Robin Lopez: defensive machine

Robin Lopez (7'0 255 C), rookie out of Stanford, is proving to be a defensive machine for the Phoenix Suns.

Tonight he blocked 4 shots, in only 20 minutes, against the Bobcats. Last week he was off the charts with 7 blocks against the Nuggets. He is averaging almost 3 blocks a game in the preseason.

Hopefully he can squeeze some minutes at C and continue to play like a monster in the regular season.

Goran Dragic shows promise

Goran Dragic (6'4 180 PG) is the rookie brought in to spell Steve Nash, and stepped into the spotlight tonight starting for the injured former MVP.

While not a great shooting night, scoring only 6 on seven shots, Dragic quietly put together a real gem of a game, and gave a nice glimpse of his skill and potential.

In over 30 minutes of play, Dragic picked up 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, while only turning the ball over once. Goran also did a great job on his opponent at PG, Allen Iverson, who went only 1-6 and had 5 TOs.

All in all, a very solid game for a PG, especially a rookie, demonstrating his intelligence, versatility, and atheticism. We look forward to great things from the young Slovenian!

Amundson steps up

Louis Amundson (6'9 255 PF) where have you been? After averaging only 5 minutes and 1 point a game over his first three years, Louis makes the most of his opportunity to take advantage of a change of scenery and impress his new coach in Phoenix.

In his first preseason game, while playing a team high 26 minutes, Amundson scored 12 points on only 7 shots and added 1 block and 3 rebounds. Minutes may be very hard to come by on the deep Sun's squad behind Diaw and Amare, so good for him for showing his game when he gets the chance. Hopefully he earns many more chances to prove his skills, and gets minutes even when Amare is in the lineup.