A familiar process for Suns center Tyson Chandler
Oct 28, 2015, 7:30 AM | Updated: 11:38 am
Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker, left, holds back center Tyson Chandler who argues with referees after being called for a foul while facing the Denver Nuggets in the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Denver. Suns forward Markieff Morris, front right, looks on. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
It’s a been there, done that situation for Phoenix Suns starting center Tyson Chandler.
As the recently-turned 33-year-old enters his 15th NBA season, Chandler has switched teams quite a few times — six to be exact.
With a small schedule quirk, it just so happens he gets to open the season Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, who Chandler played for last season.
“I’ve been through it before, it’s nothing new to me,” said Chandler. “I’m more so locked in on what we have to accomplish as a team.”
How did Chandler and his teams fare the previous five times he played against his old organizations for the first time? Lets take a look.
December 1, 2006: Oklahoma City Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls
Chandler was a +19 in a 111-108 loss to the Bulls. He went for two points on two shots, with 17 rebounds and three blocks.
April 7, 2010: Charlotte Bobcats vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Bobcats beat the Hornets 104-103. Chandler put up 16 points on 7-9 shooting and made both of his free throws. He added 10 rebounds, five blocks and one steal.
October 27, 2010: Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Bobcats
What do you know? A similar situation to this season where Chandler faced his old team on opening night. The Mavericks pulled out a 15-point win and Chandler was a +15. He tallied eight points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal.
February 19, 2012: New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks
Another strong performance in another victory for Chandler. He scored 14 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked three shots as the Knicks beat the Mavs 104-97.
November 26, 2014 Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks
The Mavs won 109-102 behind a monster 17-point, 25-rebound, two-block, one-steal performance from Chandler.
In five games playing his former team for the first time, Chandler has recorded double-doubles three times and has a 4-1 record. The Suns are hoping for more the same against the Mavericks on Wednesday.
