Stephen PridGeon ☯️🏁
@StayTrueSDot3
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We live this Marathon life — @BrightSideSun • @PHNX_Suns • @CHGO_Sky • @PHNX_Mercury • @IllinoisStateU 👨🏾🎓 • Might Delete Later | Track 11 | :45 • F.💲.S.💙
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Wednesday, I asked Kevin Durant about what he saw from the Suns spacing, specifically off his post-ups, with him passing out of the advantage
Per Synergy, the Suns are:
· 1st in PPP off the post when defenses commit — 1.296
· 1st in PPS off post-ups that include a pass — 1.26
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Kamilla Cardoso on similarities between her previous coach, Dawn Staley, & present, in Teresa Weatherspoon:
"They both have hella energy. They want to see you be great. Their personalities are really strong. & they're big on family, which is something really important for me."
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Angel Reese, speaking on what makes her particular versatility unique:
"I can guard all 5 positions, as you can see. I mean, I can switch on point guards & get steals. That's just something I love to do."
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Tina Charles spent a good minute speaking on-court postgame with Angel Reese about what looked like patience in posting up
This certainly felt like one of her better games in doing so on this level this season
Any wisdom shared from Charles is sure to be a positive
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Saben Lee (15p/6a/3r) has definitely ingratiated himself well with the team. It's clear he's been well-received, from coaches & players, especially amidst these injuries
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Watch Cardoso work here
Entry from Reese after the cross screen from Mabrey
Notice though, the patience from Cardoso as they re-space around her
*Rarely* do you see the ball re-enter the post after a pass out — prior to it returning, notice the intention on the re-seal inside
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I asked Kevin Durant about their second-side activity today & his willingness to move the ball off the midpost reps with this group that we saw in today:
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Monty Williams stretched past his comfortability in this one, & the results speak for themselves
Took the temperature of Ross/Warren & hit the right button on TJ to play late (& close), + subbed Landale in to close & sat both Okogie & Craig (sub 10 mins)
Impressive adaptability
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At 35 years old though... please, if you love hoop, appreciate the greatness on display man
This is not normal
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This is insane man...
(Via the Dallas Wings Broadcast)
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The two-way sequences Angel Reese will compile will be very telling of her ceiling in the W
The drives in attacking with space, then the anticipation & quick hands to pick the pocket on the other hand, into 2 more points
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Post ASG Devin Booker:
· 3rd in total points (594)
· 5th in PPG (29.7)
· 7th most FTA of top-16 scorers (153)
· 12th for players at 2+ c&s 3s per (48.8)
Primed for postseason play
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Dope moment captured by the Jazz broadcast last night between Chris Paul & Deron Williams
Some point guard excellence there
"Man, he's still out there doing it. I get hurt walking down the stairs." 😂
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The sequences Kamilla Cardoso is able to compile off activity & athleticism are beyond impactful
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The 'Midrange Mafia' lived up to its name tonight
Booker: 38p 10-15 from 2
Durant: 25p 10-15 from 2
Paul: 16p 8-13 from 2
Ayton: 14p 7-10 from 2
35-53 from 2 between those 4, 66%
93 points there, alone
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Chennedy Carter & Kysre Gondrezick speaking on what makes Coach Teresa Weatherspoon unique:
Carter: "She's a players coach, she's played before."
Gondrezick: "She's the foundation of this organization right now... She can relate to what it's like to not be chosen first..."
