Posts tagged ‘Bell’

Your upstart Warriors got taught a lesson in Phoenix.

Box Score

Early on it looked as if the Dubs were going to run right over the Suns. The swarming team defense forced Phoenix into nine first half turnovers and provided a stream of easy points on the break. Shaq’s first contributions were a missed shot, and a turnover. He hit the bench early.

Shaq’s later appearances were equally brief and awkward. He ended the game with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 turnovers, and 5 fouls in just over 14 minutes. Monta thrived in the scattered style and was able to consistently get to the rim for a bucket or a foul. The threes were dropping from Baron and the frustrated Suns earned two technicals for arguing calls. It looked good for the Warriors. They were keeping their defenders on their heels and were in their heads on defense.

Everything changed in the second half.

Amare and Nash erased the Warriors’ five point lead with their first two possessions after the half, and the Suns started clicking. Shaq hit the bench for good halfway through the third after earning his 5th foul, then adding a technical in for good measure. With Shaq out of the way the lane opened up and the Suns reverted to what they do best - running and gunning.

Amare Stoudemire feasted on Al and Jack in the paint and Nash was able to dribble through the open space, attract attention, and find an open shooter or cutter. Barbosa and Bell got into rhythm and the Suns were up by nine going into the fourth.

The end of the game was like a Steve Nash highlight reel. He started looking for his own shot and scored eight points in a little over a minute. The Suns game is beautiful to behold when they get rolling. I could only sit back and shake my head as they completely reversed the momentum and out maneuvered the Dubs handily. Baron did his best to keep the game within reach, but there was no stopping the Phoenix machine.

There was a noticeable lack of defensive pressure from the Warriors in the second half. After being so successful in getting the Suns to turn the ball over early in the game, everyone seemed to forget to go for steals in the third and fourth quarters. Perhaps it was due to tired legs after the Raptors game the night before, but it was a shame to see them lose that hungry intensity after appearing to be in control for the first two quarters.

Still holding on to the 8th seed, two games ahead of the Nuggets.

This loss makes the next three games against the Grizzlies, Kings, and Clippers all that more important. Those are the last three lower level opponents that the Warriors will see in March.