer for the Russians the rest of the way. Who doesn't love a good comeback story?</p>
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<p><b>Second quarter</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>10:00- The Russian crowd is starting to sense that this game could get ugly very quickly if their team doesn't turn it on, and they begin the first of many "Rush-ee-uh" chants that echo throughout the arena. Motivated by my newfound allegiance, I join in.</p>
<p>5:49- Russia nails two three-pointers in a row. The lead is cut to 10 after ballooning to 14 earlier. The French fans are getting nervous that their double-digit lead might disappear, but they're just as loud as ever.</p>
<p>1:09- During the official timeout, two dads take the floor for a dance-off to LMFAO's "Sexy And I Know It". I take a second to consider whether this is going to be awkward or hilarious- turns out to be hilarious.</p>
<p>0:00- Russia closes on a 4-0 run to trail only 38-31. I must say that I'm proud of the Russians, battling back from 14 down at one point to achieve a manageable halftime deficit.</p>
<p>Halftime- The highlight of the break is the kiss cam, which turns out to be the most unique one (by far) that I've ever seen. The two in-house PAs decide to critique every single kiss, giving props to the courageous and egging on the nervous. "Give her one more! C'mon, one more! One more!" By the end, even the hesitant couples can't help but enjoy themselves. The crowd is rocking with laughter.</p>
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<p><b>Third quarter</b></p>
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<p>10:00- Things shift suddenly, and I can feel the intensity increase in the arena. Both sides realize that their team is one good half of basketball away from a shot at a gold medal. The fans are going crazy, and the players seem to have a little more energy on the floor. This should be a fun ride.</p>
<p>8:11- Emilie Gomis, the center for France who was nowhere to be found in the first half, starts off by drawing contact in the lane and knocking down two free throws. I start to think that the Russians are in trouble if she gets going.</p>
<p>5:21- Right on cue, Gomis shows that she's more than just a physical center by knocking down a three-pointer. My heart sinks as a fan of the Russian side- the team had managed to pull within two points before that one. 45-40.</p>
<p>4:23- I look over at the large contingent of Russian fans during the timeout and catch a man swiftly moving his Russian flag around his body in a pattern, using it as a dance prop while looking like a crazed Jedi flailing with his lightsaber. This brings plenty of cheers from the Russian crowd. I wonder to myself why we don't have such cool pump-up celebrations in the U.S.</p>
<p>1:22- The momentum starts to swing back to Russia when Marina Kuzina, a reserve forward for Russia, catches fire. Kuzina connects on back-to-back threes and follows it up with a beautiful drive to the basket. The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> fan inside of me starts to believe that the Russians can win if they can keep up this three-point barrage. It's 53-50 in favor of France.</p>
<p>0:00- I can't help but smile and shake my head as Celine Dumerc, the captain of the French team and the starting point guard, nails a buzzer-beating three over two Russian defenders. Wow. It's a terrible shot, but somehow she had the guts to take it and make it. France leads 59-51 heading into the final quarter.</p>
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<p><b>Fourth quarter</b></p>
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<p>10:00- Just like the beginning of the third quarter, the arena starts to vibrate with energy. Both fan bases are nervous and excited at the same time. In 10 minutes, one country is going to the Olympic finals.</p>
<p>8:01- Russia calls timeout after two minutes of stagnant offense. France has pulled ahead by 12 points at 65-53, and if Russia wants to win, they need to turn it on now. Hammon returns to the floor after a few minutes of rest. She's been stagnant over the past two quarters and needs to pick things up. I join in the "Rush-ee-uh, Rush-ee-uh" chants as the Russians cheer their team on.</p>
<p>5:33- France's Edwige Lawson-Wade connects on a three-pointer to go 4-for-4 on the night. The French lead 70-56, and that shot looks like the dagger. I watch the French fans jump up and down in delirium while the Russian sit silently in their seats. A group of Russians try to start another set of "Rush-ee-uh, Rush-ee-uh, Rush-ee-uh" chants, but they're quickly overpowered by the yelling and cheering French fans.</p>
<p>2:05- I watch as Gomes delivers one last magical possession for France: she steals the ball, races down the court, misses a layup, collects her own board and then uses the glass to make hr shot. France now leads 76-56, and the crowd is going crazy. Gomes races down the court and screams into the air as the reality of a gold medal appearance sets in.</p>
<p>0:30- Dumerc nails a three-pointer for France as the French start to celebrate. France is headed to their first Olympic women's final ever, and the atmosphere is intense. Their happiness reminds me of NBA fans who just watched their team close out a tough conference opponent in the conference finals for a berth in the NBA Finals. The final score in this one: France 81, Russia 64.</p>
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<p><b>Finals preview</b></p>
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<p>The French played a great game against Russia and maintained a slim to comfortable lead over the first three quarters before putting the game away in the fourth. France will take on Team USA, led by Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi, in the finals. The Americans have won 40 consecutive Olympic matches and are four-time defending champions. If tonight is any indication, however, the French could be dangerous in the finals.</p>
