Daily Dribble: Bayless Torches Suns

December 18, 2009 10:52am CST

Bayless Hands Suns 17th Straight Loss on TNT

There's really no way to explain it, but the Suns lost their 17th straight game on TNT last night. What's worse, is they carried a 15-point lead at one point in the second half and entered the fourth quarter leading the Trail Blazers 81-70. Then a blitzkrieg of Jerryd Bayless and Brandon Roy combined for 27 of the Trail Blazers 35 final period points and the Suns walked away with their ninth road loss of the season. If they're looking for excuses, they can start in their backcourt. Starting shooting guard Jason Richardson was unable to play due to a sprained shooting hand that had been limiting him for the past week and sixth-man Leandro Barbosa missed his eighth straight game with a sprained ankle.

But there's no excuse for the shoddy fourth quarter defense that allowed 16 points, 29 total, to the seldom-used Bayless. Buried behind Roy, Andre Miller, Steve Blake, and Rudy Fernandez for most of his career, Bayless looked as confident as a highly decorated all-star against the Suns. He repeatedly used his incredible quickness and athleticism to get to the rim and at times looked to be channeling Dwyane Wade. Bayless was awarded a season-high 29 minutes just one game after playing a season-high 24 minutes. Portland has won both games and while the debate has raged between who should play more minutes - Andre Miller or Steve Blake - Bayless is quickly making a strong case for himself. What's more is he seems to have the support of franchise player Brandon Roy, making a trade of Miller or Blake increasingly likely. Roy fed off of Bayless in the fourth for 11 points of his own, finishing with 27 points, eight boards, four assists, and three steals.

The Suns got another impressive performance out of Amar'e Stoudemire. He finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds for his third double-double in five games. He is averaging 10.4 rebounds in nine December games compared to just 6.9 in his first 17 games. Steve Nash came through for 16 points, 13 dimes, and even two steals. He had just eight steals this season prior to Thursday. Seven of the Suns next eight games are at home, with their lone road game in Golden State. At 9-0, they are the only team yet to lose at home this season.

Heat Take Down Magic for Second Time this Season
Dwyane Wade has been the focus of a lot of speculation this week. Some are claiming his jumpshot is broke. Others claim he's out of shape. Still more think that he is coasting through this season in anticipation of playing next season alongside another max-level free agent. Regardless, of the flak he's taken lately, Wade and the Heat put together one of their most impressive performances of the season as they throttled the Orlando Magic from start to finish en route to a 104-86 victory. Wade needed just 29 minutes to produce 25 points, seven assists, three boards, and three blocks. He shot 10-of-17 from the field and finished with a ridiculous +32 rating, although he sat out the fourth quarter with a sprained wrist. Michael Beasley chipped in 22 points and eight rebounds. Supercool Beas is averaging 18.5 points on 48.3 percent in December after a November of producing 14.2 points on 4.8 percent shooting.

Dwight Howard managed his standard 17 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks, but few of his teammates stepped up. Rashard Lewis finished with just nine points and three rebounds. Afterwards, coach Stan Van Gundy said, "I hate to say it, but before the game I saw this coming."

Fastbreak
The Knicks launched 47 three-pointers, including an NBA record 29 in the first half, but ultimately shot just 36 percent as they fell 98-89 in Chicago. Al Harrington, Danilo Gallinari, and Chris Duhon shot 38 three-pointers between them. The Bulls got 24 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists from Luol Deng. Derrick Rose contributed 18 points on 18 shots and John Salmons came through with 20 points on 14 attempts. Taj Gibson had 12 points and 10 boards off the bench.

Rumors continue to swirl about a possible trade of Tracy McGrady and the most buzzed candidate is the New York Knicks. However, the Rockets would want a package of exceptional talent that fits their system and signed to good contracts if they are to consider giving away the most valuable expiring contract in history. The Knicks don't sound like the right suitor.

The Wizards have also fielded numerous calls in regards to Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, and Brendan Haywood. They maintain that they want to keep the team together until Mike Miller returns later this month. They currently hold a $79.18 million payroll.

Stars in Suits
Allen Iverson did not travel with the 76ers to Boston as he is recovering from left knee arthritis and a left shoulder contusion.

Greg Oden has already progressed to putting some weight on his surgically repaired knee and has not ruled out a return this season. Still, the odds are against him.

An MRI on Chauncey Billups confirmed that he has a strained groin and is considered day-to-day. Still, he is probably going to miss this weekend's games.

Jameer Nelson continues to work his way back from left knee surgery and hopes to be back in the lineup for next week.

Tyrus Thomas, recovering from a broken forearm, returned to practice for the first time on Thursday.

Speaking of his injury on Thursday, Yao Ming did not sound confident that he would be completely healed from offseason foot surgery in time to play at the start of next season. The announcement may make it more likely the Rockets consider adding a center signed through next season, such as Samuel Dalembert.