The Suns

[opi@unesco.org]

-Jason Kidd ranks first in the NBA in assists (10) and triple doubles
(5) and also in the top five in three other categories including steals
(fifth at 2.03). He probably leads all guards (certainly all point
guards) in rebounding at 7.1 per game. Look for the Celts to try to do
to Kidd what they did against Payton exactly a week ago.

-Backcourt mate, Moneypenny is finally back after missing more than half
the season to date. He scored a season high 27 points on 12-21 shooting
two nights ago against Philly. The 6-7 Penny brings 4.4 assists, 5.8
boards and 1.39 assists to the table. If I recall correctly, Paul Pierce
and the cold Fleet Center floor through him well off his game last time
they played.

-Phoenix actually has four forwards having a great year this season
(Cliff Robinson, Tom Gugliotta, Rodney Rogers, Sean Marion).

-Rogers averages 12 points and 5.4 boards off the bench and has become
an accomplished deep shooter (.412 on 97 attempts).

-Cliff Robinson had the highest scoring game of this season to date (50
points against Denver) and is also dangerous on treys (.410 on 167
attempts).

-Dream Teamer Tom Gugliotta is averaging a quiet 8.2 boards and 13.3ppg
on .471 shooting.

-Shawn Marion (10ppg 5.4rpg) looked like a Rookie of the Month candidate
before he went down with injury.

-One "weakness" on this team is at center (Longley and Oliver Miller),
although they average a healthy 10.1 boards, 2.2 blocks and 2.6 assists
in 43 minutes between them. Again it is easy to picture Fortson getting
a lot of minutes in this matchup tonight.

-Another "weakness" is bench depth with Marion out. Long-time star Rex
Chapman is down to .381 shooting and 8.3 ppg with 1.8 rebounds. The 9th
leading minutes per game guy is none other than Todd "Don't Make My"
Day, scoring 6.6 ppg with more than half his total field goals coming
off the three point shot.

-The Suns play good defense (.435) and pass the ball (+3.5 assists per
game). They force 17.4 turnovers per game (4th in the NBA).

-Opponents get to the line nearly 5 times more often per game,
accounting for a +2.77 points scoring advantage.

-The Suns compensate for this  by outscoring opponents by 3.6 ppg from
the 3-point line.

-The Suns have won four of their last five games, but are just 6-5 in
January. The Celtics have lost three straight, but can finish over .500
for the month with a win (7-7 going in).

-The Celts have allowed at least 110 points while averaging just 91
points in getting sweeped on their three game road trip, .

-The Celtics are 15-6 at home. Phoenix is 7-11 on the road.

-The Celts have treated three straight Pacific Division visitors to
humbling losses at the Fleet Center (Sacramento, the Clippers and the
Sonics). Paul Pierce, who may be back tonight, was the Celts leading
scorer in all three games.

-Adrian Griffin also looks set to start. I suppose Pitino will dangle
Fortson to try to showcase his trade value, or bench him so he doesn't
get hurt if a trade is already finalized. Fortson should obviously just
try his best and not let the rumors affect him.

-Mercer and now Fortson ultimately in exchange for Derek Strong is a
rumor that sure sounds too good to be true <g>.

Go Pitino!! (please, go)


Joe