<p>They play unselfish basketball and share the ball extremely well, creating open shots and finding cutters to generate easy offense. France had six players score in double digits on this night, and their balanced attack means that Team USA can't key in on just one or two of them but must instead play very solid one-on-one defense. If France plays with the intensity that they showed down the stretch against Russia, they could make the game very, very interesting. That being said, the Americans will enter the final as favorites and will look to deliver the same type of memorable performance that the French delivered against Russia en route to their fifth straight gold medal.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.sbnation.com/javascripts/vendor/tiny_mce_3_0_7/plugins/pagebreak/img/trans.gif"></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/8/11/3234835/olympics-2012-usa-finals-preview-russia-france-womens-basketballNikil Selvam2012-08-10T06:06:53-07:002012-08-10T06:06:53-07:00Olympics 2012: Top 5 Most Important Athletes
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<img alt="Aug 9, 2012; London, United Kingdom; Usain Bolt (JAM) celebrates after winning the mens 200m in 19.32 during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/77CEB7kNQwwjF-G9obndXK44M4I=/0x998:3004x3001/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8376143/20120809_lbm_al2_7671.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aug 9, 2012; London, United Kingdom; Usain Bolt (JAM) celebrates after winning the mens 200m in 19.32 during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We take a look at the top 5 athletes who represent more than just the spirit of competition to their respective nations. Usain Bolt makes the list, but is he number one?</p> <p>The Olympic Games provide an interesting tie between athletes and their countries. An athlete's accomplishments or failures reflect the country's success or failure in sports. The link that sometimes gets lost, however, is the other relationship: countries become incredibly invested in their athletes during the Olympics, and sometimes these athletes become symbols of something more (hope, perfection, inspiration, etc.). Here's a look at the top 5 most important athletes to their respective nations during the 2012 Olympics:</p>
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<p><b>5. Missy Franklin</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286372/missy_franklin.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Missy_franklin_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286372/missy_franklin_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344555575327"></p>
<p>At the age of 17, Franklin is well on her way to becoming a household name in America.</p>
<p>She has won the second most medals (four gold and one bronze) behind only Michael Phelps during these Games, and she's also the only other Olympian besides Phelps to win four gold medals total. Two of those gold medals consisted of world record performances- her 200 meter individual backstroke clocked in at 2:04:06 and the 4 x 100 meter medley that she competed in for the U.S. clocked in at 3:52:05.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Given her age and talent, Franklin has a significant chance to become the next great American swimmer. If she can win five medals at the age of 17, imagine what she may be able to do at the ages of 21 and 25 over the next two Olympics. She's taken the swimming world by storm at the perfect time for the United States- just as Phelps transitions out. If America is looking for its next dominant individual athlete, Franklin could take the spotlight and provide inspiration for another generation of Americans.</p>
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<p><b>4. Andy Murray</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286376/andy_murray.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Andy_murray_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286376/andy_murray_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344555612171"></p>
<p>The UK has a special bond with Murray. He's the undisputed face of tennis, and every year he's tasked with the daunting challenge of ending the British drought at Wimbledon. The Brits haven't had a Wimbledon champion in 75 years, and Murray came agonizingly close last month before falling in the finals to Roger Federer. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL2clAZIJnk&feature=related">His post-match interview</a> says it all: Murray was absolutely heartbroken afterwards, and the entire UK shared his disappointment.</p>
<p>For this reason, Murray's showing in the Olympics, which took place on the exact same Wimbledon courts, became central to the country's attention. His subsequent demolition of both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the semifinals and finals, respectively, lifted a huge weight off of the country's shoulders. It certainly wasn't equivalent to ending the Wimbledon drought, but watching a British male win gold at Wimbledon by taking out two of the three best players in the world was the next best thing for the Brits.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>3. Michael Phelps</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286380/michael_phelps.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Michael_phelps_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286380/michael_phelps_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344555672807"></p>
