SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Ron Shahhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-12-29T21:00:06-07:00https://arizona.sbnation.com/authors/ron-shah/rss2012-12-29T21:00:06-07:002012-12-29T21:00:06-07:00Luis Scola, Suns fall 111-107 to Timberwolves
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<p>Despite a strong offensive showing from four of the five starters, the Phoenix Suns had no answer defensively for Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p> <p>Despite a season-high 33 points and 10 rebounds from <span>Luis Scola</span>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> couldn't slow down the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> offense in Phoenix's 111-107 loss at the Target Center on Saturday.</p>
<p>The Suns once again fell behind early in the game, finding themselves down six at halftime on the road against <span>Kevin Love</span> and the T'Wolves. But the team cut the deficit to just two by the end of the third quarter.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the Suns offense couldn't keep up the production from the three previous quarters, scoring just 20 points in the fourth quarter and ultimately falling 111-107.</p>
<p>The difference in the game may have been the bench scoring, as the Suns received just ten points from their bench while the T'Wolves bench more than doubled that with 24 from theirs.</p>
<p><span>Goran Dragic</span> scored 16 points and dished out 12 assists for the Suns. Minnesota's big man <span>Nikola Pekovic</span> starred, scoring an efficient 28 points and collecting 11 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/29/3816474/suns-vs-timberwolves-recap-phoenix-unable-to-complete-comeback-fallRon Shah2012-12-15T18:56:25-07:002012-12-15T18:56:25-07:00Cardinals challenging rookie Jamell Fleming
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<p>Defensive coordinator Ray Horton is looking for answers and hopes Jamell Fleming can help provide them at the cornerback position, but he has work to do.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> are coming off of a 58-0 shellacking against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a>, leaving defensive coordinator Ray Horton looking for answers on the defensive end, specifically the defensive back position. The team had hoped rookie <span>Jamell Fleming</span> could help, but Ray Horton believes the cornerback has work to do, <a href="http://blog.azcardinals.com/2012/12/14/Horton-Doesnt-Want-To-Forget-Seattle-And-Flemings-Struggle/">via </a>Darren Urban of Word From The Birds Blog.</p>
<p>Fleming, selected in the third round of the 2012 draft out of Oklahoma, has played in 11 games, but did not appear in Sunday's loss against the Seahawks. Fleming impressed early in the season, but his performance has slowly been spiralling down since the team's win over the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a>.</p>
<p>Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton says it is because the rookie became complacent, and the coach is using the media to get his message across to the rookie: grow up.</p>
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<p>"I need him to grow-up, mature and be professional and in my opinion he's not at that point yet," Horton said bluntly. "He came in and was very productive, very productive in the New England game. I think he had a sense of lull or complacency. I talked to him about that.</p>
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<p>Arizona, now on a nine-game losing streak, will host the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/15/3771572/arizona-cardinals-jamell-fleming-challengedRon Shah2012-11-17T14:51:23-07:002012-11-17T14:51:23-07:00Sun Devils dominate Cougars through 2 quarters
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<p>Eyeing bowl eligibility, the Arizona State Sun Devils enter halftime leading the Washington State Cougars by the score of 32-0 at Sun Devil Stadium, proving to be simply too much to handle for their conference opponent.</p>
<p>In fact, the Sun Devils' defense has limited the opposition to -14 yards rushing and into a quarterback change in the first half. However, both quarterbacks have struggled mightily and simply cannot move the ball with any authority against Arizona State.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Sun Devils offense is having a field day, throwing four touchdowns, kicking one field goal and converting a couple of 2-point conversions. Arizona State quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112766/taylor-kelly" class="sbn-auto-link">Taylor Kelly</a> completed 14 of 17 passes in the first half for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Six receivers caught at least one pass in the first half.</p>
<p>While the game became a laugher early, the Sun Devils went to backup quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135485/michael-eubank" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Eubank</a> to ensure their star quarterback would avoid injury. Eubank is having success, too, completing both of his pass attempts for one touchdown.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2012/11/17/3659232/washington-state-arizona-state-2012-score-updateRon Shah2012-11-17T14:08:19-07:002012-11-17T14:08:19-07:00SB Nation's Suns blog reacts to loss to Lakers
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>The Phoenix Suns have won several games this season by coming from behind, but the team was unable to mount the comeback on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> have been able to win several games this season after falling behind by double-digits, but <span>Alvin Gentry's</span> team was unable to do so on Friday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, falling at the STAPLES Center by the score of 114-102.</p>