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His fitness levels right now... he's moving at a different speed than most
Booker's been so good driving the Clippers doubles man
That was another Curry-esque relocation off the drive & kick as the Clippers went switch & double
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Just watch Kamilla Cardoso on this possession
How well she moves laterally & her footwork really stand out in mobility on defense
Then, the ability to apply pressure in the post but not foul — her vs Aliyah Boston will be *fun* for YEARS to come
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Flooded on the Wintrust court right now are Chicago Sky season ticket holders, etc. in line to meet & greet with the players
Clock just struck 10pm & the engagement is still *very* high
Energy is different headed into this season, & new rendition, for the team
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NaLyssa Smith is here at Wintrust this evening, sitting baseline for Sky vs Sun
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Mikal's influence & gravity as a teammate & presence, bringing guys together & rallying em, is going to help get him a ring in his career
I'm sure of it
He's a walking culture guy that helps break the mundaneness of a long season
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I am *enjoying* this season from Chennedy Carter
Sixth Player of the Year through the first almost month of the season by my eye — & it's been multiple efforts-galore, on efficiency
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Suns & Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein last night on a convo he had in his first meeting with owner Mat Ishbia:
"The Mercury & the Suns are going to be on the same pedestal. & that meant everything. How they travel, the hotels they stay in, the resources they get, & that means
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Pregame work with the Chicago Sky post group — featuring Coach Weatherspoon with the entry passes for Isabelle Harrison, Angel Reese, & Elizabeth Williams
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Grateful to say, I'll be attending my 1st NBA All-Star Weekend as a credentialed media member
Was a desire of mine heading into 2023-24, & as with a few things relative to my contributions in the media space, alignment is occurring
Again
@Saul_Bookman
, you're appreciated 🙏🏾🏁
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Chris got Luka again with the hip tap from behind yesterday - at an all-important point of the game no-less
This' just 1 of the many, many, tricks of the trade that display his unique processing of the game, in real-time
Truly 1 of 1
The clever subtleties of CP, he's as crafty as it gets. This time as the trailer, watch him tap Doncic on his left hip twice (baiting him to switch to his right hand dribble) then promptly pokes it away. Point God
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Reese to Cardoso again here
The big-to-big passing potential can & should be a staple in the Sky halfcourt offensive process come seasons end, especially with the volume of reps they'll have together
Great set up before using the screen from Cardoso, then work for the angle
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Isabelle Harrison on what's it's like to have a black woman, in Weatherspoon, as head coach, & its uniqueness:
"It's refreshing... she doesn't feel like she has to fix us... allows us to be our own players & enhances that. Refreshing because it brings the best out of everybody."
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Opportunity beginning to meet preparation, through the dedication
Blessed with my first opportunity to cover an NBA game in-person
So much gratitude, & still manifesting, but it's coming along.. let's work 🙏🏾🏁
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Chris Paul over the last 5 games:
· 47 assists
· 4 turnovers
· 7 stls
· 3 blks
Activity levels have been very solid
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Chris Paul back in New Orleans for a series has a very nostalgic feel to it. A homecoming of sorts
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The Paul/Booker/Okogie/Durant/Ayton lineup is +39 (6.5 per game) in 6 games (95 minutes) spent together (6-0) - shooting 51.5/41.4/79.5
Off. rtg: 115.8
Def. rtg: 95.9
Net rtg: 19.9
TS%: 61.6
Opponents are shooting 38.4 % from the field, & 28.1 from 3 against this unit
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Kevin Durant was asked about the compensation given up to acquire him, & if he was worried if their bench has enough to help win a championship:
"I don't think people watch the Phoenix Suns enough to say that... the easy thing to say right now is we don't have a bench."
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Yesterday gave more examples of why O'Neale starting is appropriate for balance to Phoenix's rotation
Drtg with him on: 110.4, equiv. of 2nd in NBA (6.1 pp100 better than w/o)
• 215 min + Durant/Nurkić: 104.7 Drtg, 15.7 Net
• 97 min + Booker/Durant/Nurkić: 103.9 Drtg, 6.7 Net
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Per release, Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury are partnering with the 'Bring Our Families Home' campaign, focusing on raising awareness regarding American hostages and detainees, plus more
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It's also now officially the Kahleah Copper era in Sky hoop, which I'm absolutely excited for & thoroughly intrigued by
Definitely want to see how Wade & company, with cap space, fill out the roster around her
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Bradley Beal since returning from injury (6 games):
20.5 PPG - 53.0/44.4/85.0 modern splits — 32.8 MPG
***16.8 drives per game (team high)***
Take away his 1st game back vs HOU:
23.2 PPG - 54.1/42.3/85.0 modern splits, 5.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 4.0 FTA's — 35.3 MPG
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This is *it* right here, in a big reason Nurkic is valued
Suns catch the Blazers now at the level on Booker, to which Booker hits the short-roll & Nurkic is right at home
Excellent cut from Little to burn the help underneath, in the advantage, & look who's *wide* open
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Gratitude again to PHNX for betting on the kid!
New opportunities, let's work 🏁
Very excited to announce our crew for the Mercury season!