<p>The importance of Phelps to the United States isn't quite as noticeable as some of the other athletes on this list; his significance stems less from an emotional perspective and more from a curiosity standpoint. His amazing 8-for-8 sweep of gold medals during the 2008 Olympic Games epitomized perfection at the highest level, and it set up a massive question for 2012: what are the limits of an American athlete who is four years removed from one of the greatest achievements of all time?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>His 2012 campaign started off slow, but Phelps came back to win four gold and two silver medals. Phelps' 22 total medals make him (statistically) the most successful Olympian of all time, and his 18 total gold medals overall dwarf any and all competitors. His 2012 run may not be as impressive as either of his previous two Olympics, but it answers the intriguing question above with a thoroughly hopeful response: given the proper training and motivation, excellence can be maintained at a high level without much of a decline.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>2. Usain Bolt</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286412/usain_bolt.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Usain_bolt_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286412/usain_bolt_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344556072306"></p>
<p>Bolt is on top of the sports world right now after successfully defending his gold medal performances in both the 100 meter and 200 meter events, becoming the first Olympian to ever do so. Over the past four years, he has broken the 100 meter world record three times and the 200 meter world record twice. He is in a league of his right now.</p>
<p>Bolt's appeal is unlike any of the other athletes on this list. He comes from a small country (Jamaica) and humble beginnings (his parents ran a local grocery store), but he has risen up to become the undisputed fastest man in the world. His journey proves that anything can be accomplished in sports, and this message is what makes him such a strong symbol of hope for both his country and athletes everywhere. The fact that Bolt successfully defended his 100 meter title on the same day that Jamaica celebrated 50 years of independence from the British just happens to be sweet coincidence, and it only strengthens Jamaica's tie to Bolt.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>1. Jessica Ennis</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286396/jessica_ennis.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Jessica_ennis_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1286396/jessica_ennis_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344555866176"></p>
<p>While Murray was one of the UK's biggest symbols coming into the Olympics, Ennis was undoubtedly the heart and soul of the host country. Her talent and personality molded her into a national icon, and with that title came the burden of bringing home the gold in the heptathlon. Ennis may have faced more pressure than any other athlete entering the 2012 Olympics.</p>
<p>How did she respond? Beautifully. Ennis turned in a dominant performance in the heptathlon and pulled away down the stretch, finishing over 300 points ahead of her closest rival. She finished the final event- the 800 meter race- in emphatic fashion, pulling away from the field for a storybook ending that athletes can only dream of. Her amazing run through the heptathlon and the last race in particular are classic moments that the Brits will look back on in the future and ask, "Where were you when...?" Ultimately, the Olympics are defined by moments like these, and Ennis provided a very memorable one for her country.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/8/10/3231982/oolympics-2012-top-5-important-athletes-bolt-phelps-franklin-murray-ennisNikil Selvam2012-08-07T08:00:14-07:002012-08-07T08:00:14-07:00Olympics 2012: Top 5 Most Spirited Nations In London
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<img alt="LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Nations are welcomed during the Olympic Village arrivals ahead of the London 2012 Olympics at the Olympic Park on July 26, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u_JTmPVjI3mQZVlb-4_7LPixzfE=/80x0:3920x2560/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8048058/149290536.jpg" />
<figcaption>LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Nations are welcomed during the Olympic Village arrivals ahead of the London 2012 Olympics at the Olympic Park on July 26, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>China, America, Great Britain, Korea, and France have been the five most successful nations in the 2012 Olympics so far. But do these countries also have the most spirited fans? Not quite.</p> <p>London has become an international hotbed during the 2012 Olympics. The city, already known as one of the most international cities in the world, has taken the title to a whole new level this summer as fans from around the world arrive to cheer on their respective nations. Here's a look at the five most spirited fanbases in London right now:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>5. Spain</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279912/Spain_Jersey.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Spain_jersey_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279912/Spain_Jersey_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344291370541"></p>
