Suns @ Mavericks game thread 12-18-17

[Mainstreet]

The Suns are going for two wins in a row against the Mavericks who suffered a tough loss to San Antonio after controlling most of the game.

Game time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Arizona time and it will be televised on FSAZ.

The Mavs (8-22) were minutes away from a road victory Saturday at San Antonio before the Spurs went on a 13-0 run to steal a game Dallas controlled throughout. At the same time, the Suns (10-21) earned a rare come-from-behind road win at Minnesota.

Now, Dallas needs a win over the Suns to avoid already a fifth losing streak of at least five games this season, while Phoenix looks to notch consecutive victories for the first time since mid-November.

After the Mavs' gut-punch loss Saturday, coach Rick Carlisle gave the team Sunday off to reflect and recuperate on a loss in which Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker and Danny Green sat out for the Spurs.

Dallas played a fifth consecutive game without rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. because of a strained left hip. Smith, who is averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists a game, is questionable for Monday's game.

http://www.espn.com/nba/preview?gameId=400975199

 

[Hoop Head]

Thought I'd add this here, apparently Dirk says he'll return next season. Read the article where he said that a couple days ago. He's 39 now and will turn 40 in June.

http://www.givemesport.com/1216263-dirk-nowitzki-thinks-he-will-play-another-season-in-the-nba

 

[Adrian]

Go Suns!

 

[Adrian]

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow 3m3 minutes ago
Ulis will start tonight. Chandler as well. Expect Canaan to see majority of minutes at backup point guard

 

[JCSunsfan]

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow 3m3 minutes ago
Ulis will start tonight. Chandler as well. Expect Canaan to see majority of minutes at backup point guard

That is interesting. Mike James, odd man out.

 

[Hoop Head]

Just like the Suns, cut someone so they can make room to sign James and then they don't use him. Not that Jones was a great player but now that move seems real questionable.

We're not using Monroe either.

 

[Phrazbit]

Just like the Suns, cut someone so they can make room to sign James and then they don't use him. Not that Jones was a great player but now that move seems real questionable.

We're not using Monroe either.

I don't at all mind them cycling through easy to acquire guards in the search for a remotely competent one. If we want Jones on the roster we can put him there, we cut him and no one claimed him.

 

[Mainstreet]

I agree it is interesting the Suns are not playing James.

One thought is the Suns want to give Canaan a thorough look-see before the hardship exception expires.

 

[Mainstreet]

An injury update.

Dennis Smith Jr. was listed as questionable coming into the game tonight.

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow


Rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. (hip) is out tonight. Yogi Ferrell to start in his place

4:13 PM - 18 Dec 2017

 

[Mainstreet]

Lots of respect for Dirk Nowitzki. I'm glad he will retire as a Maverick.

 

[Mainstreet]

Now Canaan and Bender off the bench. No mask for Bender tonight.

 

[Mainstreet]

End of 1st quarter.

Suns 25 - Mavericks 22

The Suns play so much better with Canaan at PG. They have to keep him.

 

[devilalum]

Two crappy teams playing a close game just has different feel than two good teams playing a close game.


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[Mainstreet]

Troy Daniels gets an elbow to the face. Not good. However, he goes to the bench. The officials are reviewing the play.

Now Daniels goes to the locker room.

It's called a common foul.

 

[Mainstreet]

Halftime:

Mavericks 50 - Suns 49

Jackson is unbelievably fast to the rim and plays defense. If he figures out the rest of his game he will be so good.

 

[Mainstreet]

Regarding Daniels injury.

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow


Daniels back on the floor for halftime warm-ups. Has cotton stuck up the right nostril but looks like he'll play. We'll see.

6:47 PM - 18 Dec 2017

 

[Mainstreet]

Bender should put the mask back on. He has been quiet tonight.

 

[Mainstreet]

Mavericks 75 - Suns 68 after 3 quarters.

 

[Mainstreet]

A Mike James sighting. He is playing SG alongside Canaan or it's a two PG lineup.

 

[Mainstreet]

Warren, Ulis, Len, Canaan and Daniels all in double digit scoring for the Suns.

 

[Mainstreet]

Canaan so assertive giving the Suns a five point lead with 1:02 left in the game.

Where has he been.

Also I've noticed Canaan has made Len better because he gives him the ball in scoring position.

 

[Mainstreet]

Final:

Suns 97 - Mavericks 91

Canaan played awesome. He had 17 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.

Len had 14 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists.

Warren with 19 points and 5 rebounds.

 

[SirStefan32]

Awesome win! Canaan is playing really well. Bender was quiet, but his two shots were very timely. Great job by Len.

 

[Mainstreet]

Awesome win! Canaan is playing really well. Bender was quiet, but his two shots were very timely. Great job by Len.

Absolutely. The Suns bench was so effective.

Bender was +20, House +10, Len +16, Canaan +26, James + 12 and Daniels +9.

Warren played well but he was a -1.

 

[pokerface]

Awesome win?


Umm...I don't know if a win against the Mavs could be described as awesome. However, the suns did look impressive at times...on both sides of the ball even.


The Mavs are just terrible though...YUCK!