Suns in Disarray Following Suspensions, Death of LB's Mother in Brazil
The Phoenix Suns face off against a suddenly resurgent Sacramento Kings team in California tonight, but they do it without three of their top players.
- Steve Nash (1 game) and Matt Barnes (2 games) are missing tonight's game due to suspensions handed down by the NBA, resulting from their role in the (I wouldn't call it a fight) scuffle earlier this week w/ the Houston Rockets.
- Speedy guard Leandro Barbosa has joined his family in Brazil following the death of his 66-yr old mother, who has been battling pneumonia for the past few weeks.
Of course, the suspension of Nash is questionable considering he didn't really push or punch anyone; he certainly got pushed and manhandled by Rafer Alston (see Nash's neck?). Barnes started the whole thing, so it isn't really surprising to see him missing a couple games, but coupled w/ LB's departure to Brazil, the Suns are suddenly short-handed this evening. We'll see what missing two starters and the 6th man does to a team who is averaging the 4th most points in the league - will they suffer?
So far, Shaq has handled the scoring load for the Suns and they are competing well against the Kings, who have rattled off a string of recent victories since the return of Brad Miller (suspension). While the Kings are certainly no threat in the Pacific Division, they are a hungry basketball team and could take advantage of the Suns small roster.
Amare Stoudemire has struggled in the 1st half, getting in early foul trouble (from a couple dumb plays). Although he has contributed, his minutes will be down on the night, at least until the 4th quarter. Suns fill-in PG Dragic has struggled to find his shot, but is doing a decent job distributing the ball and on defense.