Markieff Morris scores 26 and achieves a double-double: Isiah Thomas adds 19 off the bench and Eric Bledsoe has a double-double to lead Suns to win over Bucks

The Pacific Division Western Conference NBA Team the Phoenix Suns are playing solid basketball this year.  Entering the game with a 20-16 record, and sitting in the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference, the Phoenix Suns if they can keep it up have the chance to make the playoffs this year. Last night the Phoenix Suns went into the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin, to take on the 18-17 sixth seeded Eastern Conference Milwaukee Bucks.  This game was crazy and close as no team had more than a ten point lead in this game.  In the end the Phoenix Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 102-96.   Kansas drafted forward Markieff Morris lead the way for the Suns with a double-double by scoring 26 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.  Sixth man point guard Isaiah Thomas scored 19 points and 4 rebounds.  Goran Dragic scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Eric Bledsoe also added a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists.   Here are the statistics for each team.

The Rise of the Phoenix Suns: Off to a 9-5 start

The Pacific Division in the Western Conference is interesting this year.  Four of the five teams are playing .500 ball or better.  Here are what the standings look like right now for the Pacific Division

Team ,     Record,    Games Back,       Winning Percentage

Golden State Warriors- 9-2  -    . 818
Phoenix Suns-  9-5  1 1/2 GB  . 643
L.A. Clippers- 7-4   2 GB    . 636
Sacramento Kings- 8-5  2 GB  . 615
L.A. Lakers -  3-10   7 GB - .231


The Phoenix Suns if were in the Eastern Conference would have made the playoffs last year.  This year I feel they are hungry to get to the Playoffs.   I personally wasn't sure how the three guard rotation of Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas was going to work. So far I'm finding it to work out really well.  The Phoenix Suns improved to 9-5 with a 106-83 win over the Indiana Pacers.  Gerald Green lead the way for the Suns with 23 points.  Isaiah Thomas added 16 points, Markieff Morris scored 13. Here are the stats for each team.


Phoenix Suns Top 5 Scorers

Gerald Green- 23 points, 3 assists, 2 assists, 8/15 FG, 5/9 3PTFG, 2/3 FT
Isaiah Thomas- 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5/11 FG, 2/5 3PTFG, 4/4 FT
Markieff Morris- 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, 5/8 FG, 3/3 FT
Goran Dragic- 11 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 5/12 FG, 1/4 3PTFG
Anthony Tolliver- 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3/7 FG, 3/7 3PTFG, 2/2 FT


Indiana Pacers Top 5 Scorers

Rodney Stuckey- 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3/10 FG, 7/8 FT, 1/3 3PTFG,,
Solomon Hill- 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 6/13 FG, 1/4 3PTFG,
Ian Mahinmi- 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, 5/8 FG, 2/4 FT,
Chris Copeland- 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3/9 FG, 2/6 3PTFG
Donald Sloan- 8 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 3/12 FG, 2/4 3PTFG

Phoenix Suns Stats

Team Field Goal Percentage- 44%
Team Three Point Percentage- 38%
Team Free Throw Percentage- 90% (18-20)
Team Rebounds- 51- 38 Defensive- 13  Offensive
Team Assists- 17
Team Steals- 10
Team Turnovers- 12
Team Blocks- 4


Indiana Pacers Stats
Team Field Goal Percentage- 36%
Team Three Point Percentage-  30%
Team Free Throw Percentage- 70%
Team Rebounds- 47  - 32 Defensive, 15 Offensive
Team Assists- 18
Team Steals- 9
Team Turnovers- 14
Team Blocks- 5

This team has a lot of depth in the back court (Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Isaiah Thomas, Zoran Dragic, Tyler Ennis, Archie Goodwin).  I think that one or two of those guys could be traded at the deadline to bring in some depth at the 4 or 5 positions. I could be wrong.  Jeff Hornacek has done a great job as a coach last year, and off to a good start this year.  While I know I'm writing an article about the Suns in this post, I do feel bad for Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert , because he had to leave midway through the first quarter suffering a left sprained ankle.  Hibbert played 7 minutes and scored 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block.  What are your thoughts on the season of the Phoenix Suns so far?  Where would you like to see them improve?  Do you have any memories you'd like to share about Phoenix Suns whether watching on TV or being at the games?  If you do, send me your comments.  Thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land. On the left side of my blog you will see all 30 professional basketball teams in alphabetical order.  You can purchase there merchandise.   I also will in some of my articles put products at the end of my posts, so you can have the chance as a Suns fan and a reader of my blog to purchase some of their merchandise if you want. I do that because I want to provide the ultimate experience of being a fan of the NBA and the Phoenix Suns. I appreciate you reading my blog.


