 Rogers |
Rodney Rogers has four years of playoff experience, including nine postseason games with the Suns last season. He averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds. Rogers' career high in scoring came against the Kings -- 36 points in a regular season meeting on Feb. 15, 2000 and the Suns will be hoping he gets hot once more against their first-round playoff opponent. Rogers chatted after the Suns' upset of the Kings in Game 1.
Andy H. from Peoria, AZ from [64.105.62.232], at 6:11pm ET
FIRST OFF, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE HUGE WIN! GO SUNS! Second, my question: What has caused this amazing change in the way the Suns played at the end of the season compared to the near dominating style of play that we're seeing now?
Rodney Rogers at 6:12pm ET
We had a meeting and the guys all decided that we're going to come together and do it and not give up.
Steven Adams from [63.39.168.193], at 6:12pm ET
How will winning the first game in Sacramento have an impact on the series?
Rodney Rogers at 6:13pm ET
It has a great impact, because now we have home-court advantage and it makes them think about how they really have to win. If we steal the second one, then we have two games at home to end the series.
Dan Rummel from [205.188.200.191], at 6:12pm ET
Hey Rodney, congrats on the win.
Today was a game of momentum and mini-runs, what did you guys feel you had to do to make sure you came out on top when the clock struck 0?
Rodney Rogers at 6:13pm ET
We had to make sure everyone played solid defense and rebounded the ball, and we had to slow down Chris Webber - they're a great ball club and you can't sleep on them.
allen clemente from [24.78.149.167], at 6:13pm ET
Hi this is Allen, Rodney. I just wanted to ask you
how you prepare for a playoff game? Do you think about what you are going to do prior to the game? How do you prepare your self mentally?
Rodney Rogers at 6:13pm ET
We have to keep playing tough defense and rebound the ball, we have to keep the outside shooters from getting open looks at the three, try to contain Webber and Vlade inside, and keep Scot Pollard off the boards.
Aman from [24.56.34.211], at 6:14pm ET
First of all i would like to say congratulations on your awesome game.my question is "What do you think the key to beating the kings will be in the rest of this series"? thanks and good luck in the playoffs
Rodney Rogers at 6:14pm ET
We have to keep playing tough defense and rebound the ball, we have to keep the outside shooters from getting open looks at the three, try to contain Webber and Vlade inside, and keep Scot Pollard off the boards.
Kathy from [152.163.213.178], at 6:14pm ET
Do you think we'll see more of an inside game from the Suns in Game 2?
Rodney Rogers at 6:15pm ET
We try to do both. If you play well inside, it opens up things on the outside. We'll take what they give us. Tonight we were able to make the open jump shots, but we'll probably post up a little bit more too.
jon hendricks from [24.221.126.144] at 6:15pm ET
how much of a difference is there between season games vs playoff games
Rodney Rogers at 6:16pm ET
It's totally different. It's like a brand new season where every game counts. Here, you lose three, you go home, where when you lose three in the regular season, you've still got games to play.
John Beiter from [63.224.148.108], at 6:16pm ET
What exactly did Cliff Robinson say to you about what the team needed from you in the playoffs, and did it make a difference in your play?
Rodney Rogers at 6:13pm ET
He said just to go out and play like I'm capable of playing. Just shoot the ball when I'm open and play my game.
marion from [152.163.197.53], at 6:16pm ET
Hey Rodney, Do you think you're going to be the X- factor during the suns run during the playoffs? Good luck during you're series against the kings and through out the playoffs.
Rodney Rogers at 6:13pm ET
I think so. A lot of the guys play off what I do and what I bring to the team. That's what I have to do is get everyone going sometimes.
BillytheKidd from [202.92.89.2], at 6:17pm ET
Rod. Great game today. You were clutch down the stretch.
How intense was the crowd tonight, and how did Skiles practise methods during the week with the speakers prepare you?
Rodney Rogers at 6:17pm ET
It was very intense. That crowd has to be the best in the league by far. You can't call plays out because it's so noisy. They've got great fans.
bob from [152.163.201.204], at 6:18pm ET
how do u maintain your cool during a playoff game, and post up so many big numbers?
Rodney Rogers at 6:18pm ET
It's a game of runs -- you just have to withstand it and keep your cool and make sure you're ready when it's your time. You can't get upset, otherwise you'll lose concentration and hurt your team, and the other team can take advantage of it.
Aloysius from [24.152.1.85], at 6:18pm ET
what you were thinking when you shot that big three with 2:54 left?
Rodney Rogers at 6:19pm ET
I was thinking about winning the ballgame! They'd been leaving me open quite a bit, and coach said if they leave you open, shoot it. So I shot it and knocked it down.
Jigar from [172.136.39.100], at 6:19pm ET
Sacramento Kings are the best home team in the NBA. What was one of the main factors that stopped the Kings to win today?
Rodney Rogers at 6:19pm ET
The main factor was that everyone got down and played defense like we're capable of and forced some turnovers. When we play like that, we normally win.
Sharvil from [205.188.195.52], at 6:19pm ET
A lot of people expected the kings to really excel in the series? After winning the first game today, is there any message that you guys want to send out to all those people?
Rodney Rogers at 6:13pm ET
The main thing is that they know we came here to play. It'll be a tough series, we're not saying we're going to sweep them, we just came here to play hard and leave it all on the floor.
Marius from [194.204.10.113], at 6:20pm ET
Hi there!
What thoughts do you and your teammates have after first game in Sacramento? What should be do better in game 2? Best wishes to you from Estonia.
Rodney Rogers at 6:13pm ET
We just have to tighten up our defense more, take care of the ball -- we had a lot of unnecessary turnovers tonight.
Karla from [63.230.211.154], at 6:21pm ET
What is it like being in the Suns locker room right now?
Rodney Rogers at 6:21pm ET
It's a humble atmosphere -- we know we won the game, but we're not trying to get too high or too low. We just need to stay focused.
Rodney Rogers at 6:13pm ET
Keep watching -- it's going to be a good series. The team that wins will probably need all five games. It's going to be tough.
