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00:00:00Tonight the Phoenix Suns visit the Portland Trail Blazers it's Coast to Coast Tuesday presented by Kia and we welcome you to the Motor Center here in Portland tonight the eight and six Phoenix Suns taking on the six and seven Portland Trail Blazers four time all star in action tonight Devin Booker who has been the stable force for the Suns for
00:00:29more than a decade now in town to take on an emerging star in the NBA Denny Obdia who is having a breakout season so glad you're with us Terry Gannon alongside the five time NBA champ Derek Fisher Grant Liffman joins us in a bit there are two teams trying to get back to the playoffs who have made strides in the early going made some noise as well let's start with the Phoenix Suns they're red hot they won five in a row before a tough loss a couple of nights ago seven of their last nine
00:00:59Yeah change can be good Terry lot of new faces in Phoenix but one face remains Devin Booker leading the Suns to early success coach Jordan Ott buying in believing in his group Blazers were feeling good early then they went on a five game road trip lost four out of five they get back home glad to be here without Drew Holiday leading the way though yeah without Drew Holiday is a big piece multiple guys out of the lineup
00:01:29here someone goes believes his guys out of Taylor
00:01:31strengthening fairly fast sharing the basketball
00:01:34and trying to get some wins tonight Blazers trying to get back on track here at home in the Moda Center one thing Phoenix has made tons of changes Dylan Brooks
00:01:41a big part of that looking for another thirty plus point gain
00:01:45for him Obdiy the star here in Rip City.
00:01:49Jayden Sharp also going to have to do a lot tonight to keep him in his Suns Blazers from Portland next.
00:01:55Suns and the Blazers inside
00:02:03Moda Center here in Portland
00:02:05tonight take a look at tonight's DraftKings
00:02:07King of the Court two of the stars
00:02:09Devin Booker and Denny
00:02:11Avdia DraftKings your home
00:02:13for King of the Court to get
00:02:15in on the action download the app and use
00:02:17promo code dunk when you
00:02:19sign up
00:02:20first of three meetings this season
00:02:29between the Suns and the Blazers as we
00:02:32check out the starting lineups
00:02:33brought to you by Kia start with the
00:02:35visiting Suns Ryan Dunn University
00:02:41of Virginia Royce O'Neal shot out
00:02:44clean Texas to five for Mark
00:02:47Williams Duke University
00:02:50Dillon Brooks Skull Ducks Devin
00:02:53Booker University of Kentucky
00:02:58Booker average in about 28 points
00:02:59per game leading the way again for
00:03:01the first year head coach Jordan
00:03:03Ott longtime assistant coach in
00:03:05eight and six in the early going
00:03:07here for the Suns on the road here
00:03:12against the Portland Trailblazers
00:03:14who come back after a five game
00:03:16road trip get their starting
00:03:17lineups and we'll start with the hype
00:03:21video in just a bit it's Motor Center
00:03:24still filing in here in Portland on a
00:03:26crisp night it's clear but crisp
00:03:30Derek very crisp in Rip City but the
00:03:34city is excited about these young
00:03:35Blazers hoping to see some great NBA
00:03:38action tonight and now the noise
00:03:56you know what to do time to get loud and make it rain.
00:04:06Here they come.
00:04:11Blazers take the lead.
00:04:26We got all three, one, two, three together.
00:04:54We got all three, one, two, three together.
00:04:57We got all three, one, two together.
00:05:01RIP CITY
00:05:23RIP CITY
00:05:25RIP CITY
00:05:27RIP CITY
00:05:29RIP CITY
00:05:31RIP CITY
00:05:59Number 23, Donovan Clingon.
00:06:04Head guard, 6'6", from Kentucky.
00:06:07Number 17, Shaden Sharp.
00:06:14And a guard, 6'9", May Hepsilia Islao.
00:06:18Number 8, Dendi Avvia.
00:06:26Portland shorthanded without Jeremy Grant tonight,
00:06:28who is ill, Chris Murray getting the start.
00:06:30Tiago Splitter, the interim head coach.
00:06:33Suns Blazers next from Motor Center.
00:06:40Been with you.
00:06:42City Edition uniforms for the Suns tonight on the road.
00:06:458-6, 2-4 on the road for Phoenix and Portland.
00:06:503-2 at home so far.
00:06:52The officials tonight, Mark Davis, Dre Maddox, and Brandon Schwab.
00:06:57Shorthanded are the Blazers tonight.
00:07:00Drew Holiday out with calf soreness.
00:07:03You know they already don't have much of their backcourt.
00:07:07Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard's back here,
00:07:09but he's out with the Achilles tonight.
00:07:11So it is Chris Murray getting the start
00:07:13as Jeremy Grant is out with an illness.
00:07:16And for Phoenix, Grayson Allen still out with a quad injury.
00:07:20So the Suns control the opening tip.
00:07:24Both of these coaches would like to get up and down the floor, Derek,
00:07:28and apply pressure defensively.
00:07:30Yeah, both coaches gave us the impression
00:07:33that this was going to be a NASCAR race tonight
00:07:35with how fast they wanted to play
00:07:38as you see the Suns getting two on the board to start the night.
00:07:42Brooks with a nice lead.
00:07:43Mark Williams with the easy do.
00:07:45So it's 2-0 here.
00:07:46Suns with the lead.
00:07:55Inside.
00:07:56Just grabbed by Williams.
00:07:58Clinging at it.
00:07:59It's a goaltend.
00:08:00Got up there quickly, though.
00:08:01He really did.
00:08:03Vince Liff.
00:08:04I don't know if watching him on television
00:08:08explains the length that he has.
00:08:10He went and met that ball right at the top quickly.
00:08:14Not sure if we'll get a chance to look at that one again.
00:08:16Seven-footer, fourth-year player out at Duke.
00:08:19You send a message, at least, defensively.
00:08:21Yes.
00:08:21Nothing easy tonight, Terry.
00:08:23How about the pickup for Brooks?
00:08:24They got in that trade.
00:08:26Important part of this Phoenix lineup
00:08:28as Williams operates on Clingon now.
00:08:31Inside.
00:08:31Got the bump.
00:08:32We'll go to the free-throw line.
00:08:33But all the different moves.
00:08:35I mean, it's a new roster for the Phoenix Suns this year.
00:08:39It is a new roster.
00:08:41But a lot of things, sometimes less can be more in sports.
00:08:47And when you talk about the superstar power that left Phoenix
00:08:50and the new guys that are coming in,
00:08:52the team looks different.
00:08:54They're playing different.
00:08:55But they feel good about where they are right now.
00:08:57For a first-year head coach who's a basketball guy,
00:09:00and he's been an assistant coach for many years,
00:09:0212 years in the league, Jordan Ott.
00:09:04But the fourth head coach in the last four seasons,
00:09:07there's been change that way, too.
00:09:08Yeah, no PTSD for me, Terry.
00:09:11Sometimes the decisions can happen quickly,
00:09:13and all coaches have been through it.
00:09:16But Jordan Ott taking advantage of his opportunity,
00:09:19well-deserved, as a young, developing, and growing coach.
00:09:23Explosive move by an explosive player, Shaden Sharp,
00:09:26coming off a 36-point effort against Dallas a couple of nights ago.
00:09:29They've been averaging 30 a game in the last four.
00:09:35Brooks operating on Avdia.
00:09:38It's a money tomorrow.
