Inside the Box: Defense was optional
Apr 9, 2011, 1:30 AM | Updated: 2:32 am
After every Phoenix Suns game we’ll examine the box score and
provide you with instant analysis. So it’s time to go Inside the Box for
April 8, 2011: Hornets 109, Suns 97
Wednesday, in Minnesota, the Suns did whatever they wanted to offensively
against the hapless Timberwolves. Friday, facing the Hornets and without
Steve Nash, things were considerably different.
The Good:
Jared Dudley, who guaranteed he’d throw down 10 dunks this season,
made good on his promise in the first quarter when he threw down a two-
handed slam as the trailer on a fast break. He finished with a team-best 18
points while taking just nine shots.
The Bad:
Most everything else, but especially the defense, if you can even call it that.
The Suns allowed the Hornets to shoot at a 55.6 percent clip, making 11 of
18 three point attempts and dishing out 31 assists.
The Funky:
The Hornets’ Willie Green, a career 42 percent shooter who averages just
9.2 points per game, made his first 12 shots of the game. He finished with
31 points on 12 for 17 shooting, 5 of 6 from three.