Phoenix Suns Merchandise  ( $20 or less)

30 Days 30 Grades: Day 24 The Phoenix Suns Off-season grade

Welcome to day 24 of my 30 day blog series titled "30 Days 30 Grades".  20 percent left of this blog series to go.  Today I am going to talk about Pacific Division NBA Team Phoenix Suns.  Here are the four things I'm going to do , 1)  Give my Phoenix Suns off-season grade,  2)  Give a list of Suns players added to the roster whether it be through draft, trade, free agency or claimed off of waivers,  3) Give a list of Phoenix players subtracted from the roster, and finally 4) I will give the reason or reasons why I give the Suns the grade I given them.



Phoenix Suns Off-Season Grade:  C




Phoenix Suns Players Added:  TJ Warren, Tyler Ennis, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Alec Brown, Anthony Tolliver, Isaiah Thomas

Phoenix Suns Players Subtracted:  Channing Frye, Alex Oriakhi, Ish Smith, Dionte Christmas

2014 NBA Draft: Phoenix Suns top 3 players to target with the 14th, 18th and 27th pick.

On Thursday Night the Phoenix Suns will have three first round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.  What players do you believe they should take with the 14th, 18th and 27th picks?   I have three players with each of those picks they should target.  Send me your comments on what you think about my choices.  Please understand I don't know as much about college basketball as I do the pros.



Top 3 Players to target with the 14th pick

1. Adreian Payne-   Could start out on the bench coming in for Channing Frye.  You never know Payne could be a starting power forward for the Pacific Division Western Conference Phoenix Suns.  Having a guy who can shoot three's at the 4, and works on his game would be a blessing for the Suns.  Good leader for this team. 
2. Doug McDermott-  The Creighton small forward can flat out score.  McDermott the 6 foot 7 small forward has good leadership, a good jumpshot and high intangibles.  My only knock on Doug McBuckets is his defense.  Reminds of a Kyle Korver.  I think could be a great starter or sixth man. 
3. Shabazz Napier-  Napier has good leadership, can score and distribute the ball, very NBA ready and is a good shooter.  Would be a nice backup point guard to Goran Dragic or Eric Bledsoe depending on who the Suns start at the point guard spot.  Do you think Napier would be a reach with the 14th pick?  Would you take him?  He would add more fire power to the Suns bench.  What are your thoughts on my choices with the 14th pick?

Top 3 Players to target with the 18th pick

1. Tyler Ennis-  If you don't select Napier or another point guard, having a pass first point guard who pays attention to detail, and is very little turnover prone would be incredible to have with the 18th pick.  Could be a good backup on the bench to run the offense.  Would you take Ennis with the 18th pick?
2. Cleanthony Early-  The combo forward could add some more scoring power off the bench.  Early is a good free throw shooter and has a good midrange game. 
3. TJ Warren-  Warren works hard on both ends of the floor.  Warren has good awareness at finding gaps in the opposing teams defense, and can knock down deep midrange jumpers.  If Ennis and Early are off the board, I would see no problem with the Suns selecting Warren.  Warren could be a great backup or possibly even a starter. How would you feel if the Suns selected Warren with the 18th pick?

Top 3 Players to target with the 27th pick

1. Jusuf Nurkic-  Nurkic is a 6 foot 11 center who has a lot of strength, and is unafraid of contact. He may rely too much on strength, but would be aggressive at attacking the basket.  Nurkic is a good rebounder and a good jumpshooter.  Nurkic could be a good backup big man.  You need back up big men if your team gets into foul trouble.   I think Nurkic would be good with the 27th pick, do you agree?
2. KJ McDaniels-  McDaniels is a 6 foot 6 small forward, who has good athleticism and a good defender.  Would be a nice player to have on the defensive end .  Would you take McDaniels with the 27th pick?
3. Markel Brown-  Brown is a 6 foot 4 shooting guard out of Oklahoma State who is very quick, has incredible athletic skills, a good jumpshot and a good on ball defender.  Adding some defenders I think would be great for this team.  Brown could be a good scorer off the bench. Maybe even a 6th man.  Would you take the 6 foot 4 shooting guard Markel Brown with the 27th pick? 

