Anyone see the game? ESPN2 yesterday, 3pm. First off, it didn't really have the feel of a preseason game at all to me, and an early preseason game at that. Up and down, fast paced action. I was impressed with the Sixers' comeback (I think they were down by 22 at one point) . Looked like they did it without AI on the floor in the end too. Here's what I saw:
(1) Rodney Carney can play. He looks a little thin, needs to put on a few more pounds of muscle, but he was right in the middle of a lot of stuff in the minutes he was out there. Willing to take it strong to the tin, nice touch in close, a few deflections - some pretty good D overall, hit the glass, hit a couple of long 3s including the game winner. What really impressed me the most was his communication out on the court. More than once I saw him yelling to cover, pointing, directing guys. I mean this kid's a rookie. If Iguodala doesn't step up his game to the next level, this kid looks like he's ready to step in and have an impact. Very impressive.
(2) The Suns' ball movement is spectacular. They can get a good, open look EVERY SINGLE TIME it seems. It's totally the trust factor. They all seem to trust one another, it doesn't matter who's taking the shot - Diaw, inside to Amare, Bell, Barbosa, Matrix - They all have total confidence in one another that anyone can put the ball in the net. I know that's how I feel watching them play as a fan. I'd wouldn't be suprised if they went the whole season without taking a forced shot with the shotclock running out. They get good shots not only with Nash, but now even with Banks bringing ball up. He'll slip right into that Eddie House role and do it well. Should bring even more to the table than House did with his D and his penetration. Great pick up.
(3) Marion's Marion. Pound for pound one of if not the best SF in the game for me. If Iguodala turns into 1/2 the player Marion is, the Sixers will be in good shape.
(4) Speaking of Iggy, anyone see that early dunk he threw down coming baseline as Amare tried for the block. Man, this kid's got talent. Hard to pin-point what the hell is holding him back. You really think it's AI jacking up all those shots? Doesn't stop Webber from getting his up. This kid should get 30-35 mins. a night and be the second option for them over Webber. If not Cheeks is nuts. If AI and Webb scale their shot attempts down a little and learn to give this kid a piece of the pie that team could take the next step. With more mins. and more leeway on the offensive end this year, Iggy's whole game might start to come together.
(5) Stoudemire looked fine to me, maybe not as good as he looked in that summer league game against us (Frye playing him soft had a lot to do with that) but good enough. Put-back dunks, dunks off the P&R feeds, boxed out, high for some rebounds. Man, two knee surgeries, one on both knees, and to move and jump like he was out there at this stage. Incredible. And I bet he's only about 80-85 % right now. He looked a little rusty (some turnovers as he tried to make his move, a few offensive fouls) but I think that's just a timing thing. If he makes it all the way back, they're in the finals.
(6) Shavlik Randolph. Man this kid impressed the hell 'outta me yesterday. Boxed out and rebounded like a demon and scored well around the hoop. If he keeps playing like that, he'll make that team and maybe even crack their rotation. Steven Hunter might have to start looking over his shoulder.
Thank God the NBA is back I tell ya!!!!!!!! Especially after my Yankee meltdown.
[Edited by - finestrg on 10-11-2006 10:56 AM]