Join us in welcoming
@erikaleaday
and
@StayTrueSDot3
who will provide amazing coverage all season long…give them a follow!!!
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Tuesday I was able to gain insight from A'ja Wilson on her time at the 5 & how it contrasts to years past:
"Im undersized at the 5 honestly... I just try to find ways to make sure that my teammates know that I'm there. Try to be the anchor of the defense."
Is she the DPOY?
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Josh Okogie acting *totally* different in the summer
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Phoenix Suns catch & shoot % on 3pa's post ASG:
🔥Durant: 66.7% - 3.0
🔥Booker: 59.3% - 2.5
🔥 Lee: 56.3% - 1.6
🔥 Paul: 47.6% - 1.9
🔥 Ross: 47.4% - 4.2
🧊 Payne: 33.3% - 1.9
🧊 Craig: 33.3% - 3.3
🧊 Wainright: 32.4% - 3.1
🧊 Okogie: 31.4% - 4.6
They're 2nd post ASG, at 41.8%
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Bradley Beal in 9 games since returning from his ankle injury
☄️ 20.6 PPG
☄️ 57% from 2 & 42.4% from 3
☄️ 4.4 RPG
☄️ 4.3 APG
☄️ +6
The Suns have the best Ortg — 127.4, +9.7 over league average — & also the 5th best non-garbage time net in this window (+10.7)
They're 6-3 since
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Jusuf Nurkic's last 3 games:
☀️17.0 PPG
☀️10.3 RPG
☀️2.0 APG
☀️2.0 BPG
☀️1.0 SPG
He's at 62.1% from the field, including 68.8% (📈) in the restricted area & 71.4% on non-restricted area paint attempts
He's found a pocket of efficiency, & it's relevant to this Suns win streak
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Thad Young has 21 stocks in 103 poss.
• 2.3% STL% — 96th %tile for Bigs
• 3.7 deflections/36 — 1st on Suns
• 4 charges drawn — 1st on Suns
Brings activity & awareness on/off-ball + size in rotation. & is great with catch & pass contests
Low risk, high reward on the margins
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Asked Angel postgame about this exact moment she shared with Tina Charles after the final buzzer
"She sees greatness in me."
She also confirmed that Tina indeed was speaking with her regarding being more patience with her navigating around the basket & finishing
Tina Charles spent a good minute speaking on-court postgame with Angel Reese about what looked like patience in posting up
This certainly felt like one of her better games in doing so on this level this season
Any wisdom shared from Charles is sure to be a positive
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Coach Weatherspoon on the culture desired, in alignment with the city of Chicago, but also in the history of its sports:
"There's a great deal of sports history here.. we want everybody to begin to speak about it again.. with us in it."
This was a *very* detailed response
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Bradley Beal (6-for-6 today) closed the regular season knocking down 31 of 48 attempts from 3 over the last 10 games — good for 64.6%
He also played in each of their final 23 games
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I am *still* stuck on the audacity for *this* pull-up vs a switch & double lol
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Chris Paul is quietly (& quickly) up to 39.3% from 3 on the season
In his 8 games (since Christmas):
· 16.8 PPG - 47.1/47.4/74.1
---> 70% on c&s 3's
· 7.8 APG
---> 3rd in potential ast, at 17.4
---> 8th in ast pts created, at 21.0
3+ makes from deep in 5 of these 8 games too
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Have spoken plenty upon the addition of Angel Reese to the Chicago Sky about "next steps" regarding her development
Pregame, we see 2 of the things I've spoken to, as well as Tina Charles as recent as last game out regarding her patience, as well as playing off 2 feet at the cup
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Josh Okogie speaks to the tone his play has been setting, then also to his reps in varying roles earlier in the season adding up in the now:
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Chimezie Metu knocked down the 3 off a pass from Booker here, but lol
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☀️ Great Morning ☀️
Angel Reese is presently averaging 4.5 (!) offensive rebounds per game, with 18 total — both rank 1st in the W
Small sample but it's clear — after leading NCAAW in offensive rebounds her final 2 years — a key dynamic in her impact has translated impactfully
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Chicago's QB1 is in attendance! Along with Keenan Allen & Rome Odunze
Great to see the support with the influx of new energy into Chicago sports 🫡
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There's something very special being built in Chicago
A foundation already withstanding injury adversity, is seeing early successes, & showing what their identity will be
Leaders truly stand out, & coach Weatherspoon has a reach/reverence/presence that is simply... *different*
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Post ASG Cam Johnson
· 16.8 PPG
· 56.8% from 2
· 62.1 TS%
In similar sample sizes pre (20 games) & post ASG (22 games) he's racked up more FGA's, FTA's, REBs, AST's, STL's, & 90 more points
🔥 2 dribble pull-ups = 62.2%
🔥 Shots < 10ft = 60%
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Just watch Angel & Jonquel back down the floor here & the tools of the trade Angel already has
Baits Jonquel into her 4th foul here off agitation
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Lindsay Allen on what makes Notre Dame guards unique:
"It started with McGraw, & also Nielle... you have the Skylar's, the Jewell's, the Arike's.. the Marina's, the Jackie's.. & now the Olivia's, the Hannah's.. they do a really good job recruiting"
Lindsay's very detailed
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Pretty clear early on that, aside from being unapologetically honest, Bradley Beal is also not going to accept anything in a W that he wouldn't in an L
This team definitely needs a player that's expressive in the manner that Bradley Beal is
Bradley Beal: "I think we took a step back and I think we all know that."