00:09:39Got a block from behind.
00:09:40You're going to call the foul.
00:09:41They want to take a look.
00:09:44The foul was on Avdia with the wrap around.
00:09:47Watch the arm goes around Brooks right there.
00:09:50That was the foul.
00:09:52I think he blew the whistle late after the shot got blocked,
00:09:55but it was really the foul was early.
00:09:56First foul on Denny Avdia and the second on the Blazers.
00:10:00Avdia, who's really settled in here in the first couple of weeks,
00:10:05the month of the season, putting up—I know you don't want to go there yet.
00:10:09It's early, but putting up all-star numbers.
00:10:12Yeah, I mean, to make an all-star team, you have to put up all-star numbers.
00:10:16It starts somewhere.
00:10:17And through these first 14, 15 ballgames, he is playing at that level.
00:10:23Can he sustain it?
00:10:24We'll see.
00:10:25Hopefully he can get it done tonight.
00:10:26And Brooks with back-to-back 30-plus point games for the Suns.
00:10:31High screen from Klingon.
00:10:33Avdia gives it off to Sharp.
00:10:35Going to step back, pull up a little bit short.
00:10:40And it's Royce O'Neal who can shoot it, brings it up, gives it off to Booker.
00:10:44On the Williams screen, inside, just has patience.
00:10:48Doesn't buy it though.
00:10:50Klinging the rebound, starts the break.
00:10:53Here come the Blazers.
00:10:56Kicked out Murray.
00:10:57Yes, left-hander right behind the line, and they could use that tonight.
00:11:01Yeah, Coach Splitter talked about the Blazers wanting to play fast,
00:11:06push that ball up, get into early offense.
00:11:08There's your player out of Iowa with a big opportunity tonight.
00:11:11Offensive foul.
00:11:12We're going the other way.
00:11:17Yeah, that last offensive possession for the Suns prior to this,
00:11:20Devin Booker doing a good job of picking road, snaking,
00:11:23putting them in the hostage, dribbling in.
00:11:25And Mark Williams, as you'll see throughout this game,
00:11:28they call a Gortat screen right at that charge circle,
00:11:31created an opportunity for Booker to get to the rim,
00:11:33even though he didn't convert.
00:11:34Talked about Jordan Ott.
00:11:35How about Tiago Splitter?
00:11:37Comes on in a unique situation, obviously.
00:11:40Obdiah follows his own miss, then loses it out of bounds.
00:11:44October 23rd is when Tiago Splitter took over Chauncey Billups, the head coach.
00:11:49You know about the investigation into an illegal gambling and then the arrest.
00:11:54And so, on leave of his duties as the head coach,
00:11:57Tiago comes in with a unique challenge to take over a team in the early season.
00:12:02A very unique challenge.
00:12:04And Tiago Splitter has head coaching experience,
00:12:08coaching at Paris Basketball Club in the EuroLeague a season ago.
00:12:12So, he is not fearful of this moment, but this is not his team.
00:12:17And so, when you step in as an interim,
00:12:19you're still maintaining a lot of the consistency that Chauncey Billups installed
00:12:23and implemented over the last couple years.
00:12:25Kind of a fine line that you're walking.
00:12:27Yes, very fine line, but he's doing a great job so far.
00:12:30Williams, that bucket gives him five early points in the game.
00:12:33Sharp high off the glass.
00:12:35No, O'Neal will bring it in.
00:12:38And up the floor, going to let it fly.
00:12:41Elite shooter, that's what his coach calls him.
00:12:46He shot it a couple times with his left hand and shoot it around this morning.
00:12:49I wasn't happy about that.
00:12:50He can shoot with the right hand and the left hand.
00:12:53Royce O'Neal knocking down the three in transition.
00:12:55Ninth-year player out of Baylor, averaging about 12 a game.
00:12:58Abdiah doesn't get the role.
00:13:01Booker looks ahead.
00:13:02Here's Brooks.
00:13:03Bump, no call.
00:13:04Left hand.
00:13:05Great body control.
00:13:06Great body control.
00:13:08Devin Booker with his eyes up.
00:13:09So many young players, when you secure the ball off of a rebound,
00:13:14they dribbled and their eyes go down.
00:13:16Devin Booker, good job.
00:13:17Eyes up.
00:13:18Got the ball out to Brooks.
00:13:19Sharp on the miss.
00:13:21Tipped out.
00:13:22It'll go back to the Suns.
00:13:24You see here, see how Devin Booker's eyes immediately turning
00:13:27and looking up the floor.
00:13:29Great job, as you said.
00:13:30Dylan Brooks, body control, finishing with the left hand.
00:13:33Fishing start.
00:13:344-5 from the floor for Phoenix and a 7-0 run to take this lead.
00:13:39Booker inside, kicks it out, and Neal spots up for another three.
00:13:44That's where Devin Booker is just, his passing has been a leap to start this season,
00:13:49and he's got his teammates really excited about playing basketball right now.
00:13:55He's making early, quick decisions with the ball.
00:13:59Williams, another follow.
00:14:00He's got seven in the game.
00:14:02Quick timeout, taking splitter.
00:14:0612-0 run for Phoenix to take this lead on the road.
00:14:10In Universal Pictures, Wicked for Good, in theaters November 21st, 12-0 run for the Suns.
00:14:27Devin Booker hasn't scored yet, he's got three assistants.
00:14:29But, yes, he is making quick passing decisions whenever he sees a second defender.
00:14:36The ball's coming out quickly, doing a great job.
00:14:40Shane Sharp there with the finish.
00:14:41As Booker tries to defend, so Sharp averaging 22 on the season.
00:14:46Second leading scorer for the Blazers.
00:14:50Phoenix been able to get out and run.
00:14:52Five fast-break points already as well.
00:14:55Brooks created space with Sharp, wanted the foul called.
00:14:59Not going to get it, gets the bucket, though.
00:15:03Yeah, one of his fellow Canadians, Shea Gilgis, is pretty good with using that shoulder to create separation.
00:15:10And Dylan Brooks there.
00:15:12Yeah, left shoulder.
00:15:13Got to be careful not allowing that arm to get out too far, but a little bit of a push.
00:15:21Could have got away with that, depending on who's officiating.
00:15:23But, as I said, created space.
00:15:25Yes.
00:15:26One way or another.
00:15:26Yes.
00:15:28Brooks picked up the foul at the other end.
00:15:31But Dylan Brooks has been impressive early this season, though.
00:15:34When you watched him play in Memphis and in Houston, there were times where he didn't look like he was capable of being an impactful offensive player.
00:15:42But here in Phoenix, he's doing a great job scoring the ball.
00:15:45Sharp with the miss.
00:15:46One and done.
00:15:47They brought C.D. Sissoko and Caleb Love off the bench for Portland now.
00:15:52Booker trying to back his way in on Murray.
00:15:54Looking for space.
00:15:55The fadeaway.
00:15:57Nope.
00:15:58Clinging clears.
00:16:00Here comes Love, the rookie out of Arizona.
00:16:05Sissoko, beyond the arc.
00:16:10Pulled from there in the early going.
00:16:12And Colin Gillespie comes in for the Suns.
00:16:17Reminder, DraftKings king of the courts, Devin Booker and Denny Obdia, two of the stars out here tonight.
00:16:24DraftKings, the number one sportsbook for live betting.
00:16:27Get in on the action.
