Jonah Ballow
Wolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves @ Suns 7 PM - US Airways Center
WHERE TO WATCH: FS NORTH
WHERE TO LISTEN: KOOL 108 FM

Scouting Report:
Big Picture:
The run-and-gun offense returned to Phoenix when general manager Steve Kerr decided to re-sign head coach Alvin Gentry. Now the Suns face the challenge of outscoring opponents with an aging Steve Nash. The 35-year old former MVP can still post big numbers but the wear and tear might begin to show this season. Last year, Phoenix finished with a 46-36 record, a substantial 9-game drop from 2007-08. The Suns narrowly defeated the Clippers on Wednesday night and then clobbered Golden State 123-101 two days ago. With a 5-game road trip on the horizon, Phoenix will be motivated to remain undefeated against Minnesota tonight.

Backcourt:
Nash is a masterful point guard despite the above comments about his increasing age and possible declining abilities. On Friday night, Nash recorded 20 dimes for the sixth time in his illustrious career. Rookie Jonny Flynn should grab his pencil and paper to take notes tonight while defending Nash. He is the perfect director for the Phoenix high-paced offense. Nash loves to operate in the open floor, finding teammates to finish at the rim or spotting up behind the arc. There is really no easy defensive answer for Nash. The Wolves backcourt will find success by pressuring Nash and make him work on the defensive side of the court. At the shooting guard spot, the speedster, Leandro Barbosa starts for Phoenix. After several years as the sixth man, Barbosa is now a critical piece of the prolific Suns offense. Corey Brewer recorded three steals in the Cleveland game and Minnesota will count on his on-the-ball defense tonight.

Frontcourt:
Suns forward Amar’e Stoudemire is sporting a different look this year. The high-flyer must wear goggles to protect his surgically repaired retina. Stoudemire may have confronted his most difficult challenge off the court by suffering through a 10-day stretch where he had to lay face down for 22 hours a day. Phoenix needs a healthy Stoudemire to contribute points in the paint and easy buckets on the fast break. For Minnesota, a game against the Suns might be the perfect recipe for a struggling Al Jefferson. In the past six games, Jefferson has averaged 28.7 points and 15 boards when facing Phoenix. Jefferson seems to be searching for his offensive rhythm and conditioning after dealing with Achilles tendonitis during the preseason.

What To Look For:
The 1-1 Wolves need to increase their shooting percentage from the floor and 3-point line in order to keep up with the explosive Suns. Minnesota is only scoring 91 points a game while trying to learn a complicated offensive scheme. Phoenix does not pose too much of a defensive threat, so the Wolves should take advantage of their scrappy play as seen in the victory over New Jersey on opening night. The game tonight also offers another learning experience for this young squad in the first road contest of the year.

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