Posts Tagged ‘phoenix suns’

Suns 7 Day Planner

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Coming off back-to-back hard-fought wins over the Kings and Rockets, the Suns (23-13, 2nd in the Pacific Division) begin an Eastern Conference-heavy stretch in their schedule, including a pair of home games against two of the league’s most dynamic guards.

dwayne_wade_miami_heatFriday vs Miami

The Heat (17-16, 3rd in the Atlantic Division) have been up and down this season with many of their losses coming in heartbreaking fashion, including Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Celtics, in which Boston’s Rajon Rondo scored on an alley-oop buzzer-beating layup to force the game into an extra session. Dwayne Wade once again sits near the top of the Association in scoring and is coming off a 44-point effort against the Celtics. Player to watch: Former Suns three-point machine Quentin Richardson, who after bouncing around to four different teams in a calendar year has settled in quite nicely with Miami.

Monday vs Milwaukee

The Bucks (14-18) are often overshadowed in ‘Sconsin by the Green Bay Packers (go Cards!) but rookie point guard and almost-UofA Wildcat Brandon Jennings has breathed new life into a franchise that hasn’t enjoyed much success since Ray Allen, Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson and Sam Cassell led Milwaukee to the playoffs in the early Aughts. Jennings has started all 32 games for the Bucks and leads the team with 19 points and 5.9 assists per game. Player to watch: 7-foot Australian center Andrew Bogut is a matchup nightmare for the Suns.

Wednesday at Indiana

The Pacers (11-23, 5th in the Central Division) are in the running for the top pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, due in large part to key injuries, including All-Star forward Danny Granger, swingman Mike Dunleavy Jr., and top ‘09 draft choice Tyler Hansbrough. This is the first meeting of the year between the two teams, which split last year’s series with each team winning on the other’s home court. Player to watch: A’mare Stoudemire, who scored 49 points in a 113-103 Suns win on Nov. 5, 2008.

Arizona Black Expo at US Airways Center on Jan. 9

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

The Leadership Consortium is teaming up with David Jones of Positive Image Sports, the Phoenix Mercury and the Phoenix Suns to host the ninth-annual Arizona Black Expo at the Casino Arizona Pavilion (lobby) at the US Airways Center in Downtown Phoenix.

The 2010 Arizona Black Expo will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will kick off statewide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday events. US Airways box office admission will be $15.00 per person (Ticketmaster fees apply) and children 12 years or younger will be admitted free.

SunsThis is one of the premier gatherings for the African American community in Arizona. The Expo offers local residents an incredible opportunity to learn about black businesses and network with one another in an exciting, supportive environment. People of all races are encouraged to attend!

The theme of the Arizona Black Expo is: REACHING A NEW GENERATION. Because we recognize the importance of mentoring our youth and the need for sports figures and business leaders to be positive role models for children and their families.

• Please visit my Web site – PhxSoul.com – for more information on Arizona Black Expo tickets. The Arizona Black Expo has stated that the first 150 ONLINE  ticket purchasers will receive ONE (1) free ticket to a future Phoenix Suns game. Free parking is available at US Airways Center. Event organizers are still seeking sponsors and exhibitors! All vendors will receive two (2) tickets to a future Phoenix Suns game.

There are two ways for businesses and organizations to register: By credit card or via PayPal at http://www.regonline.com/2010azblackexpo

For all questions regarding booth or ticket sales and sponsorships, please contact Lynn Stinson at (602) 717-4300 or azblackexpo@yahoo.com.

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.

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.

Your 7-Day Suns Planner

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Last week in this space I discussed the Suns’ schedule, and how much more difficult December’s opponents are collectively than, say, October’s or November’s.

That entry didn’t mention the New York Knicks but perhaps it should have.

December got off to a rocky start for your favorite pro hoops squad as the Suns (14-5) were thoroughly humiliated by Mike D’Antoni’s Knicks 126-99 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Danilo Gallinari, David Lee and Al Harrington dominated Phoenix in the low post and the Suns–held below 100 points for the first time this season–were out-run-and-gunned by their old coach’s new (and far-less talented) team.

tyreke-evansFortunately, there’s no time to mope about Knicks loss because a) the Suns still own one of the NBA’s best records; and b) tonight they visit their old pal Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and the 12-5 Cavaliers. Since opening the season at 0-2 the Cavaliers have ripped off 12 wins in 15 games and once again find themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.  The Suns were swept by Cleveland in last year’s two-game season series with Mo Williams averaging 37 points in the two Cavs victories. Steve Nash has averaged 25 points in his last three games against Cleveland. (Update: The Suns lost 107-90.)