00:16:28Download the app and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
00:16:32Gillespie didn't waste any time.
00:16:34Fires a three off the bench.
00:16:37Nope.
00:16:370 for 2, this possession.
00:16:39Portland, Portland came out in the zone in that last defensive possession.
00:16:44O'Neal took it away.
00:16:45Feeds, Brooks, with the miss around and out.
00:16:49Here comes the Blazers.
00:16:50Going to bring it back out.
00:16:54Shaden Sharp set it up.
00:16:56One-on-one with Booker.
00:16:58Sissoko inside out to Love.
00:17:00Spots up for the three over O'Neal.
00:17:02We were talking prior to the game, Terry, about where does Portland get additional offensive input tonight with multiple guys out of the lineup.
00:17:12Caleb Love is a guy we circled as having the game capable enough to help the Blazers get a win.
00:17:18Not this time, but they get it back on the rebounds.
00:17:21Sissoko's going to try it.
00:17:23Nope.
00:17:24Short.
00:17:24Run out.
00:17:25Down again.
00:17:26Love.
00:17:26The offensive rebound.
00:17:28Sharp.
00:17:28Had the three taken away up top.
00:17:30But the Cleveland can't get it.
00:17:34Again, they stay at this end.
00:17:36Sharp.
00:17:37Finally, the finish.
00:17:39Timeout, Phoenix.
00:17:42Sequence with four offensive rebounds and some life here for the Blazers in Portland.
00:17:54He's talking to the players, how he approaches us, how his desire for basketball, you can see it on every play.
00:18:00And I love it.
00:18:01Tiago coach is hard.
00:18:02He, you know, he's always pushing guys.
00:18:04You know, he never lets off the gas.
00:18:06And, you know, it's been fun playing for him.
00:18:08He's brought a lot of good things to the table.
00:18:09And we appreciate, like, everything he's done.
00:18:12He's getting the best out of all of us.
00:18:13Quote book brought to you by Liberty Mutual Insurance.
00:18:19Tiago Splitter, who was an assistant coach for many years, but also was a head coach in France last year.
00:18:25When a league title, he told us that was invaluable, that experience.
00:18:28Yes.
00:18:29Tiago, like you said, doing a great job to start this season.
00:18:32But very smartly talking about, you can have all of the assistant coaching experience and reading books and studying, being a head coach you want.
00:18:43But if you have not been a head coach before, it's just a hard seat to sit in.
00:18:47And so that helped prepare him for this season, although his role now was unexpected.
00:18:51Robert Williams in off the bench for the Blazers.
00:18:56O'Neal at the other end.
00:18:57Three for three now beyond the arc.
00:18:59A little sense of what he can do from long distance.
00:19:02Yeah, and Portland coming out again in kind of a 3-2, 1-2-2 zone look.
00:19:08Trying to kind of disrupt the Suns offensively in terms of the penetration and getting into the lane.
00:19:13Nick Richards off the bench and in now for the Suns.
00:19:17There's love.
00:19:18They certainly brought energy and hustle in off the bench to turn this around, give him a spark.
00:19:24That man right there with another bucket of love.
00:19:27Yeah, I mean, we were searching before the game.
00:19:29Seriously, when we found out Jeremy Grant was out, where is Portland going to get support off the bench?
00:19:34Caleb Love was the name he starred.
00:19:36He's very capable, experienced college basketball player.
00:19:40Played a lot of big-time games, made big shots.
00:19:42He won't be afraid of the moment tonight.
00:19:43Richard's turn.
00:19:44There was nobody there.
00:19:45Easy lay-in.
00:19:46Gillespie tries to apply some pressure out front now.
00:19:50It's a Soko, and they swing it around.
00:19:53Sharp not going to hesitate.
00:19:54In and out.
00:19:57Tipped out.
00:19:58They'll go the other way.
00:20:01Sharp three of nine now from the floor.
00:20:04There are the injuries we're talking about there.
00:20:06And not just anybody.
00:20:08Those are some names.
00:20:09Scoot Anderson.
00:20:10You kind of forget about him a little bit because he's been out with that hamstring.
00:20:13He was supposed to be a big part of this and will.
00:20:16Yeah, he will be a big part of it.
00:20:19Was grateful to have the opportunity to spend some time with Scoot in L.A. during the offseason.
00:20:23When you talk about a hard-working young player, Scoot Anderson believes that he'll be back and better than ever.
00:20:29Don't look.
00:20:29Now, Caleb Love's got eight off the bench just like that.
00:20:34The push and the offensive foul called on Gillespie.
00:20:39His first.
00:20:43Caleb Love knocking down the three.
00:20:46Deep book with the late contest.
00:20:48Yeah, that's an easy call.
00:20:52No doubter there.
00:20:53I think Gillespie felt like.
00:20:54You and I could have made that.
00:20:55Yeah, Gillespie felt like his arms were being held.
00:20:57But you can't just two-hand shove him that clear in the open court.
00:21:02You made the point.
00:21:03Caleb Love's got.
00:21:04I know he's a rookie, but he's got experience.
00:21:06He was at Carolina.
00:21:07He was at Arizona.
00:21:09Stayed in school.
00:21:10Camaro with a miss.
00:21:12And the foul by Williams emphatically.
00:21:14Yeah, Robert Williams III, Donovan Clingon, Tumani Kamara, the Portland Trail Blazers and their offensive rebounding.
00:21:24It is a big part of their early success so far this season.
00:21:28Williams with the stuff on the other end.
00:21:30Yeah, that's a big part of what the Suns have done for quite some time.
00:21:35First deuce of the night for both.
00:21:38He's got the new shoes tonight.
00:21:39Jordan Goodwin now in defending Abdiah, who's been quiet to start.
00:21:46Then he goes to work, drives the lane, had it taken away up top.
00:21:51Beautifully timed by Richards on the block.
00:21:59Booker looking for space.
00:22:01Hasn't been the big threat, which is not beyond the arc.
00:22:04He wants to take you and drive and then feed out of that double.
00:22:10Turnover gives it back to Portland.
00:22:11Here comes Abdiah.
00:22:14Contact.
00:22:15Bucket.
00:22:16Strong move for Denny Abdiah.
00:22:19Now, Tiago Splitter talked about that is where Denny Abdiah is his best in transition before defense is set.
00:22:26Getting downhill, putting his body in harm's way to get the deuce.
00:22:30Defensive three seconds called.
00:22:32And Abdiah can come over and discuss that with the official.
00:22:37Yeah, so often you saw in that last possession, I thought Jordy Goodwin picked up the ball too early for the Suns
00:22:43and kind of stalled that offensive possession out.
00:22:45You saw Abdiah there, doesn't pick it up too early,
00:22:48and just continues to test and test and probe until he gets to the front of the rim.
00:22:53So Booker with the defensive three seconds goes to the free throw line and gets this.
00:22:57He's clinging back in.
00:23:01Do-op-ree.
00:23:02Third-year man on the floor now.
00:23:07Talk to Tiago.
00:23:08They've missed the opportunities late in games.
00:23:11They have so many close games.
00:23:14Clutch, crunch time games that they have lost.
00:23:17That leadership in the backcourt is what you're looking for.
00:23:20The foul in the deep corner.
00:23:22Rip just came off the bench, committed the foul.
