Stoudemire’s 20-20 leads Suns past Jazz

Every now and then it happens that Suns Nation has a chance to watch Amaré Stoudemire at his finest. And what a show it was ! It was simply “just beautiful to see” like Steve Nash said after the game. 

Consistency is the key for Stoudemire, not in his numbers that are more or less very good every night, but in his effort and desire. That is what separates STAT from the group of players he thinks he belongs to: KG, LeBron, Kobe, Wade, Paul…come out every night ready to fight.

Well, Saturday night Stoudemire (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) scored 22 points and grabbed 20 rebounds, including 11 on offense, to lead the Suns past the Jazz 106-104.

Coach Porter hailed his team effort in his postgame quotes: “I’m very pleased about the win. I think our guys played with a lot of heart, a lot of passion“. The Suns responded well to the losing streak and erased, at least for the night, the “flat and lifeless” image of the past few weeks.

Finally the Suns scored 100 points in December (I can’t believe I am writing this on the Suns even if it’s just 3 games), but you know, it’s the new system.

The game was very close from start to finish, it featured 16 lead changes and 17 occasions where the teams were tied. Leandrinho (25 excellent points, 10-for-10 on free throws) put the Suns ahead with 3 minutes to go with a 3-pointer and a couple of free throws, while Deron Williams missed a 3-pointer on the buzzer for the win.  

Shaq had a solid game (15 and 10), Nash contributed 12 points and 9 assists for the Suns that featured 6 players in double figures and outrebounded the Jazz 54-37. The Suns lost the basketball the scary “average” 17 times but they controlled the boards and eventually the game.

Of course it was of great help the Jazz were playing without Carlos Boozer. Utah had 20 points each from Mislap and Okur, while Deron Williams had 15 points and 15 assists.

Phoenix (12-9) snapped the 4-game losing streak and will now host the Bucks with a little more pressure on Tuesday night (7 PM).

Have a great Sunday !  

Yours truly, Steve Fan

 

 

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