Phoenix Suns Breakdown: No Defensive Heat

43 points given up in the fourth quarter of a 117-109 home loss to the New Jersey Nets? Amare Stoudemire disqualifying himself with two technical fouls? Shaquille O’Neal almost complete uninvolved in the offense? Nash, Stoudemire, and Shaq providing no defensive resistance? Sorry, but the Suns don’t have the defense to win, and unlike in years past, they don’t have the offense to make up for it. Offense For the most part, Phoenix’ offense is dangerous and effective, but it isn’t as prolific as the run (and gun) you out of the building offense Mike D’Antoni employed in his tenure as head coach. As always, it starts with Steve Nash. For someone who has the ball as much as Nash has, it’s remarkable that he only forced a pair of shots and a couple of passes when he penetrated to deep and couldn’t find a passing angle to a cutting big. With New Jersey focused on making Nash a scorer in the halfcourt, they went under the majority of screens where ... (link)