00:23:25Yes, that leadership in the backcourt, experienced guards that can help navigate possessions,
00:23:30but also not making mistakes as young players in the first quarter or second quarter of a game
00:23:36by fouling a three-point shooter.
00:23:38These are points that come back to haunt you in those close games late.
00:23:42Isaiah Livers, you saw that challenge up top.
00:23:44He'll go to the free throw line.
00:23:47As a coach, though, you've got a team.
00:23:49How much can you teach that?
00:23:52How much can you change winning those close games down the stretch?
00:23:56You can.
00:23:57You can impact it.
00:23:58As a coach, obviously the players have to take ownership and accountability,
00:24:02but as a coach, and all these coaches are doing it,
00:24:05they're working on late-game situations.
00:24:07They're talking about the things that they want to get accomplished
00:24:10when you have the ball late.
00:24:12Is it a two-for-one situation?
00:24:13Are we going to use a timeout?
00:24:15How do we use our challenges?
00:24:17That's all a part of managing the game.
00:24:20But ultimately in the NBA, the players make plays.
00:24:23The stars have to be stars, and guys that want to be stars have to become that.
00:24:27That's what he talked about.
00:24:28Obdia, a couple of nights ago against Dallas,
00:24:31had that last possession of regulation, took a fadeaway three,
00:24:35didn't drive, didn't try to draw a foul,
00:24:38and Denny said, I learned from that.
00:24:40I need to be better.
00:24:41I need to change that.
00:24:42Yes.
00:24:42I had a teammate, which many people know,
00:24:48shot a few air balls early in his career,
00:24:51and I am not comparing this number eight to that number eight,
00:24:55but I will tell you that guys do recover and improve
00:24:59even if they shoot air balls early in their career.
00:25:02So the drive by Obdia goes out of bounds, stays here, 17 on the shot clock.
00:25:09Every year, the last four years, this man, numbers have gone up.
00:25:13Play has gotten better.
00:25:14It's made more of an impact.
00:25:15That only comes from hard work.
00:25:19That's not just because he's getting more shots.
00:25:23That means he's going to score more points.
00:25:25On cue with the three there.
00:25:28Gillespie backs up behind the arc, rattles at home.
00:25:31He's been a factor off the bench during this stretch.
00:25:35This seven wins in nine games for the Suns.
00:25:37They're four of six beyond the arc tonight.
00:25:40Love.
00:25:41He's feeling it right now.
00:25:43Caleb Love off the bench.
00:25:47In the double figures with 11.
00:25:52So it's where the NBA game has also changed so much, Terry,
00:25:57as guys like Gillespie for the Suns can shoot an early three
00:26:01off of a pick and roll with no pass,
00:26:03and then Caleb Love, a rookie, off one pass.
00:26:06Exactly.
00:26:07And shoot it three, three feet behind the line,
00:26:09and everybody's okay with it.
00:26:11Richards with the follow of his own miss at the other end,
00:26:14so it's a six-point game.
00:26:17Cling it.
00:26:19Bucket and one.
00:26:22Ball on livers.
00:26:25The roll by Donovan Clingon.
00:26:27Yeah, it's just a simple pick and roll,
00:26:30an obvious, simple decision,
00:26:32two on the ball, get rid of the basketball,
00:26:35and then Clingon sees livers there,
00:26:37still feels like he has the advantage
00:26:39and one opportunity for the big fella out of UConn.
00:26:42Livers just a little late getting there,
00:26:44and Clingon averaging nine points per game
00:26:47and nine rebounds per game.
00:26:49Leading rebounder for the Blazers.
00:26:51And goes to that offensive glass,
00:26:55has the most offensive rebounds in the NBA so far this season.
00:27:00And that's how a lot of teams are searching and scratching out wins.
00:27:04Terry is winning small things within the game.
00:27:08Offensive rebounds, deflections,
00:27:11creating extra possessions for your team,
00:27:13picking up full court,
00:27:14trying to create turnovers the way Portland just did there.
00:27:17Offensive foul called on the Suns.
00:27:20Royce O'Neal's first.
00:27:22Fifth turnover for Phoenix as Dunn comes back in.
00:27:26Livers takes the seat.
00:27:27Goodwin back in for Gillespie.
00:27:32You see trends in the NBA, obviously,
00:27:35and we talked to both coaches tonight,
00:27:36said they want to push the ball.
00:27:38They also want to pick up defensively and full court,
00:27:41which we're seeing more and more of this year.
00:27:43Yeah, which I love to see.
00:27:44I mean, there was a time where you couldn't play as a guard
00:27:47if you didn't commit yourself to picking up full court.
00:27:50But it's good to see multiple players and teams
00:27:53back into picking up 94 feet.
00:27:56With the miss, with the shot clock off.
00:27:58So bring it back the other way.
00:28:00Booker pressing the issue, looking for somebody.
00:28:02O'Neal spots up again.
00:28:04No, off the heel.
00:28:06And it's the end of the first quarter.
00:28:10Phoenix up by three.
00:28:12Shooting 57% so far on the road.
00:28:15Back to remind you, you can try the new Peacock performance view
00:28:30and experience real-time player stats,
00:28:33live shot data that updates with every basket available now
00:28:38only on Peacock.
00:28:39What do you think, Fish?
00:28:40He's on fire.
00:28:44I love that.
00:28:45Analytics, man.
00:28:47Yep.
00:28:48Oso Iguodaro in for the first time right now for the Phoenix Suns.
00:28:53That's Portland Controls.
00:28:55Down by three.
00:28:56Abdi trying to get things going.
00:28:58Cleaning up and under the bucket.
00:29:00Good.
00:29:00Yeah, Denny Avio with that kind of drop, dribble, and dragging those arms through.
00:29:05He creates a lot of foul situations using that move.
00:29:08But they're doing a good job, again, drawing two, dropping off the Clingon.
00:29:12Good one with the miss.
00:29:14Here come the Blazers.
00:29:16Kamara quickly in and out.
00:29:19Dunn with the rebound.
00:29:21Phoenix has gotten production from the center position tonight.
00:29:24Dunn goes to the left hand.
00:29:26Nice move off the glass and in.
00:29:27Yes, doing a great job.
00:29:29Both teams committed to scoring in early offense and transition before these defenses are set.
00:29:34Both teams have really good quarter-court defense, and so you have to score early if you can.
00:29:40Dunn just a step slow.
00:29:42Abdi with that quick first step to his left hand.
00:29:44So, Ryan picks up his first.
00:29:49This book gets a rest.
00:29:57Mani Kamara to the left hand in the lane.
00:30:04Almost threw it away.
00:30:06Five on the shot clock for Abdi.
00:30:09Got the double.
00:30:11Got to let it go.
00:30:12Tipped up.
00:30:14I cling and no.
00:30:15We'll save it.
00:30:18Loose ball eventually, Dunn comes up with it after the scramble.
00:30:21Yeah, you see, again, Portland's commitment to crashing the offensive glass.
00:30:27They are really making it difficult for Phoenix to secure possessions after shots.
00:30:34Whistling a foul to Mani Kamara picks up his first.
00:30:37City, so they'll go back on the floor for Portland.
00:30:48That's seven offensive rebounds tonight.
00:30:51To your point.
00:30:54Another one of the ways to just create shots on goal, more possessions.
00:30:59It's hard to score in the NBA.
00:31:02You're lucky to make half of your shots.
00:31:04Gillespie just disagreed with it.
00:31:05This is easy out here, man.
