Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Scouting Report:
Big Picture:
Teams who take the Suns lightly this year are apt to get burned. Phoenix has jumped out to an impressive 12-3 record and the Suns are once again playing an up-tempo style of offense. Under head coach Alvin Gentry, Phoenix is averaging 110.4 points per game, good for No. 1 in the league. The Suns are successful against average teams but the losses are to the top squads, such as the Magic and Lakers. Questions still surround this Phoenix squad, especially the endurance of Steve Nash and Grant Hill throughout the long NBA season. Fast pace, offensive minded teams will always receive skepticism in its attempts to capture a title. In order to topple the top Western Conference powers, the Suns will have to improve on the defense that allows 105.9 points per game.
The first meeting between the two teams resulted in a 120-112 victory for the Suns. Minnesota struggled to defend the 3-point arc while Phoenix hit 53.8 percent from deep range. The victory lifted the Suns to a 3-0 start and the Wolves dropped to 1-2 on November 1 in Phoenix.
Backcourt:
Nash is such a heady point guard with vast experience at the position that most defenders labor to find a defensive scheme. The former MVP posted a double-double in the victory earlier this month against Minnesota with 14 points and 14 assists. Unfortunately for the Wolves, rookie Jonny Flynn had to ride the pine after he was whistled for two early fouls, just two minutes into the game. Defending Nash is an unsolvable riddle for the opposition. In the half court set, Nash works well off screens and possesses a high-percentage jumper. Nash is most dangerous in the open floor with his ability to create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. The 14-year veteran is chasing a remarkable achievement; Nash could average double-digit assists for the sixth time in his career. This year, he has already recorded two 20-assist games, including 17 against Washington and 16 in the victory against Memphis last night.
Frontcourt:
The Suns feature a nice high-low combination of Channing Frye and Amar’e Stoudemire in the frontcourt. Frye absolutely destroyed Minnesota behind the arc on November 1. Frye drained 6-of-10 3-point attempts on his way to a game-high 25 points. Phoenix saved face by dishing Shaq to the Cavaliers while acquiring the multifaceted Frye. After the first loss, Al Jefferson and the Wolves frontcourt will have to hedge off the pick-and-roll to halt open opportunities from Frye on the 3-point line. Inside the paint, Stoudemire is showing no signs of slowing down following the eye surgery. Stoudemire loves to run the floor and finish high above the rim with authority. He uses natural athleticism to pound the glass against larger opponents on the blocks. Jefferson owns a career double-double average against the Suns but could not find the offensive rhythm on Wednesday night. If Ryan Hollins can duplicate his 19-point performance tonight, the Wolves will benefit greatly in matching the productivity from the Phoenix frontline.
What To Look For:
Head coach Kurt Rambis was not pleased with the intensity or effort from his squad against the Nuggets. To knock off the top dog in the Western Conference, the Wolves will have to dig deep for a post-Thanksgiving victory. The Suns want to push the pace and execute quickly on the fast break. Minnesota hopes for a return to dominance from Jefferson along with strong contributions on the wing, most notably Corey Brewer after his 22-point outburst on Wednesday.
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