EveryJoe » mike d’antoni

Mike D’Antoni Gets Sweet Revenge

Stephen Kersey — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:55:29 +0000

Mike D’Antoni has to still be a bit bitter about how he left the Phoenix Suns. After building the Suns up to championship contenders, he was let go for not being able to leading Phoenix all the way to the promised land. On Tuesday, D’Antoni — now with the New York Knicks — got revenge.

The Knicks came out on fire and smoked the Suns. Completely smoked ‘em. At the half, the Knicks had 71 points and ended up winning 126-99. The win improved the Knicks to 4-14, while the Suns dropped to 14-4.

Danilo Gallinari, the second-year forward from Italy, led the way for the Knicks with 27 points, ten rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 36 minutes. David Lee had 24 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Off the bench, Al Harrington had 22 points and eight boards.

Steve Nash was the lone bright spot for the Suns, finishing with 20 points and eight assists. After the game, Nash didn’t exactly mince words.

“Terrible performance. I’m embarrassed. Obviously just a disastrous effort,” said Nash.

This game was also the first time this season that the Suns didn’t score 100 points. D’Antoni had one wish after the game.

Said D’Antoni: “If we can bottle this up.”

Mike D'Antoni got the last laugh on Tuesday (Image: Zuma Press)

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Mike D’Antoni Gets Sweet Revenge

Steve Nash Gets Extension from Suns

Stephen Kersey — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:50:45 +0000

Steve Nash has won two MVPs while with the Phoenix Suns. On Monday, the Suns gave Nash a two-year contract extension worth a reported $22 million. Nash is expected to sign the offer some point this week.

The 35-year-old native of Canada is coming off of another very good season. While his numbers were down a little bit, he still is regarded as one of the best point guards in the leauge. Last year, Nash averaged 15.7 points, 9.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game in 33.6 minutes.

Despite Nash’s play, the Suns weren’t able to make the playoffs. They struggled under new coach Terry Porter and they also had to deal with an injury-shortened season for star power forward Amare Stoudemire.

While this is undoubtedly a risk for the Suns due to Nash’s age, the point guard is a fan favorite and there was a risk that the New York Knicks would go after him in the offseason. Nash even hinted at being interested in signing on with the Knicks to join his former coach Mike D’Antoni.

Steve Nash gets extension from the Suns (Image: Zuma Press)

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Steve Nash Gets Extension from Suns

Stephon Marbury Refuses to Play for Knicks

Stephen Kersey — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:24:53 +0000

Is there a better job than being an NBA athlete. You get as much notoriety as you want. You get paid millions. You don’t work the whole year. The fringe benefits are countless. Oh and all that money you earn … it’s guaranteed no matter what.

Stephon Marbury must love the fact that the money is guaranteed. In the last few days, the New York Knicks made a few trades and those trades left their roster shorthanded. Although Marbury hasn’t played all season, coach Mike D’Antoni told him he was going to play. Marbury refused.

Imagine you were on vacation from your job and your boss calls you to say that he wants you to come into work for a couple of days … and you tell him no. That’s the power of guaranteed money.

The NBA might consider changing their rules or at least give teams an option in regards to players who have outwardly quit playing basketball. Until then, Marbury will collect his $20+ million whether he wants to play or not.

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Stephon Marbury Refuses to Play for Knicks