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 Getting Ready for the Playoffs
Posted By: Alando Tucker |
Alando Tucker played 25 minutes and scored 10 points in the Suns win over the Blazers on Wednesday.
(NBAE Photos) |
We’ve had some fun today ribbing Brian Skinner about his ejection. He’s been told if he gets kicked out of another game, he’ll have to shave the beard to shed his image. Some of the guys even offered to sign him up for anger management classes. All kidding aside, it was unfortunate seeing Brian ejected last night, but he’s having fun with it.
Although we were minus Brian, it was great being out there with DJ Strawberry, Sean Marks and all the guys I’ve been practicing with this season. Still, you’re definitely not going to hear me complaining if I’m on the court with anyone on this team. The key is to just be out there playing hard, and I love any opportunity I receive.
But like I said, that was the regular-season finale, and now it’s time to look ahead to the playoffs. This is obviously my first year in the playoffs, and I’m as excited as you could imagine. All year, I just kept hearing the questions about whether or not we could beat San Antonio and now our destiny is in our hands. We’ve got to go out there and show we can get over this hump, and mentally, everybody on this team is ready. It’s going to be a tough series but I’m feeling good about our chances, and the confidence level on the team is great.
I was watching last season when the Suns and Spurs met in the Western Conference Semifinals. It was such a close series, and this team was really just a call or two away from seeing some very different results. This was a rivalry before that series, and last year just seemed to take it up another level.
Also raising things up a notch was obviously the addition of Shaquille O’Neal and the battle that’ll be taking place between he and Tim Duncan. Those guys have been going at it a long time, and it’s always entertaining when they square off. I used to watch Shaq a lot as a fan, but only now do I have a real appreciation for how much he puts into getting ready for each game.
Another element of Shaquille you don’t really see from the outside is his ability to lead not only on the court, but in the locker room. When everybody was speculating about who we’d be playing, Shaq stepped up and said, “No matter who we play, if we want to win a Championship we’re going to have to step onto their court and win.” That’s obviously become the case now with us opening up these playoffs in San Antonio. As far as playing the Spurs, Shaq pointed out that we knew we were going to be playing the best teams come the postseason, so why not get started with the defending champions in the first round?
I definitely watched a lot of “Laker” Shaq as a youngster, but growing up in Chicago, I’ve got a lot of playoff memories involving the Eastern Conference. Obviously, I remember Michael Jordan leading some of the greatest teams of all time, but there were also some great teams playing in Detroit and New York at that time, also. What I remember most about watching basketball as a kid though is the intensity. Even as a youngster sitting in front of the tube, I could feel the intensity and just how much everything picked up in the playoffs. Now I’m getting the opportunity to experience it first hand.
Practice just wrapped up a little while ago, and you can already see by the amount of media who showed up that the playoffs are here. Everybody just poured in after practice was over, and it’s only expected to get crazier. As far as whether or not things like that are a distraction, that’s far from being an issue with this team. We’ve got way too many veterans to let anything distract us and guys like Steve Nash, Amaré Stoudemire and Grant Hill have been through just about it all during their careers, not to mention the Diesel, who’s a four-time NBA Champion.
For me, the playoffs are hopefully going to give me a nice chance to settle in. I’ve obviously acquired a ton of frequent flier miles between Albuquerque and Phoenix. It’s been a journey and it’s good to be back with this team whether we’re in Phoenix or on the road.
We’ve got one more practice tomorrow before taking off to San Antonio for our Saturday afternoon contest. We know you guys will be ready for our return, and I’ll try to check back in as soon as possible. Thanks again for all the feedback. You guys have definitely been a big part of this being such a memorable rookie season.
Comments
Jennifer - San Antonio
Can't wait to see you guys here!!! I'll be wearing my purple and orange all over town supporting you guys!!! GO SUNS GO!!!!
Laura - Phoenix
Alando, It was great watching you play last night. You have alot of fans supporting your journey in the NBA already! Keep up the good work, and we'll keep you in our prayers to the Big Guy for much success!
Tinkerbell (Melinda Preston) - Tempe
It's so good to hear your enthusiam and speculation for the playoffs Alando. I was so excited to see you and the rest of the players play through the second half and keep the Blazers in their place. I am thankful Mike kept you all on the floor to play through the end and recover from the Blazer run that brought the lead down some. I hope that more of the bench can play in the playoffs, it will be essential to the eventual trophy that you all make a contribution and the starters and usual bench get some rest. Mixing it up with other teams that haven't really seen you play will be cool.... I'm Tink (on the video) from planetorange.net. And I am the biggest Suns fan.... I cheer almost constantly, and think those people who stand up and shout only when the T-Shirt toss starts need to use that same energy when the team is on the floor.... I am so excited entering the playoffs, it's the Suns 4, the Spurs 1..... GO SUNS !!!
