reflections
December 23rd, 2006 Suns Lose a Tough One

After traveling for six hours straight the Suns just weren’t the same yesterday. They couldn’t run or shoot the way they usually do, but it really impressed me how they came back after two large deficits throughout the game and took control briefly in the 4th quarter. The Wizards were just the better team tonight though. Arenas got his revenge against D’Antoni with 54 points and some huge shots that just killed the Suns. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison also combined for 49 in a pretty good game by their outstanding trio.

For the Suns, Amare Stoudemire was not a factor early but then came in the game in the 4th and played great. His unbelievable dunk near the end of regulation should have finished the Wizards off if not for some more heroics by Arenas. Stoudemire, Diaw and Marion played great D down the stretch to bring the Suns back and give them the lead. They had 5 blocks together and it looked like they all came in that quarter. A great effort by all of them. Marion really helped the team with a few shots while they were struggling and Diaw had a great all-around game. Nash put up yet another MVP performance shooting 56% from the floor for 42 points and he also got 12 assists. I don’t see how he won’t win three MVP’s in a row with performances like that.

Kurt Thomas and Barbosa were great off the bench as usual. Even with the great play from most of these guys the Suns only shot 30% from 3-point land and took 43 3-pointers, while Washington took 19 and shot them at over 50%. That was the difference in the game. The Wizards just scored more efficiently. This was one of the better games to watch this year. It had me excited like I was watching a playoff game. It’s unfortunate the outcome was what it was. I’m sure that the Suns will be ready to start another winning streak Tuesday at home vs. the Blazers.

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