<p>For a country riddled by injury (Rafael Nadal didn't compete in tennis and the Spanish basketball team is banged up), Spain is very well represented in London. The country has its massively successful football team to thank for this- with three consecutive major titles from 2008 to 2012 (Euro Cup 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro Cup 2012), the Spanish are overflowing with national pride and they haven't been afraid to show it. Plus, it doesn't hurt that every Nike outlet in the city is stocked with tons of Spain gear these days.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>4. China</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279924/China.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="China_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279924/China_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344291458788"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>China leads the world in medals during these 2012 Games, and they're doing pretty well in the fan department as well. You'll find plenty of red jackets concentrated in and around Olympic Park as fans stream to and from the main London venue during the day, but Chinese fans aren't quite as well represented elsewhere around the city. Still, the 2008 hosts bring a noticeable presence to these Olympics, and they may have plenty to cheer about if China can hold off the United States for the most gold medals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>3. United States</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279928/America_.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="America__medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279928/America__medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344291553234"></p>
<p>Of all the fans on this list, Americans may be the most diverse in their attire. Really, you can split them into three groups: the hardcore fans who wear pants like the ones above, the classy fans who sport either Team USA basketball gear or simple "USA" shirts, and the simple fans who opt to wear gear of their favorite team from back home. Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Olympics so far? The most visible American sports team in London isn't the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a>, <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Yankees</a>, <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a>, <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a>, <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a>, or any of the other teams that you might suspect. It's the <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Memphis Grizzlies</a>. Yup, the Grizzles. People from Memphis must be huge Olympics fans.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>2. Great Britain</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279936/Team_GB.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Team_gb_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279936/Team_GB_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344291653220"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/8/3/3216489/2012-london-olympics-watching-magic">Londoners have come a long way</a> in terms of their excitement over the past few weeks. The red and blue lion above is present pretty much everywhere in the city, and it's nearly impossible to walk around without seeing at least a few Team GB shirts. While national spirit is high and definitely palpable, it isn't overwhelming by any means, which is what keeps the Brits out of the top spot on this list. That may change, though; the ripple effects of the UK's super successful Olympic weekend- national symbol Jessica Ennis took gold in the heptathalon and Andy Murray finally broke through in tennis by taking out both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in straight sets on his way to gold- are still settling in, so the Brits may be more spirited as the second half of the Olympics wears on. For now, however, they settle into second behind a surprise country.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>1. Brazil</b></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279944/Brazil.jpeg" target="_blank"><img alt="Brazil_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1279944/Brazil_medium.jpeg"></a> <br id="1344291722309"></p>
<p>Brazil is scheduled to command the attention of the sports world over the next few years as host of both the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. If this summer is any indication, it doesn't look like the Brazilians are willing to wait their turn. Brazil fans are everywhere, and on any given day you may actually see just as many Brazil jerseys as UK jerseys. The national sports buses make frequent appearances around the city, showing up more often than the buses of any other nation. The cherry on top of it all is the subtle advertising for the 2016 Olympics that adds to the already strong sense of Brazilian pride. If Brazil manages to recreate this level of enthusiasm back home, the sports world will be in very, very good hands over the next four years.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/8/7/3224294/olympics-2012-top-5-spirited-nations-london-usa-gbNikil Selvam2012-08-03T06:00:25-07:002012-08-03T06:00:25-07:00Olympics 2012: London’s Transformation Reminds Us All About The Magic Of Sports
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<img alt="These signs caused a sense of dread for Londoners not too long ago. Now, they bring excitement." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HECWGkDCBp4F5bAxBm-9Kzv6UW4=/0x46:1100x779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/1273745/DSCN3848.JPG" />
<figcaption>These signs caused a sense of dread for Londoners not too long ago. Now, they bring excitement.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How much can the Olympics do for one city? More than you might think- just ask the Brits.</p> <p>We are now officially one week into the Olympics, and while we may be keeping track of how many medals each country wins or how well certain athletes perform (see Phelps, Michael), an equally interesting story is taking place across the pond.</p>
<p>The power of sports has transformed London during the span of these seven days.</p>
