After the Phoenix Suns got blown out in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, free-agent-to-be “big man” Amar’e Stoudemire called Lamar Odom’s 19-point, 19-rebound game “lucky” and added that Odom had “snuck in” for all those rebounds. Wow. Is Lamar a ninja? Does he have real ultimate power? Amar’e seems to think so.
Meanwhile, Stoudemire finished with three boards…so apparently he needed to do a little more sneaking around.
When the “lucky” comment were brought up to Odom, Lamar dismissed Stoudemire’s words as something said in the heat of post-game irritation at the loss itself and with nagging reporters who were bragging up an opponent. TNT analyst Charles Barkley agreed.
However, yesterday morning, Stoudemire was given the chance to retract his earlier statement…but refused. Because you never want to back away from a silly statement. You’ve got to own it, even if owning it is kind of stupid.
Said Amar’e: “Nah, I’m gonna always be myself. That’s just my character. It’s just what I was feeling. … He had a solid game. I’m looking forward to keeping him off the boards and containing him as much as possible. He had a great game so we have to focus in on him a little bit more.”
Odom didn’t go for 19/19 again, but he did finish with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a blocked shot while shooting 7-for-10 from the field. Meanwhile, Stoudemire scored 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting to go along with 6 boards, an assist and a co-game-high 5 turnovers.
So much for focusing on Odom and keeping him off the boards. And did I mention that Amar’e had the same number of defensive rebounds (3) as Steve Nash? And this isn’t a new thing: In 12 postseason games this year, Stoudemire has nabbed 5 or more defensive boards only three times. In the Suns’ first round series against the Portland Trail Blazers — which went six games — Amar’e had 14 defensive rebounds. Odom had 12 of them in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Can you tell this bugs me?
What’s worse, the Lakers’ big men were able to slip past Stoudemire — and easily — throughout the game, which ended in a 124-112 loss for the Suns and an 0-2 deficit in their best-of-seven series. Check out this pick and roll defense (courtesy of AnacondaHL of Basketbawful):
Fortunately, I’m reasonably sure that Stoudemire is no better than a Plan E or F for the Bulls, and also that the Suns will probably do all they can to re-sign him.
Update! Here’s video of the play Ryan referred to in the comments section…where Amar’e gets his shot blocked by Kobe Bryant and then misses a follow-up dunk.
Amar’e luckless in L.A with those Phoenix Suns,surprise surprise,everyone has always been totally luckless that have played for Phoenix.
Don’t worry, Amare will either stay in Phoenix or go to Miami (where he almost went this year).
Bulls def rather have Bosh then Amare, Bosh plays better defense (which isn’t saying much) but definitely gets rebounds.
Couldn’t agree more, Matt. The Bulls shouldn’t even consider him – for a variety of reasons.
Wholeheartedly agree, still don’t understand why there are some wanting Amare over Bosh. Like you said, Amare is not even on the Bulls radar, they have too many other options to go after him, I’d even take Boozer over Amare.
I have been wanting Amare, but these Finals have tarnished his ‘worth.’ Suns have always been a very very poor defensive team… that is why they want to play uptempo and try to outscore opponents. I think Amare could be better with a team that focuses on defense.
The main reason I liked him was due to the Bulls pick and roll offense. Amare is one of the better big man at this (possibly more due to Nash), but with a new coach, the pick and roll offense may change. He has been sinking on my ‘big-man want list’ since the beginning of the Western Conf. Finals.
The video showed one play, but there were 5-6 plays that involved Amare either ‘falling asleep’ or not playing hard. Nash tried to throw a pass to him in the paint, and he was turned around waiting for the board – he was blocked and then missed the follow slam – then just standing on the wing as the shot clock ran down (cut to the basket!!). It really seems he is playing to not get hurt, rather than for a big contract or Championship.
I can care less if Amar’e leave the Phoenix Suns this summer, hopefully he does not sign with the Bulls. (he is a weak un-healthy guy like: Loozer I mean Boozer lol)
I rather take Chris Bosh (soft ass lol) or David Lee in a heart beat over any PF free-agent this summer.
Amar’e is all about scoring. he doesn’t wanna play D and he doesn’t wanna rebound, if u ever watch him closely on rebounds he’ll behind a guy, lol
Have fun with him Wade…since u don’t wanna leave that great Heat team that’s being built.
hahaha nice one guys! I agree…