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Gratitude to any & all that've tapped in & supported my Suns related tweets/pods/film sesh's/pieces at any point all season
2022-23 was one of great growths in pursuit of my long-time desires for full-time work in this space, post graduation
It's been consistently gratifying 🙏🏾
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Approved this a.m. to cover the WNBA Finals!!! Endless gratitude would be an understatement for how I'm feeling rn
Deposits adding up.. 🙏🏾🏁
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Phoenix Mercury's Kahleah Copper (29.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG) has won Western Conference Player of the Week
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Fwiw: Landry Shamet, on 36 attempts, is shooting 47.2% from the corners this season
He's a career 43.9% shooter from those spots
To the Suns shot profile evolving, & the roles of players evolving in integrating Durant, he could very well have a profound impact in the rotation
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The Phoenix Suns are 10-5 in the last 15 games. In this window:
• 1st in FG% — 50.6%
• 1st in 3PM & 3P% — 14.3/41.2%
• T2 in REB — 46.1
—> 4th in DREB — 35.4
• 6th in APG — 29.5
4th in Ortg (120.6)
—> 3rd in halfcourt (105.7)
19th in Drtg (114.9)
—> 16th in halfcourt (98.1)
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Inbox: The Chicago Sky have announced media availability for both No. 7 pick Angel Reese, & No. 13 pick Brynna Maxwell, scheduled for Wednesday at 1pm CST
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Quick thread on my Q&A's today, with Angel Reese & Brynna Maxwell ⤵️
Let's start with Angel, speaking on what leadership is to her, her style, & how it impacts her teammates:
"I'm just very competitive, & I have a winning mentality... I'm kind of a perfectionist.."
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Thaddeus Young is +15 in his 10mins of play tonight
He has 3 offensive rebounds & is doing all of the little things from communication to the extra effort plays that would be needed for him to be impactful in his role
Phoenix has 13 points on 9 second chance possessions
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Everything's become a switch late with Durant at the 5, which has flattened Sacramento's movement & general play, especially off Sabonis touches & actions
Plenty turnovers forced & play in the open floor from the aggressive switches has them now up 2 late
30-6 Suns run
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🎙 Postgame Q&A 🎙
I also spoke with Coach Weatherspoon
On tonight's defense: "This' exactly how we want to play. We want to be aggressive on the defensive side of the ball..."
On Onyenwere's values: "Michaela is different... There's so many things that she does so well..."
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Sound On 🔊
The Suns accepted the Kings defensive coverage & picked it apart - in multiple ways - to the tune of a 114.9 half-court ortg (their 4th best mark of the season) last night
One way they did so was via multiple PnR's, while also strategically using Okogie to initiate:
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Exactly Brendon. Like he said..
It might be time to admit Chris Paul slow playing the regular season has worked, he's been aggressive and awesome since basically March 1
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Good Afternoon
Chennedy Carter leads the W in reserve scoring, averaging 12.5 PPG on 51.8% from the field
She's shooting 54.5% from 2 (19th in the W) on 9.6 attempts, & has scored in double-digits in 7 consecutive games
Is a Sixth Player of the Year-level season in the works?
