I’m baaaaaack. Apologies for being MIA over the past two weeks, but sometimes Mardi Gras happens, and then on occasion the real world comes calling.
Before I get to the game, I want to follow up on what donations will do for our coverage from New Orleans specifically. So far we have had interviews with Trevor Ariza, Marco Belinelli, Marcus Thornton, and many more, completely ruined by our inadequate camera and audio equipment. You might be thinking- “nuh-uh! I check this site every day and I’ve never seen those!” Well, here’s why-
As you can tell, video interviews are a complete waste of time right now, which is why we have stopped doing them. With how unreliable my flip cam is, the only real option that I’ve had to get video of press conferences has been my cell phone camera. It’s not terrible for that purpose (although it is the worst camera that anyone covering the Hornets uses), imagine going into the locker room with a cell phone cam and trying to ask David West questions about specific defenses. Think about that for a second, because as of now that’s how I am forced to roll if I want to use video.
If we can raise enough money to get some decent A/V equipment, then we will utilize it as much as humanly possible. We will request more interviews with your favorite players, attend more practices, events, and press conferences, assuring that you, the fans, will get exactly what you crave from this site- More in depth coverage right from the source, more interviews with questions the MSM simply will not ask, more personal stories from the players, and a lot more behind the scenes footage of what the individuals that make up the Hornets franchise are really like.
With your help, we can take the next step forward.
Onto the game…
Matchup: Suns (33-32) @ Hornets(39-30)
Off Efficiency: Suns 106.9 (9th), Hornets 103.5 (19th)
Def Efficiency: Suns 107.0 (22nd), Hornets 100.9 (6th)
Pace: Suns 96.9 (6th), Hornets 91.2 (28th)
Injuries- Channing Frye is out for Phoenix. Steve Nash is slated to play, despite missing his previous two games.
Everyone is healthy for New Orleans.
In the first 69 games of the year, the Hornets and Suns met only once, a tightly contested 104-102 Suns victory on January 30th. In the final 13 games, with the playoffs looming and seeding still very much uncertain, the two squads will face each other three times. Make no mistake, these are all must win games for the Hornets. Chris Paul historically goes off against Nash and the Suns. With Nash’s injury not quite in the rear view mirror, and Paul playing inspired ball since returning from his concussion (30.0 points, 12.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 steals), it would be surprising to see anything less than a stellar Chris Paul performance.
The key to this game for New Orleans is to stop the three ball. With the loss to Denver on Monday, the Hornets fell to 1-13 when allowing 10 or more three pointers in a game. It’s a concern especially against Phoenix because they hit three pointers at a 38% clip, good for 5th best in the league this year. With Channing Frye out Phoenix loses one of it’s best long bombers, but they still have three guys on the team that hit three ball pretty regularly at 38% or better.
If the Hornets allow the Suns to take open three pointers throughout the game, then it’s feasible that they will be beaten. Otherwise, expect a much needed New Orleans victory.
Game Notes
- Hornets are currently tied for 6th in the Western Conference standings, 3.5 games ahead of ninth seeded Utah, 2 games behind fifth seeded Denver, and 5.5 games behind fourth seeded OKC.
- Joe will be on Daily Dime Chat throughout the game, so stop by if you have a minute.
- The remainder of away games (and all playoff games) will be supplemented with a live chat right here at Hornets247. You asked, and we listened.
- All 13 of the remaining Hornets games are against teams that are no further than 3 games out of a playoff spot.
- Does anyone else think it’s funny that Grant Hill, Steve Nash, and Vince Carter all start on the same basektball team?
50 responses to “Game On: Suns @ Hornets”
I have 3 free tickets to the game tonight to a member of this community. You’d also have access to the Season Ticket Holder Beer Garden. Have to meet me at the discount zone at West Metairie and Clearview. Leave me a reply here. I’m looking to meet the person at the spot at 5PM. Scalpers don’t bother. I know better.
That is extremely nice of you Monty. Wow- you guys never cease to amaze me. Would you guys be willing to take some pics and post a journal? I love when Hornets fans come together like this.
I WANT TO LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS O_O
if you still have those tickets….i would be interested in them. Im from the new orleans and im a big hornets fan but ive been in the army 8 years now and havent gotten the chance to attend a game. i stay in hattiesburg ms for a couple of more weeks before going to north carolina…..if you still have the three tickets, me, another soldier and his son would be interested.
nevermind on the tickets…i wont be able to make it there and through traffic by 5…..
Can you be there by 5:25?
I could possibly leave them at will call for you too at the arena. I don’t know though. I’ve never tried it before.
I could stretch it to 5:35-5:40ish. People meeting at my house to go down there for 5:45.
Great gesture, man. Wish I were in NOLA too.
Count me in as a member of the Doghouse fanclub. Dude is a lifer.
Agree, disagree, whatever, the guy loves this team.
Anyone intersted in seeing Mr. McNamara in high-def? Give!
Regarding the interviews, I’m a big fan of the NBA’s hottest dance team, the New Orleans Hornets’ Honeybees. I’d love to see some of them interviewed. The write-ups in the programs are pretty lame. Thanks for all the work and fun Hornets247 community!