00:31:08He makes it look easy.
00:31:10But he's in shoot-around this morning, right?
00:31:14Good defensive play, good hustle.
00:31:17Are you telling us or him as he was right in your lap?
00:31:20Both.
00:31:21But in shoot-around this morning, like this play from Gillespie, he did this in shoot-around.
00:31:28Yep.
00:31:28He practiced and prepared the way he needed to play in the game.
00:31:32A lot of guys in shoot-around don't necessarily use that same decision-making that they do in the game.
00:31:38That's a great point.
00:31:39Let's be doing a good job with it.
00:31:40He's got 34 threes on the year, shooting almost 40 percent beyond the arc.
00:31:44Shot clock running down.
00:31:45Kamara.
00:31:45Klingon, another offensive rebound, the reach-in and the foul.
00:31:55Another example of what Portland's trying to do.
00:31:59Bringing value to your team can look a lot of different ways, Terry.
00:32:03You don't have to average 20 in order to be an impactful guy.
00:32:06Klingon averaging 9 and 9, but he creates additional offensive possessions for his team as well as anybody in the league.
00:32:13Got six rebounds already tonight.
00:32:15That second foul on Gillespie a moment ago.
00:32:17Shot clock running down again.
00:32:19Ryan Repair.
00:32:22Don.
00:32:22High into the air for the rebound.
00:32:24Leaves it.
00:32:31Nicaro.
00:32:32Nice soft touch on the floater.
00:32:34Nicaro, good young player out of Marquette.
00:32:36He is going to improve year over here in this league.
00:32:40He works hard, high character.
00:32:42That little push shot, he is phenomenal at converting similar to Isaiah Hartnstein at OKC.
00:32:50Kamara was challenged.
00:32:52Five of 18 beyond the arc now for Portland.
00:32:56Really cold there.
00:32:57Another opportunity, though, and on via the easy lay-in.
00:33:01Offensive rebounding.
00:33:05Gillespie.
00:33:08Good win.
00:33:09Stays at this end.
00:33:12Jaden Sharp checks back in for the Blazers.
00:33:16I mean, you just have to commend, you know, a lot of the coaches in the league that are emphasizing crashing the glass.
00:33:22The way they are.
00:33:23It's a part of that analytics and efficiency movement to get more possessions.
00:33:29It's a fundamental that, obviously, coaches have emphasized forever.
00:33:33But the newer emphasis of it, part of the analytics now.
00:33:37Yeah, and it's changed.
00:33:39I mean, we were talking to Ryan Gregory, general manager of the Phoenix Suns, earlier.
00:33:44Most of the years I played, when shots went up, three guys, for sure, minimum, got back.
00:33:49Maybe a fourth if you were playing a fast-paced team.
00:33:52That's different now.
00:33:52But now teams want four guys going to the offensive glass.
00:33:56And that's just a different way of creating offense for yourself.
00:34:00Sharp looking for room along the baseline.
00:34:02They're going to call Dunn just a little bit late.
00:34:04That's his second.
00:34:05And it's out of necessity as well, with those guys missing in the backcourt for the Blazers.
00:34:13Good screen there by Kamar.
00:34:15Yeah, it is.
00:34:16It's out of necessity.
00:34:18But it's also smart.
00:34:20Every team in the NBA wants to play fast.
00:34:23So you also slow teams down when you crash the offensive glass and limit some of that transition efficiency.
00:34:29Young Hansen checks in, the big cheer from the crowd for the rookie from China, who went down to the G League.
00:34:35They brought him back up.
00:34:36Obviously, numbers, they're needing numbers right now.
00:34:39But on the floor for the Trail Blazers.
00:34:43Sissoko to Sharp.
00:34:46Nope.
00:34:46Iguodaro tried to save it, couldn't, so it'll stay with Portland.
00:34:52Hansen, certainly potential in 7'2", 270 pounds.
00:34:57Yes, a lot of potential.
00:34:58And in particular, as a passer and playmaker, you can run offense through him.
00:35:03And when you think about the Trail Blazers being short basically all of their point guards,
00:35:08to be able to use Hansen as a pressure release valve and then cut around him,
00:35:13look for Portland to use that a little bit tonight during his minutes.
00:35:17Dunn kicks it back out.
00:35:19O'Neal, but out of control.
00:35:20Going to call the offensive foul.
00:35:22Sissoko stepping in to take it.
00:35:24That's his third.
00:35:30A lot of guys aren't willing to take those hits anymore, Terry, the way we used to.
00:35:37But Sissoko...
00:35:3782 games is a long season to take.
00:35:39It is.
00:35:40It is.
00:35:41But Sissoko doing a good job putting his body in harm's way, creating a turnover,
00:35:45and adding a foul to a starting player on the opposing team.
00:35:50Caleb Love back in, using the entire bench tonight.
00:35:54Portland with 11 players dressed.
00:35:55They have all played here in the first half.
00:35:57Avdia goes to the bench, along with Sissoko.
00:36:03And Murray back in as well.
00:36:06In my opinion, that's also part of the philosophy around ball pressure,
00:36:12picking up full, speeding the game up.
00:36:15As a coach, it invites you and allows you to play more guys.
00:36:19Well, loses that screen right to the hoop.
00:36:22What a drive.
00:36:23The aggressive mindset from him tonight off the bench.
00:36:26Yes, and he's very comfortable.
00:36:28I mean, he obviously knew they were going to be missing multiple guys in the lineup tonight.
00:36:33He's already a confident young player,
00:36:36and so he's been waiting for this opportunity,
00:36:37taking advantage of it, 13 points in eight minutes.
00:36:40Dylan Brooks, the answer at the other end.
00:36:43Young had the idea.
00:36:47Yeah, good cut by Sharp, using Dylan Brooks' aggressiveness against him.
00:36:52Just bad delivery by Hanson.
00:36:54Really good ball movement by the Suns, but the miss.
00:36:57And here come the Blazers.
00:36:59Shaden Sharp on the run.
00:37:00Challenged by Gillespie.
00:37:02Slices through.
00:37:03Soft punch.
00:37:07Explosive offensive player.
00:37:08Very explosive, and he's missed a few of those in the game tonight.
00:37:13Concerned about some of the length and shot blocking that the Phoenix Suns possess.
00:37:17But, again, you see the commitment to playing with pace.
00:37:21They are not slowing down to call actions or sets or get into anything necessarily organized, per se.
00:37:27But, organizing their intentionality around getting to the rim.
00:37:31Sharp with eight in the game.
00:37:33Gillespie on the drive.
00:37:34Going to call the reach on Caleb Love, and that's his first.
00:37:39Four-point lead for Phoenix on the road.
00:37:43Back with a look at the progressive game flow.
00:37:45Caleb Love has been a force tonight.
00:37:47He has, starting with catching and shooting the three.
00:37:52Seeing the ball go in a couple times early.
00:37:55Fournette doing a good job moving it.
00:37:58He's in rhythm, confident, and then here getting downhill.
00:38:02Inside-hand finish.
00:38:05Confident, very capable basketball player.
00:38:07Got a season-high 14 minutes in the game the other night, and now getting more.
00:38:10And look at the production, as opposed to his first five games.
00:38:15Just continuing to get comfortable.
00:38:17Right?
00:38:17And every minute that he gets on the NBA floor, his experience is growing.
