SB Nation Arizona - Suns Vs Cavs coveragehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-11-28T09:55:51-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/34626072012-11-28T09:55:51-07:002012-11-28T09:55:51-07:00Suns pull out sloppy win over Cavs
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<figcaption>David Richard-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Phoenix made Anderson Varejao look like an all-world center, but managed to shut the Cavs down from behind the arc. </p> <p>In a game the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> should have won by 20, they ended up lucky to escape Cleveland with a win at all.</p>
<p>Phoenix defeated the Cavs on Tuesday night 91-78 behind a big night from <span>Goran Dragic</span> and an outstanding defensive effort by center Jermaine O'Neal.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> were without two of their top guards in <span>Kyrie Irving</span> and Daniel 'Boobie' Gibson, yet they still managed to give the Suns a run for their money up until the final minutes of the third quarter. Phoenix coughed up 15 turnovers in the game and allowed <span>Anderson Varejao</span> to look like a superstar. Varejao snagged 18 boards and dropped 20 points as one of the sole productive Cavs players.</p>
<p>Phoenix was forced to win ugly, but then again, that is what they will have to do all season long. They do not have the personnel to consistently blow teams out, but they are just too scrappy to be consistently blown out. It is only through effort that they will be able to hang around a .500 record.</p>
<p>As the worst 3-point defending team in the league, the Suns managed to shut Cleveland down from behind the arc on Tuesday. The Cavs shot just 2-15 from downtown on the way to their loss.</p>
<p>Something I would have liked to see the Suns do more of is attack inside. Varejao is a decent post defender, but outside of him, that is a glaring weakness the Cavaliers have. <span>Tyler Zeller</span> is still too young, as is <span>Tristan Thompson</span>.</p>
<p>Jermaine O'Neal and <span>Marcin Gortat</span> had clear advantages over their matchups, yet neither of them received adequate touches. Gortat only took 7 shots in the game (making 3 of them), when, in all likelihood, coach <span>Alvin Gentry</span> would have liked to see him get at least double that.</p>
<p>As I said, this team is going to have to continue to be gritty. It is the only way they are going to win games. But when they look as sloppy as they did last night against Cleveland, it's hard to have much faith that they are going to make the playoffs this season. I guess all we can do is stay tuned and see if they can prove me wrong.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/11/28/3700488/suns-able-to-defeat-cleveland-cavaliers-in-ugly-fashionTyler Nickel2012-11-27T19:31:35-07:002012-11-27T19:31:35-07:00Suns roll past Cavs with great 3rd quarter
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<figcaption>David Richard-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Goran Dragic and the Phoenix Suns overcame an ugly first half with an explosive third quarter to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> enjoyed one of their most comfortable wins of the season against the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, winning the second game of their road trip by the final score of 91-78. Phoenix improved to 7-8 on the season while dropping Cleveland to 3-12.</p>
<p>After an ugly first half that saw the Suns take a 37-32 lead into halftime, Phoenix exploded for 34 third-quarter points to extend the lead to a dozen, then put further distance between themselves and Cleveland in the fourth. Phoenix shot 46.8 percent from the field and nailed 35 percent of its three pointers while holding Cleveland to 35.7 percent shooting and only allowing two made threes.</p>
<p>The Suns were led by Goran Dragic, who put up 19 points, dished seven asists, grabbed five rebounds and forced two steals. Michael Beasley added 15 points and four rebounds, Luis Scola put in 14 points, and Jared Dudley added 11 points.</p>
<p>Phoenix overcame another monster game by <span>Anderson Varejao</span>, who put in 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/11/27/3700016/nba-suns-cavsAvinash Kunnath2012-11-27T13:05:28-07:002012-11-27T13:05:28-07:00Suns vs. Cavs preview
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The Cavs return home after a winless road trip and without their stud point guard, but will try to avenge an earlier loss to Phoenix. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> face the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> in the second game of their six-game road trip. They lost the first game of the trip, falling 104-101 to the <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia 76ers</a>. They played and beat the Cavs earlier in the season in Phoenix, coming back from a deficit as high as 26 points to defeat them 107-105. <span>Shannon Brown</span> came off the bench for 22 points, 12 of which came in the final quarter.</p>
