In a game where the starters played substantial meaningful minutes, the Suns were able to defeat the Blazers 110-104. This was the first major litmus test for the Suns this pre-season. Steve Nash played 33 minutes and scored 23 points and dished out 15 assists. The Suns shot 50% from the field; including 52% from downtown. Additionally, the Suns were able to generate turnovers on defense. The Suns had 11 steals, led  by Jared Dudley with 4 steals in 26 minutes. Dudley performed admirably in the absence of Grant Hill, who had a mildly sprained ankle. Along with 11 steals, the Suns blocked 7 shots. This comes after my last post where I basically called out Amare Stoudemire for only blocking one shot in his first 74 minutes of pre-season play. Stoudemire however came through big and blocked 3 shots in 32 minutes.

The game was played in the Blazer’s old arena: Memorial Coliseum This was part of the Blazers’ season-long 40th anniversary celebration. Portland was awarded a franchise in 1970 and the team played at the so-called “Glass Palace” until 1995. Ironically, The Suns were the last team to visit the building, for a first-round playoff game on May 2, 1995. Phoenix won 109-117, led by Charles Barkley with 47 points. The term “Rip City” was coined by broadcaster Bill Schonely and was thus worn on the jersey last night. However, the Blazers brought their current hardwood floor with them.

Leandro Barbosa had his first solid outing this pre-season putting up 25 points in 24 minutes on 5-7 shooting from 3-point range.  This will definitely help with his prospects for playing time considering Jason Richardson has shot 6-20 over the last 2 pre-season games (17-42) overall.

The Suns next match up with the Philadelphia 76ers tomorrow 10/16 at the US Airways Center, the Suns and 76er’s split their two match-ups last season. The Suns defeated the 76ers in Phoenix by 10 while the 76ers defeated the Suns by 17 in Philadelphia.