Arturo - Gilbert, AZ
the suns should be using a bit more of their bench. also use a lot more fast break points when its presemted
J. Garcia - Glendale
Alando
Hey dawg, it was good to see you get some PT last night. I noticed you putting up some great numbers in the D league, and I feel that you got the skills and drive to really be an asset to this team. Just stay focused, patient, and hungry. On the real though, enjoy the ride. Once upon a time I had hoop dreams, and just to say that you're on an NBA team that's heading to the playoffs has to be a rush like no other. I hope you have a blast, and I wish you and the team the best of luck. Bring home that ring homie!
Peace
jon - phils
hey alando, be ready to play cause mike d' will surely use you and all the other guys for after half time the spurs will already be buried and you guys have to finish them off (just like what you did with portland the last game. this is our time. go suns
Amy Schubert - tempe
thanks for taking the time out to blog.
we love it.
good luck
xo
Reespope - HillTop,Illinois
Suck it up Tuck, As Coach Larry Thompson always told u...GOOD to SEE u get in a game Hopefully many more to come...Peace and much love TOUGH GUY
chris dale - mesa, az
Wow, thanks for having so much to say about your experience. i enjoyed reading this, and you have a lot great things to say. you looked great in the game the other night and your stats were awesome with the "birds" I can't wait to see you play more and more, and how you progress as a professional basketball player for the phoenix suns, my favorite sports team i've been following for 17 years. congratulations on your opportunity and can't wait to see how you take advantage of it.
arnel fonz - philippines
I think with the addition of the Diesel, Phoenix will finally get to NBA Finals this year. The Big Cactus will be the difference. He has the tools to help the team get over the hump.
Gerry T. Gatus - Chandler Arizona (Originally from the Philippines)
Hi Alando,
It was nice to see you play vs Blazers..I am a big fan of the Phoenix Suns and also a big fan of ALANDO TUCKER..I watched you from the beginning since the Suns Drafted you..I even watched you when you were in College..You were great man!!! Hope you'll make the championship this year (What a great experience to have it on your Rookie year ha)..Just stay focus and wish everybody would have a happy ending season..Go Suns!!! God Bless..
Gerry Gatus
Chi - Manila, Philippines
hey tuck, Good luck to your first ever post season.. Hopefully you get some playing time.. And when you're on the court, play hard.. It doesn't matter how long you play, (2-10mins.) Just go out there and show them what you got. Help the team in any way you can! Remmember Gibson in his rookie year as a cavs..playoffs give him the chance to prove he belong in the league.. I've seen you play in college and you are a good player, also D.J! If the opportunity is there take it as a challenge.. If you have a dram you have to protect it, don't let someone say you can do it! Good luck man!
Go suns!!!!
Stephanie - Phoenix
Great job last night, Alando! I was so happy to see you and the rest of the bench warriors get the chance to play some serious minutes last night. You all did such a great job and got the win to boot. I hope you enjoy your first trip through the playoffs. I look forward to reading your playoff blogs along the way.
GO SUNS!
DAVE - GILBERT AZ
Tucker, good luck this playoffs. I will be there in Vegas rooting for you and the boys in Vegas during summer league.
PhoenixSuns - Phoenix,AZ
I watched the game against Portland and I was glad to see Tucker and D.J. play. I hope they stick around for years to come. I will be looking forward to the future to see Tucker/D.J. alongside STAT and everyone else. I cant wait until mike is ready to put them into the line up because they are the future for our franchise and as far as I can tell good things will come.
Taylor - Phoenix, AZ
Although I couldn't stay up to watch the game, I saw a lot of it on line. You guys did wonderful against the Trailblazers and I thought playing Tucker was a great idea, especially with DJ Strawberry. You guys are really a good team. I ope we can beat San Antonio this year. Best of luck!
Taylor (T.Shaq on my basketball team)
Kenny - Phoenix
Once you get some more court time and get those 'jitters' out I think youre going to be something to look forward too. Keep up the good work I like what I see so far and hopefully we get to see you some in the playoffs. Best Wishes-
Doc’s Sports Predictions Guy - www.docsports.com
Nice post, Alando. It's been an enjoyable season following this team, primarily because you guys have had some new pieces to make a very interesting and strong squad. I like the match-up vs. the Spurs and it definitely favors Phoenix here. Despite not having home court, the Suns get it done and advance.
Danny - Gilbert, Arizona
Hey Alando! I'm just a phoenix sun's fun and your my favorite rookie.
I'm glad you got to play that last season game before the playoffs because I have been craving to watch you play, especially when hearing that you have been playing really well in the D-League.
Good luck in the play offs and I'm looking forward to seeing you play a lot more next season too.
TD - Tempe
Alando my man,
Great playing! I love hearing all of the comments! TD
Carlos - LA
I like your style Tuck. You have some amazing hops. I think you and the bench will get a lot of playing time during the playoffs.
I like this match up a lot.
THE SUNS WILL BURN THE ROOF OFF SAN ANTONIO!!!
sunsgirl - phoenix
Alando look forward to seeing you in the playoffs, I know you will help out as much as you can. You've got the talent, you just need the time to show everyone what you got!