00:38:23His understanding of when to catch and shoot the ball, when to drive the ball,
00:38:27how to fit within a team concept at this level.
00:38:30Those are all things he's going to continue to grow in.
00:38:33Gillespie at the free throw line at the first.
00:38:36It's a five-point Suns lead.
00:38:41Make it six.
00:38:43There's that full-court pressure off the make.
00:38:44And without a true point, it's more than a nuisance.
00:38:52Hansen against Williams, trying to back in.
00:38:56Spin to the left hand.
00:38:57They love it here in Portland.
00:39:02Hansen very skilled.
00:39:04I mean, it's easy to hear the fan excitement, because, you know, he's a good player.
00:39:12He's from China.
00:39:13A lot of fans around the world tune in to watch the Trailblazers.
00:39:17But he can play basketball.
00:39:19This is not just fun.
00:39:22He's got potential.
00:39:22Williams from the block.
00:39:23Starts the break.
00:39:24Booker finishes beyond the arc.
00:39:26Nails it.
00:39:26That's Dee Book's first made three.
00:39:30Which has not been what he's been doing lately.
00:39:36Hansen got bumped.
00:39:38Lost it.
00:39:39Booker takes it away.
00:39:41That's good physicality, man.
00:39:42That's war in that DHO situation.
00:39:45Devin Booker and his coach talked about his commitment to playing defense for an All-NBA guy.
00:39:53You don't always see that two-way effort.
00:39:54Williams had the jersey of Hansen gets called for the foul.
00:39:58But the previous possession, that nice little patience to the left hand spins, well done.
00:40:04The big Aristotle would have been really proud of Hansen there.
00:40:09Big Shaq.
00:40:10Would have loved to see what you call feet work by the young fella.
00:40:16We see Fleming on the floor for the Suns now.
00:40:20Ricky out of St. Joseph's.
00:40:22Had the bump.
00:40:23Trying to stay with Sissoko.
00:40:25Leaves it for Young-Hunting there in the clock.
00:40:31Quickly flooding to the other end though.
00:40:35Williams, who is active offensively early, stays that way with a nice move.
00:40:40He's got nine in the game.
00:40:44Back and forth we go.
00:40:45We knew there'd be some pace to this game.
00:40:49Oh, they wanted that.
00:40:55Looking for help now.
00:40:57Backdoor.
00:40:59Sharp.
00:41:00Bump.
00:41:01Bunket.
00:41:02And one.
00:41:04And one.
00:41:06Downhill, Sissoko, again, drawing to a quick decision, drops it off to Hansen.
00:41:18Strong finish at the rim.
00:41:22And then here, we talked about this, Terry.
00:41:25You can put the ball in his hands.
00:41:28Up away from the paint.
00:41:30And then cut and create offense behind that.
00:41:33That's the skill that I think will allow him to stick around in the league longer than anything.
00:41:37You and I talking before the game.
00:41:38That's the first comment you made when we found out he was activated.
00:41:41He was going to be on the floor tonight.
00:41:43Is that you can run that offense through him that way.
00:41:46In particular, when you're lacking Damian Lillard, Scooby Henderson, and Drew Holiday, you need passers and playmakers.
00:41:54And you can use the big fella to create offense that way.
00:41:58Second free throw coming up for the Blazers, even though the Suns have committed 11 fouls tonight.
00:42:03You don't see that disparity or difference very often.
00:42:06And it's, it's, that's remarkable, which, it's like every time Portland makes a couple baskets, the crowd gets excited.
00:42:14But they're always down five or six.
00:42:16And that's because Phoenix is, I don't know if it's intentional, but they're fouling without putting Portland on the free throw line.
00:42:24And so then, now they're taking the ball out on the side.
00:42:27Now your defense is set.
00:42:29It's good.
00:42:29Part of a lot of fouls in the bonus or fouling jump shooters.
00:42:32Looks with the miss.
00:42:34Challenge on that three.
00:42:35Booker, fresh 14 on the shot clock.
00:42:38Going to work against the Soko.
00:42:41Step back.
00:42:43Murray had it, lost it, gets it back again.
00:42:47Here come the Blazers.
00:42:52Shark going to work again.
00:42:5413 in the game for Shady Sharp.
00:42:58Fourth year, a man out of Kentucky who's been hot lately.
00:43:01Coming beyond the yard.
00:43:05Missed it.
00:43:06Well short.
00:43:07Portland, it's, it's normally difficult to get back into a zone in transition.
00:43:11Go ahead and do it.
00:43:14This building would have exploded.
00:43:16Oh, they stood up.
00:43:17They weren't waiting to stand up.
00:43:18They stood up.
00:43:19Where about Portland, a couple of times, they've gotten back into the three-two zone look.
00:43:25Even in early transition defense and offensive situations.
00:43:30And that's kind of taken a little bit of the steam out of the Suns offensively at times.
00:43:34First foul on Soko is first, how smart is Booker, though, in that move.
00:43:40Yeah, just, just feeling the body pressure of the defender.
00:43:44You know, he's, he's not converted a couple of his pull-ups.
00:43:47And so, I think he's feeling it as an opportunity to get himself to the free throw line, see the ball go in.
00:43:52Take a look at the upcoming national TV schedule, ESPN tomorrow night.
00:43:55Houston at Cleveland, Knicks at Dallas, and then NBA TV on Thursday.
00:43:59Okay, Hawks at the Spurs Prime video Friday, Indiana, Cleveland, Denver, Houston.
00:44:05For more on these games, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
00:44:12You know, Wemby, you got Giannis, some injuries to the superstars in the last few days.
00:44:18Yeah, you know, you start to get into, you know, 15, 20 games in the season.
00:44:23And, and the body just, there's, there's the wear and tear that players are putting into this, this game.
00:44:32The way the game is played, the amount of acceleration, deceleration, the amount of Euros to change directions.
00:44:38You know, left, left, right, right finishes.
00:44:41It puts a ton of strain on players' bodies.
00:44:45And so, in particular, the guys with the longer limbs, like Wemby and Giannis and some of those guys,
00:44:51you are going to see some of those soft tissue injuries.
00:44:54Brook leaves it up top for Williams in the finish.
00:44:57Quick timeout taken.
00:44:59They've had an answer every time.
00:45:02Portland has made a run in Williams in double figures in the game.
00:45:06Stafford and the Rams, football night in America.
00:45:14Kicks it all off 7 Eastern on NBC and Peacock.
00:45:19All I know is my Bears are 73.
00:45:22Enough said.
00:45:23Okay, okay, Terry.
00:45:26Tipped away by Fleming into the backcourt.
00:45:29Here comes Sharp.
00:45:30Lost it again.
00:45:33Booker on the run.
00:45:34Fleming had it blocked, but a foul up top.
00:45:40It's on Murray.
00:45:43Yeah, but see, Terry, that, again, that's the full court ball pressure
00:45:46and just forcing Portland to work to bring that ball up, created the turnover,
00:45:51and then there it looked like maybe a 50-50.
00:45:55Oof.
00:45:56Yeah.
00:45:56Yeah, where is it?
00:45:58A lot of basketball there, but that also,
00:46:00every time out, you've seen Phoenix Suns players,
00:46:06Coach Jordan Ott, assistant coaches,
00:46:09like, respectfully working the referees.
00:46:12And so there are times where that whistle comes
00:46:14because you've been respectfully having a conversation about
00:46:17fouls that they've missed.
