Posts Tagged ‘Kevin Durant’

7 Day Suns Planner

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

The Suns (18-10) look to circle the wagons after suffering their first home loss in nine months Monday night to Shaq, LeBron and the Cavaliers. A home date with the mighty Lakers looms but the team’s tough December schedule eases up just a bit in the week to come.

DurantWednesday vs. Thunder

If you want to get a peek at the future of the NBA, come down to US Airways to watch Thunder swingman Kevin Durant. The third-year pro out of Texas is the league’s fourth-leading scorer at 27 points per game and has the upstart Thunder (13-13) in position to contend for a playoff spot. Player to watch: Durant, who in addition to carrying the scoring load, leads Oklahoma City in rebounding and steals.

Friday vs. Clippers

Santa’s gift to the Suns? A home game with the Clippers (12-15). The other team that plays at Staples Center is still without overall No. 1 draft pick Blake Griffin but does boast a formidable starting five, including All-Star Baron Davis, second-year shooting guard Eric Gordon, and All-Defensive Team center Marcus Camby. Player to watch: Sasquatch-like Chris Kaman, who is averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds per contest. 

Saturday at Golden State

Like scoring? Then tune as the Suns run and gun with the shoot-first, ask questions later Warriors (7-19). Monta Ellis (averaging 24 points a game) needs some help if Golden State is going to get back to the playoff status is enjoyed two seasons ago when it surprised the NBA by ousting the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. The Suns beat the Warriors 123-101 on Oct. 30 behind 24 points from currently injured Leandro Barbosa and six 3-pointers from Channing Frye. Player to watch: Warriors’ rookie shooting guard Stephen Curry, who scored a career-high 27 points Dec. 19 in a loss to Washingon.

Monday vs. Lakers

The Suns will look to gain some ground in the standings against Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles (22-4), which sports the top record, deepest roster, and best player (Kobe Bryant) in all the land. ESPN will be in town for this one so make sure you head Downtown to suck up the excitement. Player to watch: Bryant, who has two of four game-winning buzzer-beaters in the NBA this season.

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7 Day Suns Planner

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

The Suns (17-8, 2nd in the Pacific Division) continue their pilgrimage through a brutal December schedule this week, with pivotal matchups against an Eastern Conference titan and a pair of up-and-coming teams led by budding superstars.

Thursday at Portland

The Suns travel up to Portland’s intimate (read: high school gym-like) Rose Garden to tangle with the Trailblazers in another showcase game on ESPN (8:30 tip). Let’s hope the World Wide Leader is a good-luck charm. Playing on ESPN last Friday, the Suns notched a signature 106-103 win over Eastern Conference heavy Orlando. The Blazers (15-11, 3rd in the Northwest Division)  started the season hot before losing center Greg Oden to season-ending injury. Portland has since dropped three of five games, including losses at New York (the Suns can certainly empathize), at Cleveland, and at Milwaukee. Player to watch: Blazers All-Star guard Brandon Roy is averaging 21 points a game.  

LeBronSaturday vs Washington

The Wizards (7-16, 5th in the Southeast Division) are coming off a 112-109 loss at Sacramento and are struggling so mightily that fans are being enlisted to help coach. Phoenix won 102-90 at Washington back on Nov. 8 behind 22 points from Jason Richardson and 17 assists from Steve Nash. Wiz coach Flip Saunders’ seat keeps getting hotter and hotter as Washington flops and flails despite having three All-Stars (Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas) on the roster.  This is a game the Suns–who sport an unblemished 9-0 record at US Airways Center–absolutely must win. Player to watch: A’mare Stoudemire, who had 28 points and 14 rebounds in Tuesday’s 116-104 win over the much-hated Spurs.

Monday vs Cleveland

There are big games, and then there are BIG GAMES. Monday’s date with the Cavaliers (19-7, 1st in the Central Division) would fall into the latter category. Not only is it the only scheduled visit from former Suns center Shaquille O’Neal and a certain global icon named LeBron James, but it’s an opportunity for the Suns to exact a bit of revenge on the Cavs two weeks after getting throttled 107-90 in Cleveland on Dec. 2. Plus, a win would give the Suns a victory over each of the Eastern Conference’s Pantheon of elite teams (Orlando, Boston and Cleveland). Player to watch: O’Neal’s return to the desert is fun and all, but James is an electrifying once-in-a-generation player.

Wednesday vs Oklahoma City

No matter what happens against the Cavaliers, the Suns would be well advised to regain their focus quickly before lacing up against the Thunder (12-12, 4th in the Northwest Division). Led by third-year swingman Kevin Durant, who leads the team in points (27.8), rebound (7.1), steals (1.7) and appearances on SportsCenter (nightly), the Thunder also employs an electrifying second-year point guard in Russell Westbrook, who ASU fans might remember from his days with UCLA. Player to watch: Durant, who is fourth in the NBA in scoring behind Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

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