<p>In that game, <span>Goran Dragic</span> also had his best offensive game, scoring 26 points on 9/16 shooting and getting to the free throw line 10 times.</p>
<p>This time around, the 6-8 Suns hope to get only their second road win of the season over a Cavs team that has played the least amount of home games in the league.</p>
<p>Game time: 5 PM Arizona time</p>
<p>TV: FSAZ</p>
<p>Radio: Arizona Sports 620</p>
<p><b>Key stats:</b></p>
<p><i>103.3</i></p>
<p>That is the number of points per game that the Suns are allowing -- worst in the league. <span>Alvin Gentry</span> said at the beginning of the season that he wants the identity of this team to be a team that never gives up (check) and is a good defensive team (nope, not yet, despite such a promising start -- <a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/11/3/3594742/phoenix-suns-defensive-juggernauts">this article</a> makes me look rather foolish, doesn't it?)</p>
<p><i>14.7 </i></p>
<p>The number of rebounds Anderson Verajao is pulling down a game. Phoenix outrebounded Cleveland at home 42-39. Verajao pulled down 10, but it was a team rebounding effort for the Suns, who had four players with at least six boards in that contest.</p>
<p><i>48.9 percent</i></p>
<p>That is the three-point shooting percentage for Suns' opponents the past two games. Tonight, they face <span>Dion Waiters</span> and <span>Daniel Gibson</span>, who combined for 8/12 behind the arc the last time they played.</p>
<p><b>Injuries:</b></p>
<p>Cleveland will be without point guard <span>Kyrie Irving</span>, who broke his left index finger. Phoenix is healthy.</p>
<p><b>Key matchups:</b></p>
<p><i>Shannon Brown vs. Dion Waiters</i></p>
<p>Brown, since entering the starting lineup, has not been his explosive scoring self. He has put up 10, 10 and four points in three games. Waiters can shoot the lights out, as was evidenced in Phoenix. Phoenix needs Brown's scoring to get things going.</p>
<p><i><span>Marcin Gortat</span>/Jermaine O'Neal vs. Anderson Verajao</i></p>
<p>The center position has been very productive for the Suns since O'Neal returned from an absence due to a death in the family. They combined for 37 points against Portland, 19 against New Orleans and 29 against Phlly. Verajao is the best in the league and averages over 14 points a game on almost hustle plays alone.</p>
<p><b>Player to watch:</b></p>
<p><span>Markieff Morris</span> has been very productive in starting role. He is averaging over 16 points and almost seven boards since starting and will match up with second-year forward <span>Tristan Thompson</span>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/11/27/3698160/suns-vs-cavs-preview-game-time-tv-coverage-and-cleveland-back-homeJess Root2012-11-27T10:22:39-07:002012-11-27T10:22:39-07:0076ers coach Doug Collins supports Alvin Gentry
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Doug Collins, who had Alvin Gentry on his staff with the Detroit Pistons, empathizes with his friend and coaching colleague as he has had to endure similar struggles with his own team. </p> <p>If <span>Alvin Gentry</span> is looking for anyone to have his back, look no further than <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> coach Doug Collins who completely understands what Gentry is dealing with this season. Collins has eight new players on his current roster while Gentry is trying to implement nine new ones into his system. Both coaches have had ups-and-downs in the early season, so the empathy is understandable, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fsports%2Fsuns%2Farticles%2F20121125phoenix-suns-marcin-gortat-no-extension-until-present-deal-up.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farizona.sbnation.com%2Fphoenix-suns%2F2012%2F11%2F27%2F3697746%2Fnba-suns-alvin-gentry-doug-collins" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">as told to the Arizona Republic</a>.</p>
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<p>"I think he's one of the most underrated coaches in the NBA, and I'm not just saying that because I love him like a brother," said Collins, who had Gentry on his Detroit staff. "He's a damned good coach. He works hard. His staff does a good job. His teams play every single night and he puts them in a position to give them a chance to win every night."</p>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a> are 6-8 this season having won two of their past three games after a three-game losing streak. They trail the Pacific Division-leading <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> by 3 1/2 games and are fourth in the division overall. But somehow, the Suns are still 11th in the highly competitive Western Conference and are a just a game out of the eighth-seed.</p>