<p>When I arrived in the city a few weeks ago, I expected the area to be teeming with enthusiasm. It's been 64 years since the English capital last hosted the Games, which means that at least a few generations of Brits are on hand this time around that weren't around during the 1948 edition. Logic would suggest that this once-in-a-lifetime experience would lead to lots of energy in the city, right?</p>
<p>That certainly wasn't the case before the Games began. In fact, Londoners seemed to be more anxious than anything else. It makes sense: with lots of construction around the city- cranes litter the skyline in every direction- and a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jul/24/london-2012-olympics-g4s-military">potential security crisis that didn't resolve itself until just before the Games began</a>, there was plenty of reason to be anxious.</p>
<p>Whatever the cause, the lack of energy was "disconcerting" (to borrow <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/07/26/mitt-romney-questions-londons-disconcerting-preparation-for-olympic-games_n_1704836.html">Mitt Romney's phrase</a>). And yet, in the span of one short week, London has turned around.</p>
<p>The magic of sports, the magic of competition, has led the Brits to start embracing a more upbeat atmosphere. All the preparation that seemed to take a toll on this city is paying off in the form of high-quality competition on the biggest of international stages, and the citizens of London are enjoying every bit of it.</p>
<p>The events, even ones in which the UK athletes don't play a prominent role, are significant talking points in the streets. People are stopping by at overstocked bars on the way back from work to check out the latest events each day, swapping conversation with tourists from around the world along the way. Team GB gear is selling rapidly, and the official Olympics stores have lines stretching out in front as more people try to get in.</p>
<p>This level of transformation is a big deal for a city that appeared emotionally drained not long ago. Whether they realize it or not, the citizens of London have fallen privy to the power of sports and its ability to completely capture our attention.</p>
<p>It's a wonderful thing, and we're all better for it. The best is still to come from London during these Olympic Games, both in terms of the actual sporting events and the level of excitement among the host city's populace.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/8/3/3216489/2012-london-olympics-watching-magicNikil Selvam2012-03-15T22:23:56-07:002012-03-15T22:23:56-07:00Phoenix Suns Come Back From 17 Down, Beat Clippers 91-87 Without Nash, Hill
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<img alt="Mar 4, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns shooting guard Shannon Brown (26) celebrates after scoring during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kq637gs2yEYAChkgQFt8Vy54VGw=/0x17:998x682/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5823471/20120304_jla_ar5_104.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mar 4, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns shooting guard Shannon Brown (26) celebrates after scoring during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Led by Shannon Brown, the Suns rallied without Steve Nash and Grant Hill to stun the Clippers.</p> <p>These <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> just don't stop.</p>
<p>On Thursday, the Suns played their second game of a grueling back-to-back-to-back with a visit to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a>. Phoenix played without the services of Steve Nash and Grant Hill, who sat out to rest during the taxing three-game stretch.</p>
<p>Despite all of those obstacles, none of them mattered much by night's end. Shannon Brown led the way for Phoenix with 21 points, and the Suns rallied from a 17-point deficit to clinch a 91-87 victory in L.A.</p>
<p>The Suns didn't inspire much confidence early on. Phoenix had trouble generating offense in the first half as the team struggled without its veteran leaders on the floor. The Suns scored only 17 points in the first quarter and had only one double-digit scorer (Brown) until midway through the fourth period.</p>
<p>That's when things started to change. Bench players Michael Redd and Robin Lopez sparked a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 78-76. Perhaps more memorable, however, is the hack method that <span>Alvin Gentry</span> chose to implement in the fourth quarter. Gentry chose to foul Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, two notoriously bad free-throw shooters, down the stretch, and it paid off. The Clippers struggled to score while the Suns continued to pile on buckets.</p>
<p>In the end, things came full circle when Brown- Phoenix's main contributor in the first half- sealed the win. Shannon hit a big three-pointer following a Jared Dudley offensive rebound to give Phoenix a permanent lead at 87-85, and his clutch free throws at the end sealed the win.</p>
<p>The Suns are 7-2 since the All-Star Break and have consecutive wins after two-thirds of their back-to-back-to-back. Phoenix returns home to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> on Friday night. With Nash and Hill rested up, the Suns have a great chance to continue building on Thursday's momentum tomorrow night.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2876899/phoenix-suns-los-angeles-clippers-steve-nash-grant-hill-shannon-brown-deficit-road-winNikil Selvam2012-02-27T09:00:27-07:002012-02-27T09:00:27-07:00Phoenix Suns Second Half Outlook: Dissecting The Post-All Star Break Schedule For Steve Nash And Company
<figure>
<img alt="What can the Suns expect to see during the season's second half?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OI28zH1eOQLuTIpxROE2Y1HMjpo=/0x16:1000x683/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5609363/139367365.jpg" />
