Suns Defense Works Wonders
Phoenix was able to hold another star player way under their average
Suns-93
Nets-77
Stoudemire posteriziing Kristic and Kidd for two of his 27 points
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ. (AP) -- Jason Kidd had his worse game of the season thus far against the Phoenix Suns, who defensive efforts continued to glow tonight. The Suns held the New Jersey Nets to 77 points, and star PG Jason Kidd was only able to score 8 points and dish out 2 assists. Steve Nash, who is having a great year, was able to hold Allen Iverson to only 15 points the other night and this could be the new era for a better defensive player in Nash.
Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson did most of the damage to the Suns, but it wasn't enough to overcome a 17-point deficit late in the game. Jefferson and Carter combined for 48 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists. "They are a very athletic duo, and they can do alot damage to you if your not careful. Luckily, we were able to lock down Kidd and our player were able to put up the big numbers that they have been doing," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said after the game.
Amare Stoudemire led the Suns in the scoring and rebounds with 27 points and 12 rebounds. "There was nobody in the post that could guard Amare. He basically had a field day tonight," Suns forward Quentin Richardson said. Nets rookie, Nenard Kristic was guarding Stoudemire the majority of the game, and he didn't do a very good job as Stoudemire shot 12-19 from the field. Kristic was able to put up 9 points and 6 rebounds in the Nets loss.
The Suns were able to start the game off hot for the first time this season as they scored 31 points in the first quarter. "This is something that we have been trying to do since the start of the season. We finally did it and we really needed to have a high score at the beginning of the game to set the tone for us because we know how athletic the Nets backcourt is," Mike D'Antoni stated at the press conference. Phoenix did attend to slow down after that first quarter and shot just 42% from the field in the game and 4-14 from downtown.
Phoenix will host the Chicago Bulls on November 9th after taking a two day break. This will be the Suns 3rd game of their 4 game road trip which they are now 2-0.
GAME NOTES:New Jersey Nets F/C Jason Collins did not play. He was probable before the game with a sprained finger and Lawerence Frank decided to sit him out for the game to keep him from recieving an even worse injury. Lonny Baxter started in Collins placed who scored 5 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 33 minutes of play. The Suns shot 95% from the free throw line which was 20-21. New Jersey only shot 13-21 (61%) from the line.
Box Score
Game Photos
Vince Carter with the one-hand tomahawk jam during the first quarter
Marion showing his athleticism coming from behind the goal to get the layin over Jefferson
Jefferson drawing the foul on Shawn Marion
Quentin Richardson scored 13 points vs. the Nets
Marion going up strong with the two-hand jam early in the 4th quarter
Jason Kidd had a bad night from the field which result in a loss for the Nets