Game On: Hornets @ Phoenix

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Published: April 1, 2012

The Hornets travel to Phoenix to take on the playoff-aspirant Suns for their fifth road game in seven nights. I give you the keys to victory.

The Suns had a great run of wins after the All-Star break to get themselves back into the playoff discussion, but then they lost four of six, Grant Hill just had surgery to his meniscus, Nash is battling minor injuries of his own, and the team is below .500 and not a favorite to make the playoffs.

The Hornets, of course, may be without Landry and Kaman, and will be without Okafor, Gordon, Ariza, Ayon, MJ, Magic, and Larry Bird isn’t walking through that door.  Crazy how they keep almost winning games – though I wonder if the schedule might finally catch up to them tonight.

Regardless, I give you the Keys to Victory:

  1. Rock the boards.  Legs will be tired.  Jumpers will fall short.  Fortunately, the Suns are a very poor defensive rebounding team.  Send Smith, Aminu and Henry to the glass, and second chance points should give the Hornets an edge.
  2. Play Hornets ball.  Control the tempo, work the ball around and get that good shot in the last few seconds of the shot clock.  The Suns allow good shooting percentages and will break down defensively.  Force them to, and don’t get sucked into quick shots.
  3. Get to the hoop.  Surprisingly, Phoenix is actually one of the best teams in the league at limiting opportunities at the basket.  Part of this is low turnovers, but considering their weakness on the boards, a lot of this is just good defense.  HOWEVER, if you get to the rim, Phoenix allows you to finish with ease.  Drive, Drive, Drive.  Get Henry in there.  Get those shots.

Enjoy the Game!

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