Suns smirk at 'traveling' accusation
Share This Story
PHOENIX (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have reacted with a collective smirk to Phil Jackson's suggestion that Steve Nash travels with the basketball.Nash even had a subtle retort worthy of Jackson himself.
"It's news to me. I'm fortunate. I don't know if I've been called for a carry yet,'' he said after the Suns practiced Saturday, then he added straight-faced: "I've never heard anyone accuse me of carrying it. I mean, the best coach in the league Gregg Popovich (of San Antonio) didn't have a problem with it last week.''
Get it? Popovich the best coach in the league?
"We have the best officials in the world,'' Nash continued. "I'll just leave it up to them.''
Jackson had grinned when asked on Friday if it's tough for the Lakers to prepare to face Nash, the reigning NBA skills champion, because of the Suns guard's frenetic style.
"Yeah, because you can't carry the ball like he does in practice,'' Jackson said, making a gesture of palming the basketball. "You can't pick that ball up and run with it.''
Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry laughed off the accusation.
"You guys got to admire Phil,'' Gentry said. "C'mon, the stuff that he throws out there, I mean I think it's great. He's very creative. There's a reason. But I think you've got to understand that there's kind of a method to his madness. If you let it affect you, then it will.''
Gentry went on to praise Jackson for his ability to create championship chemistry on teams with great players, calling it "probably the toughest thing in the NBA to do.''
He said the Suns weren't going to get drawn into what they consider Jackson's psychological ploy.
"How can we win that?'' Gentry said. "We're not going to win that battle anyway.''
But the Phoenix coach added a jab at the Lakers when he was asked jokingly if the team worked on ball handling skills.
"We spent the day ducking elbows on post-ups, to see if we could duck elbows on post-ups, " Gentry said, a not-to-thinly veiled nod to the Lakers' style. "So it all works out, it all works out.''
Amare Stoudemire probably spoke for the rest of the team with his reaction.
"Typical Phil,'' he said.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Report: Duncan won't leave Spurs
Two-time league MVP Tim Duncan said he has little interest in testing out the free-ag... -
Bonds faces future, can't forget past
Barry Bonds is publicly referring to himself as a convicted felon these days, and he'... -
Mickelson in group out to buy Padres
Phil Mickelson has joined a group of investors who want to buy his hometown Major Lea... -
Manager: Boxer Williams paralyzed
Paul Williams paralyzed in crash but aims to return to ring, trainer says. -
Angels ace Weaver leaves with injury
Los Angeles Angels ace Jered Weaver has left his start against the Yankees in the fir...
NBA Videos
Heat torch Celtics in Game 1
Posted: May 29, 2012
Hear from the Miami Heat after their win over the Boston Celtics in Game 1.
Hear from the Miami Heat after their win over the Boston Celtics in Game 1.
Boston falls to Miami in Game 1
Posted: May 29, 2012
Hear from Doc Rivers after the Celtics' loss to the Heat in Game 1.
Hear from Doc Rivers after the Celtics' loss to the Heat in Game 1.
Spurs take Game 1 from Thunder
Posted: May 28, 2012
Hear from Gregg Popovich and Tony Parker after the Spurs 101-98 win over the Thu...
Hear from Gregg Popovich and Tony Parker after the Spurs 101-98 win over the Thu...
NBA Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Gold | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Lakers/browse/featuredproduct/491688/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_491000/ff_491688_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-.. |
| adidas LeBron James Miami Heat Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Miami_Heat/browse/featuredproduct/498609/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_498000/ff_498609_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas LeBron James Miami Heat Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Black |
| \'47 Brand Orlando Magic Black Hardwood Classics Franchise Fitted Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Orlando_Magic/browse/featuredproduct/505997/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_505000/ff_505997_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | \'47 Brand Orlando Magic Black Hardwood Classics Franchise Fitted Hat |
| New Era Dallas Mavericks Black Primary Logo 59FIFTY Flat Bill Fitted Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Dallas_Mavericks/browse/featuredproduct/614631/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_614000/ff_614631_xl.jpg&w=100 | 34.95 | New Era Dallas Mavericks Black Primary Logo 59FIFTY Flat Bill Fitted Hat |
| Boston Celtics Team Mascot Gnome | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Celtics/browse/featuredproduct/617849/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_617000/ff_617849_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Boston Celtics Team Mascot Gnome |
| Mitchell & Ness Houston Rockets Red Solid Script Snapback Adjustable Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Houston_Rockets/browse/featuredproduct/692238/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_692000/ff_692238_xl.jpg&w=100 | 25.95 | Mitchell & Ness Houston Rockets Red Solid Script Snapback Adjustable Hat |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.