The Phoenix Suns will be without star point guard Eric Bledsoe for the rest of the season after he had surgery on a torn meniscus. It will take some time for the team to adjust to his absence. The San Antonio Spurs, who remain undefeated at home this season, took advantage of a struggling Suns team and grabbed a big win on the second to last day of 2015.
San Antonio was led by Kawhi Leonard who finished the game with 19 points, two assists, and two steals along with LeMarcus Aldridge who had 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and a block. These two are impressive players. As much as Suns fans dislike the Spurs, it is impossible to ignore how talented they are. Fans of basketball in general can appreciate their offensive execution and constant defensive effort. Leonard and Aldridge are two extremely talented players who still have a lot of great years of basketball ahead of them. This is combined with the veteran leadership of guys like Tony Parker, Tim Duncan (who sat out tonight), and Manu Ginobli.
The Suns had to work in some different rotations as backup point guard Ronnie Price was also out for
this game with a sprained toe. This allowed for Archie Goodwin and Bryce Cotton to get some minutes. Goodwin’s play was forced. It is apparent that he is frustrated with his lack of playing time and he is trying to make highlight reel plays every time he touches the ball. Cotton looked a little nervous as this was his first game with the Suns. Goodwin finished with eight points on 2-8 shooting, while Cotton only had two points on 1-6 shooting. It was a rough night for the Suns, but the best thing they can do is have a short memory and completely forget this game as they will face the Thunder tomorrow night.
Brandon Knight is having some issues as the primary ball handler. He looks a bit uncomfortable and tonight he finished with four assists and two turnovers. A 2:1 assist to turnover ratio is not horrible, but it also is not ideal. I’m sure Knight will settle into the role with time.
Which Suns Shone the Brightest?
1. Tyson Chandler – Chandler continues to look more and more like his old self with each game. Tonight he had 11 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. He had a couple nice dunks that normally would have given the team an energy boost. He is still a veteran leader and his presence on the team is important.
2. TJ Warren – Warren is doing all he can to play inspired basketball on a lackadaisical team. He finished with 11 points, two rebounds, a steal, and a block. Right now this team is having some growing pains, but it is looking like Warren could be a big part of the team in the future.
Recent Comments