Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves @ Suns 9 PM - US Airways Center
WHERE TO WATCH: FSNORTH
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN 1130
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Big Picture:
Analysts continue to debate the value of a fast break offense, similar to Phoenix or Golden State's seven seconds or less style. With future Hall of Famer Steve Nash fueling the engine, the Suns run a high-powered offense in search of postseason success. Phoenix weathered the trade storm that surrounded big man Amar'e Stoudemire and the squad has new focus on moving up the Western Conference standings. At 41-26, the Suns sit at No. 6 in the west, one game behind Oklahoma City. The team is in the midst of a seven-game homestand while winning seven of its last ten games. On Sunday night, Phoenix bounced back from a loss to the top seeded Lakers by cruising to a 14-point victory over New Orleans.
Last Meeting:
The Suns own a 2-0 season series advantage on the Wolves with both contests taking place in November. Two days after Thanksgiving, Phoenix waltzed into the Target Center for a dominating 120-95 win past Minnesota.
Backcourt:
There are no signs that Nash is slowing down, even at the ripe of age of 36. Nash is tied with Chris Paul for the No. 1 ranking in assists at 11.2 per game. The 13-year veteran runs a dangerous up tempo offense, finding streaking Suns down the floor or pulling up for transition buckets. His field goal percentage has increased to 50.7, including 41.6 percent behind the arc. In his last meeting against Minnesota, Nash dished out 11 dimes in 27 minutes as he received help from Leandro Barbosa and Goran Dragic off the bench. For the Wolves, rookie Jonny Flynn turned in a solid performance with 18 points on 5-for-13 shooting and six assists. The Minnesota point guard was rewarded for his attempt to reach the lane by draining 6-of-6 at the charity stripe. Examining point guard play in the last matchup, Ramon Sessions posted one of his best games of the season, recording 23 points while joining the Wolves second unit.
Frontcourt:
Phoenix head coach Alvin Gentry adjusted the starting lineup since the two teams met in November. Center Channing Frye is coming off the pine while Robin Lopez now runs with the starters. Lopez is more of a traditional center than Frye, which allows Gentry to place a seven-footer next to Stoudemire in the paint. With the protection that Lopez provides, Stoudemire is on an absolute tear since all the trade chatter last month. After returning from the All-Star break, Stoudemire has scored 30-plus points seven times and in the last seven games he is averaging 30.7 points, 11 rebounds with 11.6 trips to the free throw line. The athletic forward/center might be riding the wave of motivation heading into free agency this summer. Historically, Al Jefferson has played terrific basketball against the Suns and this season he is averaging 20.5 points in the two games. Minnesota needs Jefferson to dominate on the blocks, especially when the team attempts to score within the half court offense. Defensively, Big Al and the Wolves frontline will have to prepare for a track meet against the opposing frontcourt players, who look for easy scoring opportunities by sprinting down the court following errant shots.
What To Look For:
Good news out of the Minnesota practice session on Monday afternoon. Kevin Love and Darko Milicic returned to workout with the team and expect to play tonight in Phoenix. Milicic was a late scratch from the starting lineup on Sunday night due to illness and Love has missed the past two games with a mid-foot sprain. The Wolves face a difficult challenge as the Suns boast an 18-1 mark when scoring 110 points or more at home, where they hold a 27-6 record at U.S. Airways Center.
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