<p>Entering the fourth quarter down eight, some may have thought the Suns had the Lakers right where they wanted them, as the team has made it a habit to comeback late in games. But the team struggled in the closing quarter offensively, despite their hot shooting in the first three quarters of play and scoring 27 or more in the three previous three quarters.</p>
<p>As Sean Sullivan of SB Nation's Phoenix Suns blog, <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Bright Side of the Sun</a> writes, the play prompted Alvin Gentry to waive the white flag.</p>
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<p>However, they were unable to ever mount any sort of comeback this time, and Alvin Gentry finally waived the white flag with around two minutes to go bringing in <span>Kendall Marshall</span>, <span>Wesley Johnson</span>, and <span>Luke Zeller</span> to finish out the game as the Lakers were able to hold on to win it 114-102.</p>
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<p>The (4-6) Suns will now head back to Phoenix and prepare to host the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a>, in what will be the second game of a back-to-back for the Suns.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/11/17/3659130/nba-suns-lakersRon Shah2012-11-10T19:20:38-07:002012-11-10T19:20:38-07:00Suns show toughness and resolve early in season
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<p>SB Nation's Phoenix Suns blog, Bright Side Of The Sun, reacts to the team's historic comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday</p> <p>At one point in the game, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> trailed by 26 points against the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> at US Airways Center, but the team did not give in and instead rallied back to win 107-105 at home on Friday. </p>
<p>The 26 point comeback victory was the largest home comeback in Phoenix Suns history and the third largest comeback win in franchise history. It was a game fans and players will remember for quite some time, including Sean Sullivan of SB Nation's Phoenix Suns blog, Bright Side Of The Sun.</p>
<p>Sullivan writes about the team's toughness and resolve early in the season, certainly impressed by the franchise in transition's ability to never-say-never as they clawed their way back into Friday's game. While they did come all the way back, the Suns nearly lost that game. </p>
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<p>The team had every excuse to simply give up, hand their heads, and mentally check out at that point. But much to the credit of Gentry who would not allow them to waive the white flag, the Suns continued to be aggressive and play with intensity with <span>Goran Dragic</span>, <span>Shannon Brown</span>, and <span>Sebastian Telfair</span> leading the charge.</p>
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<p>The 3-3 Suns will play the second game of a back-to-back on Saturday when they hit the road and travel to Utah to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Jazz</a>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/11/10/3629402/nba-suns-cavsRon Shah2012-11-10T18:03:57-07:002012-11-10T18:03:57-07:00Suns complete 26 point comeback victory at home
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<p>The Phoenix Suns pulled off their largest comeback at home in franchise history, coming back from a 26 point deficit to defeat the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> improved to 3-3 on the season with their 107-105 victory over the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> at US Airways Center. The victory will be one fans remember for some time, as the Suns came back from down 26 points to defeat the young and talented Cleveland Cavaliers. </p>
<p>The 26 point comeback victory was the largest home comeback in Suns franchise history and the third largest in franchise history. <span>Goran Dragic</span> led the way, scoring 26 points and handing out four assists while <span>Shannon Brown</span> and <span>Sebastian Telfair</span> contributed 22 and 13 points off of the bench, respectively.</p>
<p>Elsewhere in the Pacific division, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> battled the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> at the Staples Center in the Lakers' first game since the firing of head coach <span>Mike Brown</span>. The Lakers responded with a 101-77 victory over the Warriors.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a> also played on Friday, but were overwhelmed by the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a>, falling 97-86 at home. <span>Jason Thompson</span> scored 17 points and collected six rebounds for the Kings.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3629166/nba-scores-2012Ron Shah2012-11-10T17:45:27-07:002012-11-10T17:45:27-07:00Suns find themselves in the middle of the West
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<p>Early in the NBA season, the 3-3 Phoenix Suns are tied for second place in their division while the San Antonio Spurs continue their roll over the rest of the NBA</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> are 3-3 after six games this season, tied for second place in the Pacific division with the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a> and one game behind the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a>.</p>
<p>Phoenix is currently riding a two-game winning streak after beating the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Charlotte Bobcats</a> handily and coming back from a 26-point deficit at home to knock off the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> on Friday.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the 5-1 <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a> have control of the top spot in the Western Conference and are the only five-win team in the West. After their fast and exciting 2-0 start to the season, the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> have faltered and dropped three consecutive games.</p>