<p>They rank eighth in the league in scoring at 100.5 but are 30th in the league allowing 103.3. They are putting up points but as always, the Suns are struggling to defend anyone.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/11/27/3697746/nba-suns-alvin-gentry-doug-collinsRonald Clark2012-11-27T09:47:41-07:002012-11-27T09:47:41-07:00Gortat willing to pay to keep O'Neal in Phoenix
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<figcaption>Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Marcin Gortat has enjoyed playing with Jermaine O'Neal so much that he's willing to pay his salary next year if the Suns won't. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> center <span>Marcin Gortat</span> is waiting until the end of the season to start talking about a new contract with the Suns. But that hasn't stopped him from wanting to get contract talks started for his backup, Jermaine O'Neal, even if it means putting up his own money.</p>
<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fsports%2Fsuns%2Farticles%2F20121125phoenix-suns-marcin-gortat-no-extension-until-present-deal-up.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farizona.sbnation.com%2Fphoenix-suns%2F2012%2F11%2F27%2F3697592%2Fmarcin-gortat-contract-jermaine-oneal-phoenix-suns" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">According to the Arizona Republic</a>, Gortat told Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby that he would pay for O'Neal's salary next year if the Suns decided they didn't want to bring O'Neal back.</p>
<p>O'Neal is making just $854,389 this season as opposed to Gortat who is raking in $7,258,960.</p>
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<p>"He's a tremendous player, an amazing teammate and a true leader," Gortat said. "Playing with him has been my best experience from this year.</p>
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<p>O'Neal is no stranger to being paid as he has one max contract already under his belt during his 16-year career. But if Gortat were to go through with his offer, it wouldn't make too much of a dent in Gortat's total, especially if he gets the raise many think he will get on the market or otherwise.</p>
<p>O'Neal is averaging 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game but has really been playing well lately. Over his last five games, he's averaging 12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/11/27/3697592/marcin-gortat-contract-jermaine-oneal-phoenix-sunsRonald Clark2012-11-27T09:20:38-07:002012-11-27T09:20:38-07:00Suns, Gortat will wait to talk contract extension
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<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Gortat turned down extension offer in order to play out current contract. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> and center <span>Marcin Gortat</span> have decided to wait.</p>
<p>In October, Gortat turned down a multiyear contract extension from the Suns due to his desire to play out his current contract and then see what happens from there. Gortat is trying to put his focus elsewhere than off-the-court situations when his on-the-court progress hasn't been what he would like it to be in recent weeks.</p>
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<p>"We just said we're going to wait," <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fsports%2Fsuns%2Farticles%2F20121125phoenix-suns-marcin-gortat-no-extension-until-present-deal-up.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farizona.sbnation.com%2Fphoenix-suns%2F2012%2F11%2F27%2F3697454%2Fnba-suns-marcin-gortat" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gortat said in the Arizona Republic</a>. "I want to finish this contract, and we'll see where I go from there. It didn't even bother me or change anything in my attitude or performance. The thing I'm concentrating on is coming back to dominating the game and getting back to being a defensive spark."</p>
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<p>Gortat is making $7,258,960 this season and it would be interesting to see what his market value would be if he were to test out free agency. He is one of a very small number of true centers in the NBA right now and could come at a price if the Suns are to keep him around.</p>
<p>Gortat is averaging 11.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks through 14 games but his play is up-and-down from game to game. He hasn't reached double-digit rebounds in his last five games and in three of his last five, he's scored six points or less.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2012/11/27/3697454/nba-suns-marcin-gortatRonald Clark