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
Alandooooooooooooooo! GREAT game vs. GSW two nights ago. It was a thrill to watch you play - your vertical leap is amazing! I hope you'll see more minutes throughout the Playoffs. Go get 'em! Be safe, and GO SUNS !!!!
Thanks for writing. I've missed reading your Blogs, when you were keeping a "rookie diary" with us. I know you're busy. Just keep on keepin' on!
SUNS IN '08 !!!
moises - queen creek
hey whats up alando I just gotta say ive been waiting to see you play and this is my first time to see you and you did your thing so tell coach he needs to play you more lets come back with some victorys....
Jordan Kukiutai - Brisbane, Australia
Man I love the suns!!! it was awesome seeing the bench getting good time against portland. A sign of the good things to come! good luck for the playoffs you can get that ring i know it.
give my man sean marks props from me for that double double against the blazers. as a kiwi boy its good to see him rep new zealand
lets go suns!!!!!
Jacob Padilla - Omaha, Nebraska
Thanks, for the post Alando. Its great when professional athletes take the time to do things like this for the fans. I know you're a great player, just be patient. You'll see some minutes. Coach Mike plays a short bench (which I think is a mistake), and you've got some pretty great players ahead of you. I'm glad that you did so well in the D-League, and hope that will transfer over to the NBA. I didn't get to see you play against Portland, but I listened to it via NBA.com. Great job.
Do you think you could do me a favor? Could you talk to Coach Mike, Steve Kerr, and the management about possibly playing an exhibition here in Omaha? Thanks, and good luck in the post season. This is the Suns' year.
GO PHOENIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jacob Padilla - Omaha, NE
OH, and make sure you guys keep Robert Horry away from Steve
jemmar reyes - philippines
we all know its playoffs time and im a big fan of phoenix we all knew how hard to beat san antonio in the 1st round but im really hoping u can break this team and seek for brutal revenge with great players like steve ,amare ,shaq and course with role players and determined rookie like u hope u goes all d'way to the finals just stay focus and have always the will to win ....go suns gooooooooo....
golz - philippines
im a huge fan of planet orange all i can say is were going on the road against tough,intelligent,experienced team like san antonio just stay focus ,have no fear ,and be ready coz we all know its going to be a brawl..we love u guys and were looking 4ward to get u to the next round.....we believe in suns ..hell yeahhh
Ghio - Philippines
I hope you guys beat the Spurs;
and go win that trophy.
GO SUNS GO!!!
Lalos - Mesa
You won't dare print this but I'll send it anyway.
After the Spurs win this first round 2008 series against the Suns they need to can Mr. D'Antoni.
I am so tired of him either getting outcoached or outsmarting himself. Either way, he leads this team to losses that should not happen.
How can he not direct his players to foul with 12 seconds left in the first overtime? Everyone else knew that's what they needed to do. What the hell is so hard about making that call?
I hope the Suns FIRE THIS GUY!
Josh Wisneski - Plainfield, IL
Hey Alando. I'm happy you got to play a little bit throughout the season, but we all know that you are going to work yourself into a very big role as a sun! I'm glad to see it payed off for you since you busted your butt at Lockport and Wisconsin!! Congratulations! GO SUNS!
shellbell - gilbert az
I absolutely love reading your blogs!! Great job on the court ... was awesome to see you get some game time!! keep up all the hard work!
xoxoxo
Gerry T. Gatus - Phoenix Arizona (Originally from the Philippines)
Hi A T,
That game 1 was a killer!!! But keep in mind they never led the game not until the last 2 mins (4th Q) of the game...And that miracle shot of Tim to give them a lift on the 1st overtime...I know its frustrating,we know that we got that game 1 but slipped away..Its okay,,i have a feeling that you guys regroup and get there to get game 2...I wish yah all the best..God Bless.....Go Suns....
Shaquita - Lockport
I will be praying that you make it in the game. I will jump so high off the ground, we are all cheering for you Tuck. Love you!
UDUB fan - Atherton, Ca
Alando...thanks for sharing your thoughts. I followed you throughout your Badger years and was very impressed with the way you progressed through Bo's approach to hoops. Looks like you are on the right track to learn and do well with the Suns...congrats and keep working at it... Go Suns and Go Badgers !!!
Bucky - Madison, WI
Hey Alando-
Its great watching and hearing about you doing so well in the NBA- but we Badger fans who knew you from your years at WI had no doubt that you would. We miss having you at Wisconsin, and we hope to see you at some Badger games next year if you can make it! Also, I was wondering if you would maybe post a blog on your thoughts about this years Badger team- it would be interesting to hear your perspective. Thanks again, and best wishes!
Dale - Madison, WI
Alando,
Keep up the good work! It had to be hard getting shuttled around back and forth from the development league team, but anything worth doing is difficult and all experiences have value, right? Hopefully you got comfortable enough to be able to do what you know how to do. I know you're well on your way to being an IMPACT player! Definitely proud to share UW-Alumni status with you.
Go Suns... and ON WISCONSIN!
latry howard - tempe az
good to see you and straw doin yall thing,stay up and stay cool
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