<p>Elsewhere in the NBA, it has been the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a> surprising in the Eastern Conference. New York is the only remaining undefeated team in the NBA with a 4-0 record, which has them atop the Eastern Conference and ahead of the defending champion <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>.</p>
<p>There are only two winless teams left in the league - the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> and <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a>. The Pistons are 0-6 on the season, while the Wizards are 0-4.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3629102/2012-nba-standingsRon Shah2012-10-28T05:02:03-07:002012-10-28T05:02:03-07:00SB Nation's Arizona blog reacts to win over USC
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<p>The unranked <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Wildcats</a> came out of Saturday's game against No. 9 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> at Arizona Stadium with their biggest victory of the season, upsetting the West Coast powerhouse by the score of 39-36.</p>
<p>It was a marquee win for Richard Rodriguez and his Wildcats, who improved to 5-3 on the season and 2-3 in the Pac-12 conference, though it was ugly. As SB Nation's Arizona Wildcats blog, <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Desert Swarm</a>, notes, the victory came with more heart than heady play.</p>
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<p>But it was Rich Rodriguez's club that came away with a 39-36 victory against the No. 9 Trojans in Tucson, and it was done with more heart than heady play. And the Wildcats took more than their second victory in Pac-12 play to move to 5-3 on the year. Arizona crushed USC's BCS aspirations and with that the legacy of Barkley, who shunned the NFL for a shot at history.</p>
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<p>The Wildcats allowed more than 600 yards to the Trojans, nearly 500 of which came from Trojans quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Barkley</a>. Sophomore wide receiver <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee" class="sbn-auto-link">Marqise Lee</a> accumulated for a staggering 345 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn't enough.</p>
<p>Arizona will now head out of state to take on the 6-2 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins" class="sbn-auto-link">UCLA Bruins</a> on Saturday, Nov. 3, as the Wildcats hope to improve their conference record to .500.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-ncaaf/2012/10/28/3564922/arizona-usc-2012-reactionRon Shah2012-10-21T09:00:32-07:002012-10-21T09:00:32-07:00Examining the big men of Phoenix
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<p>Jim Coughenour of SB Nation's Phoenix Suns blog, Bright Side Of The Sun, examines Phoenix's unique array of big men as the beginning of the NBA 2012-13 season inches closer</p> <p>With the departure of <span>Steve Nash</span>, the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> roster looks very different than it has in past years, as the team found a few big men to add to their new-look roster for the 2012-13 NBA season. Each of the big men are talented and bring something different to the table, but can the array of skills assimilate together in harmony well enough for the Suns to make the playoffs?</p>
<p>Jim Coughenour of SB Nation's Phoenix Suns blog, Bright Side Of The Sun, <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2012/10/20/3530592/phoenix-suns-2012-13-preview-bigs" target="_blank">dives into the question</a> by examining the four most important Suns big men: veteran <span>Marcin Gortat</span>, second-year player <span>Markieff Morris</span>, newly acquired <span>Luis Scola</span> and <span>Jermaine O'Neal</span>.</p>
<p>While the absence of former MVP Steve Nash will certainly hurt, the Suns do have enough talent, specifically in their frontcourt to be competitive. Now the question is, are the Suns' big men talented enough to propel Phoenix into the playoffs? It will be difficult to do in the stacked Western Conference.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/10/21/3532086/nba-preseason-suns-dragic-beasleyRon Shah2012-10-20T19:49:21-07:002012-10-20T19:49:21-07:00Wildcats lead Huskies 10-3 after 1st quarter
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<p>In search of their first conference win, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a> lead their conference foes, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a>, by the score of 10-3 after one quarter of play at Arizona Stadium.</p>
<p>The Huskies struck first, putting together an extensive 14-play, 65-yard drive that resulted in a successful 43-yard field goal off the leg of kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161293/travis-coons">Travis Coons</a>. Washington quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a> starred on the drive, being involved in 10 of the 14 plays.</p>
<p>Arizona responded immediately and did Washington one better, scoring a touchdown on their very first drive to take the lead. The team put together 7 plays for 75 yards and the score, where quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35195/matt-scott">Matt Scott</a> connected with wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135351/david-richards">David Richards</a> for 27 yards in the end zone.</p>
<p>Both teams did their damage early in the first quarter, before the two defensive units settled down for the remainder of the period. Arizona was still able to put three more points on the board, though.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-ncaaf/2012/10/20/3532526/ncaa-bcs-pac12-wildcats-huskiesRon Shah