<figcaption>What can the Suns expect to see during the season's second half?</figcaption>
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<p>The Suns are 14-20 right now. What does the second half hold for this team? A look at the upcoming schedule provides some answers.</p> <p>Coming out of the All-Star Break, <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Steve Nash</a> and the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> are 14-20 overall and stand 13th in the competitive Western Conference (trailed by only the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Hornets</a>). That's nowhere near ideal, but if its any consolation, the Suns would be 10th in the standings if they played in the East.</p>
<p>Before we project Phoenix's performance for the rest of this season, let's take a look back at last year and see what history tells us. At this time last year, the Suns were also 14-20 through 34 games. That squad went on to close the season on a 26-22 spurt to end 40-42, earn the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft and draft forward <span>Markieff Morris</span>.</p>
<p>So can the Suns reproduce that type of performance or an even better one this time around? A look at the schedule seems to say no.</p>
<p>Starting on Thursday against the <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>, Phoenix begins a nine-game stretch right out of the All-Star Break that includes eight tough match-ups against Western Conference teams in or contending for playoff spots (two games against the Timberwolves, two against the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a>, and one each against the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>, <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a>, <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Memphis Grizzlies</a> and <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a>). Seven of those nine games will be played at home. Accounting for the team's rested legs and home-court advantage, Phoenix should be able to counteract their recent struggle against conference opponents (7-14 against the West) to go 5-4 during this stretch.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the schedule only gets tougher over the next few weeks. After home games against the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> and <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a>, Phoenix follows up with a four-game Eastern Conference road trip against the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>, <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a>, <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a> and <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>. A 3-3 split would be nice, but the Suns have struggled away from home (7-11 on the road) and have a better chance of going 2-4 given the quality of opponent.</p>
<p>From here, Phoenix will have roughly one quarter (17 games) of their season left to play. You'd think that things might ease up a bit at this point, but they don't. 15 of Phoenix's final 17 games, including the final 13 straight, come against current Western Conference playoff teams. That includes three against the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a>, two against the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a> and two against the Clippers. Also, nine of those contests will be played on the road. Ouch. Judging by what we touched on before, a double whammy of road games and Western Conference competition doesn't hold much promise for the Suns. Phoenix should go 6-11 or so during this stretch.</p>
<p>Add it all up and you've got a projected second-half record of 13-19.</p>
<p>That being said, it certainly isn't time to hit the panic button or kiss the prospect of the playoffs goodbye just yet. Phoenix sits four games back of the Portland Trailblazers for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot right now, and all it takes is one big win streak to put the Suns back into playoff contention. Yes, the schedule seems to suggest that the Suns will have trouble putting such a streak together, but it's definitely possible for Phoenix to overcome the odds and post yet another impressive season-ending campaign.</p>
<p>We've seen this Phoenix team show resilience in the past. If the schedule tells us any one thing, it's that the Suns will need to harness all of the grittiness that they can muster over these final few months to face some big challenges. Let's hope that Nash,<span> Gortat</span>, <span>Frye</span> and the others can rise to the occasion and deliver an exciting finale. They'll need to do so in order to compensate for their performance in the opening act of the 2011-12 season.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/2/27/2827491/phoenix-suns-steve-nash-second-half-scheduleNikil Selvam2012-02-20T21:47:02-07:002012-02-20T21:47:02-07:00Phoenix Suns Blow Past Washington Wizards 104-88
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
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<p>The Suns used a furious 31-6 run in the third quarter to net their second straight win on Monday night.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> followed up Sunday's dominating win over the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> with another one on Monday against the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a>. Even when the young Wizards threatened to undo Phoenix in the third quarter, the Suns responded with a few strong runs and recorded their second straight win, 102-88. Steve Nash (23 points, 11 assists) and Channing Frye (19 points, 14 rebounds) led the way for Phoenix on a night that saw the Suns extend their consecutive 100-point scoring streak against the Wizards to a league-leading 18 contests, dating back to 2003.</p>