Markieff Morris scores 25: Bledsoe adds 21 to lead Suns to win over T-Wolves

In the first quarter the Minnesota Timberwolves scored 41 points. I love the T-Wolves. My problem with Minnesota is they don't finish well in the fourth quarter. Yesterday the Phoenix Suns defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-120. Markieff Morris lead the way for the Phoenix Suns with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, had 10 of 13 shooting from the field and 3 of 3 shooting from downtown. Eric Bledsoe scored 21 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. PJ Tucker scored 19 points and 8 rebounds. Goran Dragic scored 18 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Gerald Green added 14 points on 2 of 5 shooting from three point land. The Phoenix Suns are 41-29 and are 1/2 games back of the 8th seed. Do you think the Suns will make the playoffs? How impressed are you with the Phoenix Suns this season? Whether they make the playoffs or not. I'm impressed. I actually thought they'd be one of the 5 worst teams in the NBA. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kevin Love lead the way with 36 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals. Kevin Martin added 25 points. Ricky Rubio scored 19 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Corey Brewer added 14 points and 3 rebounds. What do you think of the T-Wolves this season? Who would you like to see them draft in the 2014 NBA Draft? Send me your opinions about this game or any other. Thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land. The place where you can read articles, send comments and purchase pro basketball merchandise. You can also follow my new group on Google which is found at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/nba-basketball-talk or at my forum at http://probasketballhoops.boardhost.com

Gerald Green scores 41 to lead Suns in a comeback over Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder were up 96-80 with over 3 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. You would think that the OKC Thunder would have this game in the bag. I admit I enjoy the way the Phoenix Suns have played this season. I thought they were going to be the top 5 worst team in the NBA this season. They have surprised me and a lot of critics. The Phoenix Suns came back to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-122. Gerald Green lead the way with 41 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and shot 8 of 13 from three point land. Green is an underrated wing player in the NBA. Markieff Morris scored 24 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and shot 8 of 13 from the field. Goran Dragic who has been ballin all season scored 22 points and dished out 4 assists. Marcus Morris scored 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Channing Frye added 11 points and 5 rebounds. Whether the Phoenix Suns make the playoffs or not this season, I've been impressed with them and with coach Jeff Hornacek. It's fun to watch the run and gun of the Phoenix Suns. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook lead the way with 36 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds, 4 steals and shot 13 of 22 from the field. Kevin Durant scored 34 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and shot 12 of 24 from the field. Serge Ibaka added 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks on 7 of 11 shooting. Caron Butler added 14 points on 4 of 8 from downtown, in 29 minutes off the bench. What did you think of the performance of Gerald Green? How impressed are you with the Phoenix Suns this season? The Suns have three draft picks in the first round. What players would you like to see them take with those picks? Is Kevin Durant your MVP or Lebron? Where would you rank Goran Dragic as list of current NBA point guards? Send me your thoughts. Thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land.

Goran Dragic scores 30 to lead Suns to win over Bucks

I think Goran Dragic is one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA. I remember when Nash was in Phoenix and he would come off the bench for Nash. Dragic is more of a scoring point guard. Last night the Phoenix Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 126-117. Goran Dragic lead the way with 30 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Dragic shot 9 of 13 from the field. Athletic wing player Gerald Green, scored 23 points. Green shot 4 of 6 from downtown. Marcus Morris added 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Phoenix Suns to me are the most surprising team of the West currently sitting at 27-18. Will the Suns make the playoffs? Who should the Suns draft with there three first round picks? Ersan Ilyasova lead the way for the Milwaukee Bucks. Ilyasova scored 27 points and pulled down 4 boards. Ilyasova shot 3 of 6 from three point range. Brandon Knight scored 24 points and had 8 assists. Khris Middleton added 17 points and 4 rebounds. Who would you like to see the Bucks draft? Who fits the best in their system? Send me your thoughts on this. Thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land. Stay tuned for around April some changes will be made to this blog. I have something for Suns fans, Bucks fans and all other 28 NBA teams.

Point Guard Goran Dragic 31 leads Suns to victory over Lakers.