Here’s the rest of the Suns’ week ahead:

Saturday vs Sacramento

At 8-8, the Kings are one of the league’s most pleasantly surprising teams due in large part to rookie point guard Tyreke Evans, who is averaging nearly 18 points and 5 assists a game. If you’re looking for a reason to come down to US Airways Center and see the game in person, Evans stands out on the marquee. He was Rookie of the Month for November and his oversized 6-foot-5 frame, ball-handling skills and court vision remind some of a young Magic Johnson.  

Sunday at Los Angeles Lakers

Ugh. Playing Kobe and Co. at Staples Center is never a good time, as evidenced as recently as Nov. 12 when the Suns were discarded by the Lakers 121-102. This game is significant for a multitude of reasons, none more important than the head-to-head tie-breaker should the two teams end the season tied atop the Pacific Division. It’s a 7:30 p.m. start, which means you might want to head out to a sports bar so you can watch both the Suns and the Cardinals, who host the Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Here’s a list of the best places Downtown to watch a game.

Tuesday at Dallas

It’s always fun when Nash reunites with his BFF Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks but the last time the Suns were in Dallas (April 5) they were fighting for a playoff spot and got blown out on national TV 140-116. Nash loves playing his old team and has averaged 23 points and 11 assists in 26 games (including postseason) since signing with Phoenix but he won’t be the only player on the court facing his old team. Former Suns’ All-Star forward Shawn Marion has found a home with the Mavericks and is averaging 12.7 points a game, third on the team behind Nowitzki (27.2) and Jason Terry (17.8).

Go Suns!

Downtown Phoenix Discounts for ASU community

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

If you ask Downtown ASU students about where they go to hang out many of them will say they stay on campus, but that’s because most of them don’t know about the 60-plus different Downtown local businesses that offer discounts. Most participating restaurants, shops and entertainment venues provide discounts ranging from 10 percent to 20 percent for most businesses as well as other types of discounts.

Sun Card GraphicThe Use It Here Program works with the ASU ID card known as the Sun Card. Although most students know about the ASU currency of Sun Dollars, that is not what this program works with. Instead you can find a list of vendors online and when you get to participating restaurant or store, you’ll see a window decal with Sparky and you should be able to present your ID card at the time of the purchase to receive the discount.

I’ve grown to love these different local businesses and they offer much more than just a corporate restaurant or store. They offer great customer service and a sense of community.

Here are my Top 3 different places to visit if you are Downtown.

1. Bunky Boutique – Owner, Rachel Richards – Malloy is one the sweetest person I’ve met. She is a friendly face at her boutique and that just makes your day when you’re going to get outstanding customer service. Bunky offers some unique and vintage clothes. She not only caters to the female demographic, but also to men. From unique jewelry to home decore and clothes, Bunky has a little bit of everything. She also offers an ASU discount of 15 percent, even on sale items.

Her “In the Yard” event that took place on Saturday, Nov 14 had Bunky Boutique partnered with Phx DYI and The Roosevelt Tavern. The event provided refreshments from the Tavern, booths from local businesses selling different clothing and art items, and gave attendees 20 percent off at Bunky plus giveaways. “In the Yard” showed Rachel’s dedication to ASU and Downtown.

2. Phoenix Suns – U.S. Airways, the home of the Mercury and Suns, is located just minutes away from ASU’s downtown campus and the Suns offer a special discount for the ASU community. Prices for games range from $27-75, depending on where you want to sit. Lexus Club seats are as low as $75 and corner seats are available for as low as $27. The site is updated often and more games will become available, however the discount limits the tickets available so if you want to see your Suns take on the Boston Celtics Dec. 30, get your tickets now!

3. Urban Cookies – “Organic cookies that taste like heaven,” is the best way to describe Urban Cookies. Shaun and Brady Breeze, both born and raised in Phoenix, are the owners of Urban Cookies and use about 95% organic ingredients to make their delicious cookies. From milk chocolate to pineapple coconut and dark chocolate with almonds, these aren’t your average homemade cookies. With a soft center and crunchy rim, these cookies allow you to indulge in a guilty pleasure. They also make cupcakes that were named after their son, Oliver. Another great thing about this family-owned business is that they offer a 20% discount to the ASU community.

