By Josh Greene, Suns.com
Posted: Nov. 3, 2010
Not even a team-high 21 points from Jason Richardson could help the Suns pick up where they left off in Wednesday’s Western Conference Semifinals rematch from a season ago, as the Suns fell to San Antonio, 112-110, at US Airways Center.
Hitting 8-of-18 from the field, including 3-of-7 from long range, the Suns’ shooting guard tallied his fourth-straight double-digit scoring effort to open the season to go along with three boards, two assists and two steals. He scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half in a game that saw 23 lead changes.
“We've just got to keep our heads up,” J-Rich said. “We know this is not a sprint. It’s a marathon, and it’s a long season. We still got 70-something games left. Nobody’s got their head down. It’s early (yet). We’ve got a long way to go, and every game we get better.”
The loss dropped Phoenix to 1-3 on the young season and also marked the team’s first consecutive home losses since last December.
Hakim Warrick came off the bench for a second unit-high 19 points and his third double-digit scoring performance in four games. Steve Nash also had 19 points, while Grant Hill finished with 15.
“It’s still early in the season,” Richardson added, “and guys have to get used to playing with each other. We have to communicate a little bit more on the court. Other than that, we played pretty well.”
SILER SIGHTING
As Hakim Warrick called it after the game, “Put it in the book; It’s official.”
Rookie Garret Siler made his NBA debut Wednesday, tallying two blocks, one board and one point in just under seven minutes of action.
“I didn’t think about it until I was out there a few seconds,” the center told Suns.com, “but, man, I’ve been running hard and the guys have been telling me to keep working hard and good things will happen. And that meant good minutes. I just wanted to get into the flow – the same thing I do during practice. Work hard there and you’ll see the court.”
POPOVICH ON TURKOGLU
Even though he only coached him for one season, Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich remembers Hedo Turkoglu well. The forward averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 80 games back in 2003-04.
“Hedo’s a perfect fit,” said Popovich about No. 19 coming to Phoenix. “This style suits him perfectly. He understands how to play this way, and he does it well. He’s a great pick-and-roll player and a great shooter. He can handle. He can pass. He’ll work out well here.”
BENDER FAMILY GOES HOLLYWOOD
It’s virtually impossible to find FS Arizona’s Suns play-by-play man Gary Bender without a smile on a gamenight. It’s even rarer to find him without one when talking about his 10-year-old granddaughter and budding actress.
Landry Bender will make her feature film debut next July in “The Sitter,” starring Jonah Hill. And grandpa couldn’t be happier.
“The premise is Jonah is going to babysit his sister’s kids,” the broadcaster told Suns.com. “My granddaughter is one of three kids who will raise all kinds of havoc. He’s trying the best he can to keep them under control.
“Jonah told the family that Landry was one of the most talented little girls he’s ever worked with.”
Already a veteran in front of the camera thanks to a few commercial roles, Ms. Bender is well versed to the Hollywood routine.
“She lives in Beverly Hills and auditions,” he added. “She has a coach and an agent. She’s done a lot of stuff, but this is really amazing. She tells me, ‘It’s so much fun, papa.’”