Suns Clippers Recap and more

Two games against the Clippers were just what the Suns needed. They hadn't won two in a row since December 7. The first one was a 108-88 rout of the Clips. The second was 94-88, with the Suns winning again.

As for my predictions on the first game, I was correct in predicting a suns win, but was 20 points off on the score. And player predictions: Alando Tucker did get a few minutes, but he didn't take a single shot, on a 11-14 shooting, Amare picked up 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks, getting the double-double I had predicted. Marion had a off game picking up only 9 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists. Nash had 9 points and 12 assists, close to a double-double. As for other players, Grant Hill and Barbosa scored 16 apiece, with Marcus Banks netting 11. Brian Skinner grabbed 8 boards to complement his 7 points. Most amazing stat was the +/- ratings of the starting 5. +26 for Raja Bell, +20 for Nash, +26 for Marion, +32 for Amare, and a whopping +37 for Grant Hill. Also, Amare played great Defense on Chris Ka(ve)man, holding him to only 9 points and 9 rebounds. No Ruben Patterson.


Second game, Phoenix picked up its first win of the season in which it scores under 100 points. Obviously, it was a close game, with the Suns pulling away at the end. Kaman ran wild this time for 22 points and 20 rebounds. Amare did well though, with 28 points of his own to go with 10 rebounds. Sam Cassell scored 21 and rebounded 9 with Nash "guarding" him. Nash did all right, though dishing 10 assists and scoring 10 points with 6 boards. Marion grabbed 7 boards with 18 points, and Grant Hill dropped 22 with 8 assists. Leandro Barbosa put up the top +/- with +16.
The stat of the day was blocked shots, of which the Suns totaled 16. Amare had 3, Hill knocked down 3, Bell blocked 2, Marion stopped 1, Diaw shut down 2, Barbosa got 1, and Skinner rejected 4 shots. Amazing. Skinner and Hill better re-sign/use player option for next year.

Next game: Suns go back to Cali to play at Sacramento against the Kings who they 127-111 last game. The Suns put up a 47-point quarter in that one. Let's see if we top that.



As for Yankee news, Cano was asked to stop playing Winter Ball, reportedly out of concern of re-aggravating a calf injury. Everyone else is putting up top prospect lists, so I'll do mine.