Co-sign and if I may, I would like to add that I’d be more than willing to conduct those interviews in my house. If need be, the team can spend the night at no charge.
im with you on that one
Gortat murdered us last time but that was due to Okafor being injured. If we force them to play at our pace this should be an easier win.
Hopefully Chris can keep up his level of play from recent games. I think he will, he always steps up to play Nash.
Gonna be rockin my Belinelli jersey for the first time in a while… was rocking the Thornton one lately but he’s no longer around 🙁
Nice to have you back Joe. You owe me a phone call. Great seeing you step up Doghouse. That’s an awesome move.
Let’s hope Paul does continue on this path and the coaching staff not blow it.
Okafor returned from injury playing very badly. He returned to commit many fouls early, didn’t show the least offensive ability (oh, how I miss Tyson Chandler!) and was also wrong in his specialty, the defense. I am very concerned about our big men. If we go into the playoffs playing like this we will be swept away.
Hey Joe,
I am a videographer by trade, and would be happy to donate my time and services anytime you need to do interviews. I have a perfectly functioning camera, with a good mic! Just moved to the big easy from San Fran, and would love to pitch in and help the Hornets. Email me offline anytime – hallonius@gmail.com
I will definitely shoot you an email when I get a chance. Thanks!
just get yourself a Vado HD small handheld recorder.
They are small but terrific.
Had one for years.
and cheap!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Creative-Vado-8GB-Pocket-Video-2nd-Gen-HD-Cam-Camcorder-/130493420956?pt=Camcorders_Professional_Video_Cameras&hash=item1e6203959c
The Hornets owe the Suns a butt kicking, and I’m sure they haven’t forgot that. It would be awesome for you guys to do video interviews with the players (I prefer them being done in the locker room, but that may be more for my amusement. I have no shame.). It would really add to the professionalism of this site/community, and I’m sure it will draw more fans to the site.
I’m starting to really notice the passion of some Hornet fans. Now I feel like I’m getting cheating since I only get to watch the Hornets on the NBA league pass. I don’t have that attachment, and for now on I’m not going to question the frustration of some fans. You all are lucky to have the Hornets down there in NOLA. Just imagine having the Pistons as your local team, once proud team to cheer for, now it’s beyond embarrassing. Anyhoo, Go Hornets!!!!!!
Ever since moving to New Orleans, the Hornets have had a solid fan base. The most important thing is having a team the city can be proud of and with Chris Paul and David West in the mix, there is no reason for the fans not to fully support the team.
Geez, as soon as I turn the game on Hill is at the free throw line.
Really Marco? 2 fouls in about 50 seconds?
2 personals on Belli already. SMH.
Now a 3 sec def foul on the Hornets.
They are on pace to hit 16 threes. Only 1 off of Denver.
But good news is that CP3 is the best PG in the world.
what a way to end the 1st quarter. carry the momentum to the 2nd. I’m off guys, going to an aptitude test(i’m planning on tutoring math in a review center), i need extra cash. HAHA
it’s just me or is Gray dominating their frontcourt lol ?
U cant tell me that wasnt a loose ball foul on afro-sun all over ariza
Q-Pon!
Nice QPon and Gray is feel in’ it
D-West is killing me…
CP3 splitting double-teams like it was 2K9!
CP3=MVP
I’ve got nothing but love for CP’s pull-up 3’s.
Carl Landry +13 at half.
Hey guys, I am doing a live interview on Barbershop Sports starting in 3 minutes. No radio required, just listen on the site. The guys seem pretty interesting and I am a little nervous about tangling with someone other than Ryan.
Would love the support. Call in with questions please.
http://www.barbershopsports.com/
Call in with questions at 646-727-1963
Mac how you gonna pick Georgetown as your sleeper, what about the BRUINS??????
Shhhhh. Didn’t want to give it away
Loving how energized CP3 is!
Dunk by Okafor! The sky is falling!
CP3 has been amazing these past 3 games!!!! It’s so exciting watching him play like this!!!!
cp3 looking like 07-09
What could have been an easy win turned into a close one by Monty. Our assistant coach, masquerading as a head coach, has no clue who needs to be on the floor. Ariza, the big hemorrhoid , goes 4 for 12 with 3 air balls and 1 missed wide open lay up and plays 40 minutes while Quincy plays only 12 minutes and puts up 8 points with solid defense. Willie Green 3 of 11 while Belli gets only 9 minutes. Jason Smith’s feet don’t hit the court. This is a joke.
If this were the playoffs, do you think the game would have unfolded the same way? Would Monty have tried to let Chris rest through the 4th?
If you rest Chris we lose.
Should the Hornets back their way into the playoffs, just how do you think we will fare with Ariza and Green on the floor in the final 4 minutes? Simple, we’re one and done.
So we agree? Don’t rest Chris more than a few minutes.
haha. one game from QPon with 8 points makes you want to play him more. haha. funny. I’m done with all this Assistant Coach masquerading as a head coach.