Suns basketball is back. Phoenix will face Utah at 5 p.m. PST in the first of three scrimmages in Orlando, the next step in the Suns’ ramp up for their eight seeding games that begin July 31.
Since I’m not inside the bubble, let’s have a responsible, socially distanced, virtual party while watching on television. Bring your comments and questions. Jokes are welcome, too.
My only request: keep the conversation civil. No profanity or vulgar language. No personal attacks. No trolling. If I deem something inappropriate or harmful, I’ll remove it and/or ban you from making further comments.
Thanks for joining, everybody! Not sure if I'll do this for the next two scrimmages, but definitely for the seeding games. Really appreciate your support!
First-half thoughts I just posted to Twitter: Booker (10 pts) looked like Booker. Bridges (9 pts, 4 rebs) was aggressive. Couple nice moments for newcomer Cam Payne. Jerome looked hesitant a starting PG, but hit a sweet pull-up just before the buzzer. Biggest negative: 2-of-12 from 3.
Some nuggets from Monty Williams' pregame availability:
* Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre Jr. will NOT play in tonight's scrimmage. Rookie Ty Jerome will start at point guard. Here's what Williams said he wants to see from Jerome tonight:
"Just want to see him improve. Manage the game. I think Pop (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) said it best in talking about his young players on his team -- you want to see them take the information, and take the good stuff that they've done in practice, and have some carry-over in the game. I think that goes for all our young guys."
* When asked what he noticed while watching yesterday's scrimmages, Williams pointed to "a lot of zone" defense in the Washington/Denver game (the Wizards' are the Suns' first opponent in the seeding games). He added the no-fans atmosphere was "a bit different," highlighting the vast spacing under the basket. And some coaches went with platoon subs, while others used more traditional sub patterns.
K. Ray's continuous advertising of Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers reminds me I need to figure out what to do for dinner after this! One would think I'd be better at this quarantining thing by now.
Anybody been watching Lakers-Mavs? They're pumping in artificial crowd noise. Wonder if that's just the Lakers' broadcast or if that'll be consistent across games moving forward. I'd rather hear the actual natural sounds (aka the trash talk)
Was wondering - what is this room they are playing in normally used for? Is it a large conference room/ballroom of some sort? Or is it an actual mini-arena?
Did you watch the zoom session nuggets broadcast? I really enjoyed that for a little while. Be fun to have that option for the Tim’s and Lindsey smith doing cut ins
Seen a lot from Bridges so far: Strong and-1 finish, leading the break, nice pass to Ayton for the jumper.
Thanks for joining, everybody! Not sure if I'll do this for the next two scrimmages, but definitely for the seeding games. Really appreciate your support!
First-half thoughts I just posted to Twitter: Booker (10 pts) looked like Booker. Bridges (9 pts, 4 rebs) was aggressive. Couple nice moments for newcomer Cam Payne. Jerome looked hesitant a starting PG, but hit a sweet pull-up just before the buzzer. Biggest negative: 2-of-12 from 3.
Some nuggets from Monty Williams' pregame availability:
* Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre Jr. will NOT play in tonight's scrimmage. Rookie Ty Jerome will start at point guard. Here's what Williams said he wants to see from Jerome tonight:
"Just want to see him improve. Manage the game. I think Pop (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) said it best in talking about his young players on his team -- you want to see them take the information, and take the good stuff that they've done in practice, and have some carry-over in the game. I think that goes for all our young guys."
* When asked what he noticed while watching yesterday's scrimmages, Williams pointed to "a lot of zone" defense in the Washington/Denver game (the Wizards' are the Suns' first opponent in the seeding games). He added the no-fans atmosphere was "a bit different," highlighting the vast spacing under the basket. And some coaches went with platoon subs, while others used more traditional sub patterns.
In case you missed this morning's piece, here are some lineup questions and possibilities I'll be tracking tonight: https://valleytales.substack.com/p/3-rotation-elements-to-watch-during
Book looks like Book.
K. Ray's continuous advertising of Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers reminds me I need to figure out what to do for dinner after this! One would think I'd be better at this quarantining thing by now.
A double-digit lead that has evaporated...stop me if you've seen this before.
Suns are 2-of-10 from 3 so far. Only real negative one can say about the first half.
That and-1 drive by Dario got a head nod from Oubre.
Another interesting lineup: Payne-Carter-Johnson-Dario-Kaminsky.
Anybody been watching Lakers-Mavs? They're pumping in artificial crowd noise. Wonder if that's just the Lakers' broadcast or if that'll be consistent across games moving forward. I'd rather hear the actual natural sounds (aka the trash talk)
Excited to see Cam Johnson and how his shot looks after bulking up a bit
Nice ... hope to do this virtual watch party for more games!
It's only one game, but Cam Payne has been really solid on both offense and defense.
Payne will be backup pg!
Big 3 for Cam!
Good to see Saric attacks the rim when he’s 3s is not falling
Omigosh I think K Ray and EJ are getting paid each time they talk about the new arena 🙄🙄. Too many times already for me
Ayton birthday gift to himself!!
Every time I see Ayton shoot a fall-away jumper, I want to throw my shoe at the screen.
Let's keep an eye out for Mitchell to see if he will even pass to Gobert
Stay safe, everyone! Nite!
W
Good first half for the suns
Payne looks good.
Loving these Mikal Bridges looks on offense!!
Go Suns! So glad to see them back! Can't wait to see the development of DA, Mikal, and Cam!
Interested to see how Cameron Payne looks tonight, but I’m happy to see Ty Jerome have some faith from the coaching staff
Now that I remember I thnk the suns were looking at Payne in that draft year
ngl the new arena makeover looks sick
All things considered, not a bad first outing if they hang on to a decent win. Looking forward to your report, Gina.
Was wondering - what is this room they are playing in normally used for? Is it a large conference room/ballroom of some sort? Or is it an actual mini-arena?
Nice finish to the quarter at least by Payne
I like the camera angles they're using. It's not as angled as it normally is and gives it a different feel.
Ty Jerome still looks completely overmatched in all aspects of his game.
I would much rather Ayton focus on dominating inside than shooting any 3s.
It is SO nice to have basketball back again! It's interesting to see the different line-ups and how they interact. I want to see DA toss a 3!
EJ in good form with his comments!
That looked like a bad splits for Booker - hope he isn't hurt.
Is the suns playing good d or Jazz is just not shooting well?
Cam needs to work on shots that fit his skill set a bit better
Frank’s back!
It's great to see Cam out there again, it's been so long since he's played. Maybe we will get Frank too. Injuries healing over the break
THICC CAM
I really hope we can make Glue Alcindor happen as a Bridges nickname
Suns gonna get it done tonight?!
Did you watch the zoom session nuggets broadcast? I really enjoyed that for a little while. Be fun to have that option for the Tim’s and Lindsey smith doing cut ins
Watched Pelicans Nets game last night and they used canned crowd noise too. It wasn't too loud and I didn't notice it after awhile.
I wonder if each "arena" has employed a group to handle that. Maybe it will improve with experience.
Can’t wait to see the Valley Boyz back in action! Let’s get this W!
Let's Go Suns!!