Everything is about building a community between these and other Downtown businesses and ASU.

Forecasting the Suns

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

The addition of Channing Frye is just one reason the Suns are looking to return to the playoffs.

As I write this post the Phoenix Suns have just dropped their first game of the year, 122-100 at defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando. Despite last night’s lopsided road loss to a quality opponent, there are numerous reasons to believe that these Suns (4-1) are not only more entertaining than last year’s 46-win version, but far better equipped to compete for a mid-range playoff seed in the highly competitive Western Conference.

*University of Arizona product Channing Frye gives the team a low-post shot-blocker who can run the floor and shoot threes (he’s made an astonishing 15-of-22 from behind the arc to lead the team in both attempts and makes).

*Goran Dragic appears capable of providing 15-20 solid minutes a game at point guard in relief of Steve Nash. Last season, the team couldn’t afford to let Nash and his perpetually bad back rest for any extended minutes and the All-Star point guard’s fourth-quarter performance suffered.

*The Suns’ best offseason addition was one by subtraction. Dealing Shaquille O’Neal to Cleveland rid the team of some star appeal, sure, but it also allowed the Suns to return to their run-and-gun roots. With O’Neal clogging up the middle, the Suns’ offense sputtered without the benefit of improved defense, which was why President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr sent Shawn Marion to Miami in exchange for O’Neal in the first place. I miss Shaq’s goofball antics and clever sound bites, but I don’t miss his inability to guard a pick-and-roll.

*Amare Stoudemire wants to get paid. It’s no secret that the Suns’ star forward wants a contract extension, and the Suns played their cards with the precision of poker star Phil Ivey in making Stoudemire prove his worth, attitude and commitment before rewarding him.

*Alvin Gentry isn’t Mike D’Antoni, and that’s not a bad thing. Advanced as D’Antoni’s offensive schemes were, he was incurably stubborn when it came to extending his bench. Whereas D’Antoni routinely played 6-7 players the entire game, Gentry has 7 guys averaging 20-plus minutes a game with Louis Amundson playing 18, Dragic getting 15, and rookie Earl Clark’s minutes expected to grow as the season progresses. And Gentry deserves credit for extending the bench without sacrificing offense. The Suns are still averaging 111 points per game, which is second only to Denver and six points better than D’Antoni’s Knicks.

Although it’s only early November, it’s safe to say we’ll know more about the strength and character of this team once it completes this brutal East Coast road trip (which includes dates at Boston, Washington and Philadelphia) and returns to US Airways Center Nov. 11 to play New Orleans. It’s not delusional to project that the Suns will carry a 7-2 record, not to mention a pronounced swagger, into Los Angeles on Nov. 12 to take on the arch-nemesis Lakers.

By then, you can bet that Downtown Phoenix will have taken on a noticeable orange tint.

Signs of Promise in the Phoenix Suns

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

SunsWhen the Suns take the court this Friday in Downtown Phoenix to face the 76’ers for their fourth pre-season game in over two weeks, it will be without center Robin Lopez. As some ponder if it’s too early to open the roster to another big man to fill Lopez’s shoes, I say give it time. With the absence of Shaq, this Suns team is ripe for a return to the run and gun days of yore – or perhaps some resemblance thereof.

The starting line-up alone gives reason to be hopeful for what may prove to be a promising season.  While the overall shooting at last Saturday’s stand in Indian Wells was a dismal 40 percent, the starting unit bolted off to a 27-14 lead with five steals, 12 fast-break points and two 3-pointers before the reserves toned it down. But the bench power went on to make up for it on the back-end going toe-to-toe with Golden State’s starting line-up…only to finish short.

Locally, there appears to be a latent demand for Suns news, as if fans were eagerly awaiting critical news regarding their locker room configurations. Me? I’m more hopeful to catch a glimpse of that spark…that desire to win given the odds…and perhaps a season so deserving of fans whose perseverance through good and bad years come with higher than expected loyalty given this expansion team town. Either way, I’ll be rooting for them as I have in years past and searching for more signs of promise.