Kobe Bryant, better known as the Black Mamba returned to play his second game since coming back from Achilles. That wasn't the most interesting part of the night though. Point Guard Goran Dragic scored 31 points, to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 114-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dragic also had five assists, and made 11 of 11 free throws. Marcus Morris scored 22 points, 4 rebounds, shot 10 of 13 in almost 27 minutes of action. Kentucky drafted guard Eric Bledsoe scored 18 points and dished out nine assists. Markieff Morris added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. The win for the Phoenix Suns improved their recored to 12-9. For the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe lead with 20 points, 3 assists and shot 6 of 11 from the field. Pau Gasol scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Jodie Meeks scored 13 points, 5 rebounds. Jordan Hill added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Nick Young scored 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. What did you think of the performance by Goran Dragic? Do you like having a backcourt of Dragic and Bledsoe? or should one of them be traded? Send me your thoughts on this game or any other game. Thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land.

Goran Dragic double-double leads Suns to victory over the Magic

The Phoenix Suns are doing better at the moment than I thought they would this season. They are currently at 7-6. I thought this team would be top five in the worst teams in the NBA. Last night they played good against the Orlando Magic. Point guard Goran Dragic had a double-double. Dragic scored 23 points and had 13 assists to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 104-96 win over the Orlando Magic. Gerald Green put on a show with 20 points and 8 rebounds. The Morris twins from the University Kansas showed up and played ball. Marcus Morris scored 16 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Channing Frye added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. The other Morris twin Markieff Morris added 12 points and 6 rebounds. I am impressed with the coaching of Jeff Hornacek and the way the Suns have played. For the Orlando Magic Nikola Vucevic had a double-double. Vucevic scored 20 points, and pulled down 10 rebounds, while shooting 10 of 16 from the field. Andrew Nicholson scored 19 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Nicholson also did great from the outside range game, by shooting 3 of 4 from downtown. Arron Afflalo scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and had 6 assists. Jameer Nelson played solid. Jameer had 15 points, 9 assists and only 1 turnover. Congratulations to the Phoenix Suns on their win. For the Orlando Magic I will be honest, I want you to stink so bad that you land Andrew Wiggins from Kansas, Jabari Parker from Duke, Julius Randle from Kentucky, or Marcus Smart from Oklahoma State. Thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land. I want to know what are your thoughts on this season from a Phoenix Suns fan standpoint? Magic fans how are you liking or hating the play of this season? Send me your comments.

Michael Beasley the number two pick released by the Suns

What can I say about Michael Beasley? He was in the same draft as Derrick Rose. Some people thought that he should have gone first over Derrick Rose but I'm glad the Bulls didn't pick him. I really thought Michael Beasley though could have been something in the NBA. When you get involved in marijuana or any other type of drugs that are illegal it causes all kind of trouble for you. I really thought that he could have been a dominant scorer for the Phoenix Suns. Now with all this drug mess I really can't see any team picking him up to be a starter. Maybe he could get some bench minutes with the Spurs but I doubt it. I hope Michael Beasley does turn his life around soon. It's such a waste to be drafted 2nd and get into trouble with drugs. Thank you for reading my NBA Blog. If you have any comments you'd like to add to this feel free to share.

5th pick and the Phoenix Suns the debate who they should take?

Tonight on ESPN is the 2013 NBA Draft. The Phoenix Suns will select 5th in this draft. Here is the players I think they should take 1) Trey Burke because he is a point guard who is a leader. Burke is a player in clutch time who can score. He reminds me a bit of Chris Paul. Whether he will play like Chris Paul is unknown. I know they have Dragic and Marshall but to me I think it would be hard for the Suns to pass on a point guard of Burke's caliber. Burke has that desire to win and it could be the kick in the pants the Phoenix Suns need. If the Suns do choose him and they do end up stinking it up they could go for Andre Wiggins or Jabari Parker maybe in 2014. 2) Ben McLemore why not him above Burke. I just think that Burke would be better for the Suns. McLemore though would be a very interesting choice for the Suns if he drops this far. I love McLemore three point shooting and athleticism and that would be a fun choice for the Suns. 3) Victor Oladipo would be my third choice if I had the fifth pick. Oladipo can play some amazing defense and I think of Tony Allen here. Oladipo can block shots and also has some amazing athleticism. Oladipo would be a good solid choice with the 5th pick especially if McLemore and Burke were gone. 4) Other solid picks for the Phoenix Suns with the 5th pick would be Anthony Bennett, Cody Zeller, Nerlens Noel. Thank you for reading my NBA Blog. Don't forget that now and after tonight you can on the right side of this blog vote on who you think will be the best player in this NBA Draft.