Gentry says new additions are starting to fit in better
Jan 21, 2011, 2:34 AM | Updated: 3:48 am
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns have played much better over the last week, winning four straight games as they make a push to make it back to .500.
The biggest reason for the team’s success has been that players are finally starting to find their place, Phoenix Suns Head Coach Alvin Gentry told Sports 620 KTAR’s Gambo and Ash Thursday.
The team has lacked defined roles ever since the blockbuster deal that brought Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat and Mickael Pietrus to the Suns from Orlando.
That’s starting to change, and it shows – especially on offense.
“Well, I think number one, our offense has a pace to it and is much smoother than it was in the past,” Gentry said. “I think we’re starting to understand each other more. I think Vince is starting to fit in better; I think Marcin is starting to fit in better. We’re just playing better basketball, mainly because of our offense.”
The Magic additions aren’t the only ones fitting in better.
Player like Hakim Warrick who have been with the team from the beginning of the season are adjusting to their new roles as well.
Gentry mentioned Warrick’s performance against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter as a bright spot on the road trip.
“I thought his defense was terrific on Amare (Stoudemire),” Gentry said. “I thought there could have been two charging fouls called, but he was right there. We did not get the call. But I just thought he did a really good job of making Amare work for his shots. (I know) Amare ended up with 41 points, I just thought that fourth quarter, Hakim did a great, great job on him.”
Though the team as a whole now has pretty well-defined roles, Gentry says he would like to see more definition at one position: center.
