Sonics vs SunsSONICS
(21-19 overall, 11-5 at Home) vs. SUNS (22-13
overall, 7-7 on road
GAME PREVIEW - Jan 17,
2001
The Sonics are going for their 5th
victory in their last 6 games as they host the Phoenix Suns tonight. These
two teams met in Phoenix on Sunday; Gary Payton scored 22 points with 9
rebounds, and Ruben Patterson stepped it up with 25 points as Seattle won,
106-87. Patterson has recently emerged as a team scoring leader, easing
some of the offensive pressure that constantly sits on Payton's shoulders.
The Sonics had been on a 4-game winning
streak until they were stopped by the Denver Nuggets. The game featured
tons of offense and no defense, with a final score of 122-111. Payton had
28 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds for Seattle. Rashard Lewis was big
with 22, and Emanual Davis put on a 3-point exhibition, hitting 5 of 6.
Recent news out of Phoenix reveals
that Penny Hardaway, who struggled all season to get healthy and finally
returned to play 4 games, is now hurt again and expected to miss the rest
of the year. Doctors keep pounding away at his left knee with hammers,
crowbars, and whatever they can think of to use, yet it still won't heal.
The Suns are lead by Cliff Robinson,
with 17.3 points per game, Shawn Marion, known as "The Matrix," who despite
only standing 6'7" manages to grab 10.7 rebounds, and Jason Kidd with 10
assists.
The Sonics are lead by Gary Payton's
23 points per game, Patrick Ewing's 7.8 rebounds, and Payton's 8.8 assists.
Phoenix hasn't performed up to expectations
lately, so team owner Jerry Colangelo sat the team down on his knee for
a pep-talk. It's known that Coach Scott Skiles is pretty hard on his players,
apparently beating them with sticks softly after victories and brutally
after defeats (note: ok, perhaps there is no beating with sticks), so a
nice talking-to from the owner of the crew was a welcome move. While definitely
a quality team, no one expects the Suns to get past the elite Western powers
in the playoffs.
Shammond Williams, aware he will
never receive enough playing time to earn a big contract, recently asked
for a trade. But the biggest news in Seattle these days is the purchase
of the team by the Starbucks guys. Team insiders revealed a new strategy:
when the Sonics are losing, bench players will throw hot Starbucks coffee
at opposing players as they run by, aiming for the face. If that doesn't
work they'll do so at the referees, hit the opposing players with folding-chairs,
and then go for the pin.
KEY SUNS
PLAYERS
Postion
No.
Player
Comments
Forward
30
Clifford
Robinson
6-10, 225
Uncle Cliff
still rolls along.
Forward
31
Shawn Marion
6-7, 215
Marion's
biggest problem is that the league doesn't allow players to wear helmets,
protection he needs when hitting head on scoreboard.
Center
14
Chris Dudley
6-11, 260
Chris Dudley
is the second-coming of Hakeem Olajuwon. Not Hakeem in his prime, but Hakeem
at age 62.
Guard
32
Jason Kidd
6-4, 212
Kidd does
too much for this team. They rely on him to create almost every single
scoring opportunity the Suns have. If you contain him, these guys are very
beatable.
Guard
1
Tony Delk
6-2, 189
Delk has
proven that once in a while he can pour in baskets.
More Key Suns: Coach
Scott Skiles was a great passer and one of the most gritty point guards
in NBA history. Mario Elie just returned from injury and while he isn't
the defender he used to be, Elie can still prevent a few baskets, hit an
open 3-pointer once in a while, and blind people by flashing his Houston
Rockets championship rings at them. Rodney Rogers has been inconsistent
this year and isn't matching what he produced last season.
For the Suns to Win: Kidd
needs to be Kidd, Shawn Marion must have a good offensive game and hit
the boards, Cliff Robinson needs to create a few things on his own, Chris
Dudley must only touch the ball when rebounding or inbounding, Phoneix
must contain Gary Payton but make sure that guys like Lewis and Patterson
don't go wild, and if Ewing tries to score, simply remind him how old he
is. If Baker tries to get tough, simply laugh at him until he gets upset.
KEY SONICS
PLAYERS
Postion
No.
Player
Comments
Forward
7
Rashard Lewis
6-10, 215
His sprained right (shooting)
wrist has been healing, helping his shot lately.
Forward
21
Ruben Patterson
6-5, 224
Only 6'5" yet able to
pretend to be a power forward. This is a testiment to Patterson's ability
but it's also a sign that Vin Baker isn't too impressive.
Center
33
Patrick Ewing
7-0, 255
Pat's old.
Guard
15
Emanual Davis
6-5, 195
His nickname is "E-Mail"
and he shoots an excellent 37.7% from 3-point range.
Guard
20
Gary Payton
6-4, 180
The Glove doesn't shut
people down like he used to but offensively he's perhaps his best ever.
More Key Sonics: Jelani McCoy
stinks. Shammond Williams is a fantastic point guard who is tired of playing
backup. Vin Baker has been more consistent lately, and coming off the bench
has helped his confidence. He's been shooting fewer jumpers while posting
up more. Good. Brent Barry can jump high, and sometimes he can play basketball,
too.
For the Sonics to Win: Payton
must be Payton. Baker must come off the bench and provide legit post offense
while defending and rebounding. Ewing should focus on standing fairly still,
raising his arms, and not get confused and lost like old people often do.
Ruben Patterson must avoid being taken advantage of by the likes of Cliff
Robinson or Shawn Marion when those guys try to post him up (they will).
Davis and Lewis must toss in a 3-pointer or two, penetrate a few times
and draw some fouls. Let Payton try to slow Jason Kidd. Box Kidd out, let
him shoot outside if he wants to, but don't let him penetrate over and
over or the Suns will have tons of open looks.