00:46:19And they know they've missed.
00:46:22And so then they blow a whistle.
00:46:24Sounds like you've been there and done that.
00:46:26And so then they blow a whistle that maybe isn't there,
00:46:29and it frustrates everybody.
00:46:30Back to a zone for the sun.
00:46:32Sharp inside out to Obdi.
00:46:35Denny body control in the lane.
00:46:38Great drive.
00:46:41Just good understanding of, you know,
00:46:44D-Book closing out aggressively,
00:46:46didn't settle for a three,
00:46:48and then the body control and ability
00:46:50to get to the rim and still finish that play.
00:46:52Obdi with nine in the game.
00:46:54Fleming got it back and draws the foul.
00:47:01So four of ten from the field for Denny Obdi.
00:47:04Just going to go.
00:47:08He's going to take it and clear his face if it's not there.
00:47:12Yeah, and he's strong.
00:47:13He's physically strong.
00:47:15So when he picks that basketball up,
00:47:17oftentimes his arms are extended out.
00:47:20And so he gets hand contact across his forearms quite a bit.
00:47:24That one probably was marginal,
00:47:27but he has the ability to finish those plays as he did there.
00:47:30Sixth year player out of Israel who spent four years in Washington.
00:47:34He came over in the trade.
00:47:37Going to build a winning culture here in Portland.
00:47:40This is the largest lead of the game.
00:47:42As sharp goes to work, though, at the other end.
00:47:44Yeah, and Phoenix has been in the zone
00:47:46the last couple defensive possessions,
00:47:48and instead of the Blazers settling for threes,
00:47:51which a lot of teams do,
00:47:52you start to stand, settle for perimeter shots.
00:47:55The Blazers continue to focus on getting to the rim.
00:47:58Booker draws the foul, gets the bucket,
00:48:00will go to the free throw line.
00:48:01And how many times in his career have we seen him do just that?
00:48:06Those are the ones he feels like they've been missing, though,
00:48:10throughout this game.
00:48:11And so if you see the contact here,
00:48:13not a lot, right?
00:48:14But he feels like those calls have been missed,
00:48:18that when he got.
00:48:19It's money.
00:48:20Kamara picks up his second.
00:48:22So it should be the 17th free throw attempt of the game for Phoenix.
00:48:27Portland with two.
00:48:28Yeah, and that's the difference.
00:48:29I mean, Portland had more assists at the last time out.
00:48:33More assists, more rebounds than the Suns.
00:48:36But the free throw expectancy is where the game is being separated.
00:48:41Back to the zone once again and to reach,
00:48:45which he will dispute.
00:48:47Called on Dylan Brooks.
00:48:48That's his second.
00:48:52Somebody contact.
00:48:53But, again, I think they're trying to get the game back under control
00:48:59because both teams are talking about calls that have been missed.
00:49:04Is that respectfully disagreeing there?
00:49:06Yes.
00:49:06It is.
00:49:07Okay, all right.
00:49:07It is.
00:49:09Mark Davis, veteran official,
00:49:11he could give Dylan Brooks a quick one if he wanted to.
00:49:15No, no.
00:49:15I'm not saying that call for a technical.
00:49:17I'm just asking you for the definition that you just.
00:49:19Oh, yeah.
00:49:20That's playfully disagreeing.
00:49:24Throw in playfully as well.
00:49:25Yes.
00:49:29Sharp at the line.
00:49:30He's got 15 in the game.
00:49:41He and Caleb Love in double figures for Portland tonight.
00:49:45Omdi not quite there yet.
00:49:46Another zone.
00:49:47Look, Terry.
00:49:48Sorry.
00:49:49Both teams using the zone to try to stall some of their dribbling penetration.
00:49:54Clinging with the block.
00:49:58Love on Brooks.
00:50:00He's going to take him to the lane and lost it.
00:50:08Booker lost it, too.
00:50:09Take it away by Sharp.
00:50:10Here we go.
00:50:11Here we go.
00:50:16O'Neal in and out.
00:50:22Line drive.
00:50:24Brooks tried to get it to Williams.
00:50:27Tomorrow.
00:50:28Up to low.
00:50:30Leaves it for Sharp.
00:50:31Delaying at the other end.
00:50:32Last two possessions.
00:50:37Two of the few fast break opportunities for them tonight.
00:50:41Yeah.
00:50:41And just, you know, Phoenix.
00:50:43Been a little loose with the basketball.
00:50:46The Royce O'Neal three was pretty good.
00:50:48Could have been a lot more pass to Devin Booker, but O'Neal's used to three is such a hot clip.
00:50:53Nothing wrong with that shot.
00:50:54Booker going to work around the Williams screen.
00:50:56Tomorrow tries to stay with him.
00:50:58It does.
00:51:00Whoops.
00:51:01No.
00:51:04About a seven-second difference shot clock and game clock.
00:51:10Obdiah with nine in the game.
00:51:12Sharp's led the way with 20 here in the first half.
00:51:18Denny.
00:51:19Looking for space.
00:51:21The spin on O'Neal.
00:51:23Williams sends it to the front row.
00:51:25With three seconds left on the shot clock.
00:51:31They tried to probe and probe, and he was committed to getting back to that right hand.
00:51:36Good block there by Mark Williams.
00:51:38So, 10.1 on the game clock.
00:51:41Three seconds on the shot clock.
00:51:45Love to inbound.
00:51:46Going to bring this back.
00:52:00So, the ball got kicked.
00:52:05Let's take a look.
00:52:06Yeah, Booker with the kick.
00:52:08Yeah.
00:52:09But the ball was never in play.
00:52:10So, I think they're trying to figure out what the shot clock situation is going to be.
00:52:15No shot clock.
00:52:16Yep.
00:52:16Shot clock goes off.
00:52:1810.1 on the game clock.
00:52:19Tomorrow, over to Obdiah.
00:52:30Had space for the three.
00:52:32Gets it.
00:52:33The 5.5 left here in the second quarter.
00:52:38Booker raises it up.
00:52:40Off the grass, clear by Clayton, that'll do it here in the first half.
00:52:46An 8-0 run.
00:52:47They finish to get back within three.
00:52:51Blazers fighting hard.
00:52:53Sons have maintained this lead throughout the first half, but give them a lot of credit finishing that second quarter in a strong way.
00:52:59So, strong charge to end this first half by the Blazers here at home to get within three as we send it over to Grant.
00:53:08Our walk-off interview brought to you by Metro by T-Mobile.
00:53:12Grant.
00:53:13All right.
00:53:14I'm here with Royce O'Neal.
00:53:15And, Royce, you got your three ball going early.
00:53:17How do you feel like the rhythm of this game is going to your offensive game plan?
00:53:22Oh, yeah.
00:53:22I mean, we play it fast.
00:53:23You know, trying to create advantage.
00:53:25Get to the paint.
00:53:25Get kicks out.
00:53:26Kick outs.
00:53:27And then, you know, especially our defense, you know,
00:53:29carry over to the offense to get easy transition baskets.
00:53:32Speaking of defense, obviously, this is a high-scoring game.
00:53:35What are the keys for your team defensively to close this one out in the second half?
00:53:38Yeah, I mean, we got defense rebound.
00:53:40Can't give them a second-chance baskets.
00:53:42And then, you know, just take away the pain.
00:53:44You know, they like to drive.