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Suns fans, how do you all feel about the additions of Royce O'Neale & Thaddeus Young, in place of the players that preceded them in the rotation?
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Watanabe moments
Good rotational defense then a great drive off the long closeout from Spain
Those are the types of marginal plays he has to make, as a complementary piece
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Underrated in Angel's dynamic is her ability to drive with either hand
This' a right hand drive out of the midpost in tight quarters — look at the processing of help (!) & ability to engage it then dish
Good finishing plays, & setting the advantage on drives
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☀️ Thaddeus Young is a Sun ☀️
Through a defensive lens, though he isn't at his peak, he still provides plenty value in areas where the Suns have needed it:
☄️ Versatility (in position & scheme)
☄️ Understanding positioning
☄️ Is Ever-Active
Let's talk about it
Sound On 🔊
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The Suns had 56 drives tallied last night, per NBA tracking
Bradley Beal was responsible for 23 (!) — & it's his downhill prowess, in multiple contexts, that's a staple in their offensive process
He often sets the tone with that layer, & is one of the main ways they invert play
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A detailed, informative read with a timeline providing clarity regarding what Angel spoke on, & how things have come to be
"The media needs to be better with the way that Reese is covered. It starts with listening to what she is trying to tell us."
Great work, again, from Steph
Angel Reese asked reporters on Monday to check the receipts on the double standard that she claims she faces. So I did, and found out that she's absolutely correct:
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Short-roll with O'Neale again
Notice how natural he looks playmaking in this scenario
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Phoenix got into their bag defensively instantly. Much is made of Bridges-Ayton in PnR defense, but at this point they scram switch so seamlessly it's just as notable.
Enticed, then eliminated the mistatch while simultaneously forcing the Bulls to work under duress of the clock
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Sound On 🔊
"Bully Book," anyone?
Let's zoom in on Devin Booker operating from *this* area of the floor:
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This was already a *very* solid trio
Now, with no other than Kevin Durant added to it, the sky is potentially the floor
Some even more exciting hoop on the way. Let's work!
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I asked Monty Williams for his thoughts on the Suns offensive process & execution reps in the half-court, especially via their three-player actions tonight:
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· Covered multiple NBA games in-person as a credential media member for my 1st time
· Covered the W for another full season
· Was credential & traveled to Vegas for W All-Star
My desires are aligning, & more steps towards full-time pay & access in this space have been taken 🏁
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Interesting answered from Booker in Amicks latest piece with the Athletic:
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What a run the last calendar year has been for Kahleah Copper:
🌟 Back-to-back All-Star selects
🏆 WNBA Champion
🏆 WNBA F-MVP
🏆 EuroLeague MVP
🏆 Spanish League Champion
🏆 Spanish League MVP
🏆 FIBA World Cup Gold
A winner 🫡
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Sound On 🔊
Jusuf Nurkic has put out some solid two-way film for a sustained period of time now, over the last 3 games
Let's take a look at some of his usages in offensive contexts, + (& even more-so) his efforts, decision-making, & activity defensively from last night vs POR
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A "back pocket" thought of mine for Nurkic in playoff play, was executed between him & Little before the half
Simons wants access to Nurkic, so, after prior communication, the Suns "pre-switch" on the roller
That screen now see's a switch, & the deemed advantage is neutralized
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Royce O'Neale & Grayson Allen combined for 12 3PM on 54.5% vs LAL
For O'Neale, this is the hit to Suns shot profile I've anticipated as he plays more — in tandem with Allen
Quick thread on some of the ways opportunities were created for them, from deep:
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High post touch ATO for Angel Reese, & this is where she's mentioned she wanted to get back to doing things she did in highschool as a wing
The crossover & finish in space
There's a ton of skill & potential in her handle
Reese on where she is in skill, both with handle & passing, in relation to what she's bringing to the W — past her many skills in versatility on defense:
"Being able to be the player I was coming out of highschool, I was more of a wing. So being able to transfer back into that."
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It's been fun to watch Angel Reese's game translate so well to the professional level, in multiple respects
The effort, the cerebral parts seeing her think the game through, composure — it's had a major impact & is thoroughly part of the teams identity already
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