<p>The Suns got the best of the Wizards in both of the first two quarters, gaining a 53-48 edge by halftime. Washington reeled off a 7-1 run to begin the third quarter, taking a 55-54 lead that left Coach <span>Alvin Gentry</span> livid and fans everywhere wondering if this game would turn into a classic letdown.</p>
<p>Phoenix's starters, however, did not let it happen. The Suns capped the period with a furious 31-6 run to take control, beginning with successive baskets from each of the starting five (Marcin Gortat, Jared Dudley, Nash, Frye and Grant Hill, in that order). Michael Redd pitched in eight points- en route to his 14 point total- in the final 1:50 of the quarter to give the Suns a commanding 85-61 lead that they would not relinquish.</p>
<p>In total, the Suns trailed for a total of 48 seconds the entire game. That's a step up from even Sunday's win over the Lakers, when Phoenix trailed for a total of 49 seconds.</p>
<p>The Suns get the day off tomorrow and then face the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a> on Wednesday in their final game before the All-Star Break. Phoenix is riding a two-game winning streak and will play eight of its next nine games at home.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/2/20/2813427/phoenix-suns-washington-wizards-steve-nash-chaning-frye-marcin-gortatNikil Selvam2012-02-06T19:59:03-07:002012-02-06T19:59:03-07:00Phoenix Suns Outpaces Atlanta Hawks For 99-90 Victory
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
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<p><b>More: <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2012/2/6/2776603/phoenix-suns-burn-the-atlanta-hawks-on-the-road-win-99-90?utm_source=article&utm_medium=position1&utm_campaign=relatedlinks"><i>Post game analysis of Suns win over the Hawks</i></a></b></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> used a pair of hot starts on Monday night to move past the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> 99-90. With a few quick buckets to kick off both the first and third quarters, the Suns sent the Hawks to their third straight loss while securing their first two-game winning streak since Jan. 20th.</p>
<p><span>Steve Nash</span> was brilliant on the floor, and he led all scores with 24 points and 11 assists. He hit on four-of-four of his three-point attempts and notched another double-double on the eve of his 38th birthday. <span>Channing Frye</span> (19 points), <span>Jared Dudley</span> (10 points) and Michael Redd (10 points) also scored in double digits as Phoenix barely missed out on a 100-plus point game. <span>Josh Smith</span> and <span>Joe Johnson</span> led the way for Atlanta with 19 and 18 points, respectively.</p>
<p>While the Suns surged in the first and third quarters, the Hawks owned the second and fourth. Atlanta threatened Phoenix's double-digit lead in the second quarter and cut the lead to four points before Nash hit a three-pointer at the halftime buzzer to give Phoenix some breathing room.</p>
<p>The Hawks gave Phoenix another run near the end of the game when Atlanta closed to within 94-83. WIth the threat of a letdown looming, Frye stepped up and scored five straight points (which would turn out to be Phoenix's final points of the night) to halt Atlanta's momentum for good and give Phoenix a road victory.</p>
<p>The Suns now travel to Milwaukee for Tuesday's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Bucks</a> with eyes on their first three-game win streak of the season. The game will also mark <span>Michael Redd's</span> return to his former team and Nash's 38th birthday.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/2/6/2776679/phoenix-suns-atlanta-hawks-steve-nash-channing-frye-michael-redd-joe-johnson-nbaNikil Selvam2012-01-20T20:05:40-07:002012-01-20T20:05:40-07:00Phoenix Suns Vs. Boston Celtics: Marcin Gortat, Suns Take Control For 79-71 Win
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<p>The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> won their second game in a row on Friday night with a 79-71 victory over the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a>. <span>Marcin Gortat</span> pushed his string of consecutive double-doubles to seven with 22 points and 12 rebounds.</p>
<p>Gortat set the tone early, scoring 10 of Phoenix's first 16 points on a variety of looks that included a left-handed hook shot and a turnaround jumper. The Suns kept the pressure on Boston throughout the half and entered the break with a 46-35 lead.</p>
<p>The Celtics got out to a quick start in the third quarter, outscoring Phoenix for most of the third quarter to claim a 55-52 lead with 2:16 left. The lead marked Boston's first advantage on the scoreboard since the game's opening minutes at 2-0, but it would not last as <span>Jared Dudley</span> made a pair of shots to put the Suns back on top.</p>
<p>Phoenix never trailed again and the Suns left the TD Garden with an eight-point victory. Nash ended the game with 11 points, nine assists and five rebounds, just barely missing a double-double. Dudley was the only other Suns player to score double-digits, hitting two three-pointers (including a big one in the fourth quarter) for 12 total points.</p>
<p>On the other side of the ball, four Celtics scored in double figures but none had more than 14 points. <span>Ray Allen</span> led the way with 14 points, followed by <span>Paul Pierce</span> (12 points), <span>Brandon Bass</span> (11 points), <span>Kevin Garnett</span> (10 points) and <span>Avery Bradley</span> (10 points).</p>
<p>Phoenix has its second two-game win streak of the year with Friday's victory. The Suns can move to three straight with a road win against the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a> on Monday.</p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/1/20/2722457/phoenix-suns-vs-boston-celtics-steve-nash-marcin-gortat-paul-pierce-ray-allen-kevin-garnettNikil Selvam