00:53:45And then, you know, close out on shooters make things tough.
00:53:47Thanks, Royce.
00:53:48I appreciate it.
00:53:49All right.
00:53:49Back to Maria Taylor in the studio.
00:53:51All right.
00:53:51Appreciate it, Grant.
00:53:52Coming up on the American Express at the half, we're going to be talking about what's happening in L.A.
00:53:56LeBron James playing in the first game of his 23rd season and already climbing up the record books.
00:54:01We'll see you in a second.
00:54:08The half.
00:54:11Devin Booker.
00:54:12Guess what?
00:54:12He scored 10 of his 13 points in the second quarter.
00:54:16Right now, it is a three-point game.
00:54:18Phoenix led it by as many as 11.
00:54:20But Portland went on an 8-0-1 to close this bad boy out so that we could have a tight one at the half.
00:54:25Welcome back inside the studio.
00:54:26Maria Taylor with the Hall of Famers.
00:54:28We got T-Mac, Vince Carter, and Carmelo Anthony.
00:54:30You said it was going to come down to execution.
00:54:33What have you seen so far?
00:54:35Well, if you look at what Portland did, you said they closed out the quarter 8-0.
00:54:41So, I think the pressure that they applied on the defensive end, giving them opportunities to get out in transition, get some easy baskets.
00:54:49And with that, their defense became their best offense.
00:54:53So, we need to see more of that in the second half.
00:54:55Caleb Love also coming off the bench, giving them a spark, knocking down shots.
00:55:00Bench scoring is obviously important when you're trying to win games to take care of business at home.
00:55:05But like you said, I agree.
00:55:06Their defense stepped up, giving them opportunities to get a chance to play fast.
00:55:09Book is leading the charge tonight.
00:55:13I think Book is playing with pace.
00:55:16He's playing with a lot of discipline.
00:55:17He's picking his spots.
00:55:19He's very in control in that pick and roll.
00:55:22And he's taking advantage of what these defenses are doing.
00:55:25Now, right here, he's being very patient.
00:55:27He's going to snake it, get back to his spot.
00:55:29I couldn't get to that spot the first time, but I know another way to get back to that spot.
00:55:33Now, he's playing in the spot where he's used to playing out of a floppy low man, short corner catch.
00:55:39Step through, kick it to the big man right there in the middle, finish with a little jump hook right there.
00:55:44So, you know, Book is definitely playing at a whole other level right now.
00:55:49The way he's seeing the game, the way that he's locked in right now, you can tell that he's in a very comfortable role and a very confident role right now with the Suns.
00:55:57So interesting, in his 11th season, but we keep saying, obviously, he's been a vet, but now he's the certified leader and the vet.
00:56:03And there's something that changes for a player, too, when they have that opportunity on their team.
00:56:08Well, I mean, Book is, he's been around for a while.
00:56:12He's played with some great players.
00:56:14If you look at, you know, what he did last year playing with KD, he's got a lot of information to give to, you know, the guys that's on this team.
00:56:21And when you look at him play, he's so comfortable and relaxed.
00:56:26And I love what they did with him this year, putting around those complementary pieces so he could spread the floor, so he could operate when the floor is spread it.
00:56:34I want to see in this second half, I'm calling Mark Williams out.
00:56:38Okay.
00:56:38Okay, we got one.
00:56:39Yeah, we're calling Mark Williams out, right?
00:56:41We cannot have Book being a leading rebounder for this team when he's a center.
00:56:45We need more board work from Mark Williams in this second half.
00:56:48He's got three rebounds in the first half.
00:56:50What you got, VC?
00:56:52Book doing Book things, honestly.
00:56:54I mean, just continue to do it.
00:56:55I think I agree with what you said.
00:56:57He's learned from some of the vets, some of the greats in the game that he's played with, and now he's given out some of that knowledge and empowering some of these young guys.
00:57:06Book is saying, I'm tired of not hearing my name out there.
00:57:10Like, this is my team.
00:57:11This is my situation.
00:57:12I've been here the longest.
00:57:13I'm the longest tenured son that's over here.
00:57:15I'm putting this out there.
00:57:16I think Book is challenging for the best shooting guard in the league right now.
00:57:20This year, he's challenging that.
00:57:22Of course, Ant-Man is that, but he's challenging that.
00:57:25Can we give a shout-out to the shade chart?
00:57:2820 points already in the first half?
00:57:29Listen, come on, come on, come on.
00:57:30He's making you proud right now.
00:57:31I'm not just an athlete, not a dunker.
00:57:33I can put the ball in on him.
00:57:34But where you trying to get him at?
00:57:35Where you trying to get him?
00:57:36Where's he trying to be?
00:57:37LA 20, 26.
00:57:40Okay, that's what we're trying to get you at.
00:57:42Speaking of which, let's go get it.
00:57:44Let's go get it.
00:57:45This is all that is.
00:57:46He was keeping it cute that time.
00:57:48Keep it cute.
00:57:49Three-point game in Portland.
00:57:58Backing of American Express.
00:58:03It's official.
00:58:03LeBron James is playing in his 23rd season at the tender age of 40.
00:58:09Yep, we got the chalk out.
00:58:10We got everything.
00:58:12The sciatica's gone.
00:58:12The newborn lungs are rolling.
00:58:14Okay?
00:58:15Growing.
00:58:17That's the three.
00:58:18Knocked it down.
00:58:19And guess what?
00:58:20He's played 23 minutes so far in this.
00:58:22The Lakers just took their first lead against the Jazz.
00:58:24They're up 95-91.
00:58:26And LeBron, he just passed Reggie Miller.
00:58:29All-time three-pointers list.
00:58:31Wow.
00:58:31Somebody that couldn't shoot.
00:58:32Yeah, he was in the sixth place.
00:58:33He couldn't shoot coming in the league.
00:58:35Who said that?
00:58:36Well, that was a lot of people said.
00:58:37Who said that?
00:58:38Okay.
00:58:39What's that, about 100-and-something threes per season for 23 years?
00:58:44All I know is Steph had...
00:58:45I don't know if that math is mathed right there, but it sounds about right.
00:58:47Y'all, Steph hit seven threes today.
00:58:50On tonight.
00:58:51That's what he did tonight.
00:58:52Okay?
00:58:54Meanwhile, so we'll keep an eye on LeBron.
00:58:55Keep you posted in the postgame if we get there.
00:58:58In Portland right now, we've got a three-point game.
00:59:00The Trail Blazers trying to get a win.
00:59:02Keep the people dancing out there in the Moda Center.
00:59:05Ended that first half on an 8-0 run to make it a three-point game.
00:59:12Phoenix 64-61.
00:59:15And in that second quarter, Derek, it was Shaden Sharp who brought it back.
00:59:19Yeah, Shaden Sharp, you know what?
00:59:21He sponsored a drop-in basketball program in his hometown of London, Ontario, Canada.
00:59:27And he's dropping in buckets at the rim tonight.
00:59:31Keeping the Blazers in this game.
00:59:33Only down three now because of this rim pressure that Shaden Sharp put on in the second quarter.
00:59:41So Sharp, 14 points in that second quarter on six of seven.
00:59:46He was cold to start the game.
00:59:48He and Denny Obdia.
00:59:50And now he and Denny with 32 combined in the game.
00:59:55But Suns were able to get out and run.
00:59:57Ten-point edge and fast break points, which is what they want to do.
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