Suns

2023 - 3 - 23

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'That's it': Monty Williams fumes over free-throw disparity after Suns ... (AZCentral.com)

LOS ANGELES – Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams is so done with the fouling, free throw disparity and talking about all the above.

"I hope they can understand the importance of that. "Just trying to fight through. Trying to find the balance and we've got to be better. "We've got to stop fouling," Williams said pregame. "That's the game. "We've got to overcome in spite of," Suns All-Star Chris Paul on the disparity in fouls and free throws. A calmer Williams said before the game the Suns have to stop fouling, as they were called for 31 in Sunday's loss at Oklahoma City. You can go re-watch it and see where the frustrations are coming from." "For everybody that's saying we're complaining too much, the game was on live TV. Devin Booker scored a game-high 33 points to lead the Suns while Paul added 18 points, but was called for five fouls. "Our guys have to do their job, we understand that, but that's a huge disparity." "Forty-six free throws," Williams ranted.

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Monty Williams, Suns call out officiating after 46-20 FT disparity (ESPN Australia)

Phoenix coach Monty Williams gave just one answer before leaving his postgame news conference Wednesday night, after the Lakers shot 46 free throws to the ...

"After the game is controlled in the first half and we're down 20 to 30 free throws, it's kind of easier for them to give us some after that," Booker said. The Lakers then put it away with a 16-6 run. we've got a guy [Booker] who goes [to the rim] night in and night out and you don't necessarily see the same [calls]. "Where do you see a game with 46 free throws for one team?" "I watch a lot of basketball, and ... Williams ripped the game officials and described what he sees as a pattern of unfair officiating against his team in recent games.

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Suns' Monty Williams Blasts Refs for Lakers' Free-Throw Disparity ... (Bleacher Report)

After a 122-111 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams ripped the officials for allowing a 46-20 disparity in free-throw…

"I watch these games every night, so I kind of understand what's going on," Booker said after the game. Austin Reaves was the biggest beneficiary, going 12-of-13 from the line as part of a 25-point, 11-assist outburst. On the other end of the court, Chris Paul had zero free-throw attempts. Other teams are reaching, other teams are hitting, and we're not getting the same call, and I'm tired of it. Been talking about the same thing for a while. "Where do you see a game with 46 free throws for one team?

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Lakers Charge to Skid-snapping Win over Suns, 122-111 (Highlights) (The National Herald)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Darius Bazley defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday ...

By Continuing to access the website, you agree that we will store data in a cookie as outlined in our Privacy Policy. “After the game is controlled in the first half and we’re down 20 to 30 free throws, it’s kind of easier for them to give us some after that,” Booker said. we’ve got a guy (Booker) who goes (to the rim) night in and night out, and you don’t necessarily see the same (calls). The National Herald is the paper of record of the Greek Diaspora community. Davis, Russell and Reaves then scored every point in a 16-6 Lakers run to put it away. “He’s in a great space right now, feeling his game and locked into what we’re trying to accomplish.” The Lakers have kept James’ recovery under wraps, but he is scheduled to be re-evaluated later this week. We want to hear about it! Crazy how some of (the officials), too, you can’t even talk to them or approach them … Chris Paul said the box score was “a little weird-looking.” Suns coach Monty Williams gave just one answer before leaving his postgame news conference, both ripping the game officials and describing what he sees as a pattern of unfair officiating against his team in recent games. “Where do you see a game with 46 free throws for one team?” Williams said.

Lakers charge to skid-snapping win over Suns, 122-111 (Federal News Network)

Anthony Davis had 27 points and nine rebounds, D'Angelo Russell added 26 points and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a six-game losing streak against Phoenix ...

“After the game is controlled in the first half and we’re down 20 to 30 free throws, it’s kind of easier for them to give us some after that,” Booker said. we’ve got a guy (Booker) who goes (to the rim) night in and night out, and you don’t necessarily see the same (calls). The Lakers have kept James’ recovery under wraps, but he is scheduled to be re-evaluated later this week. Download the revamped Federal News Network app Davis, Russell and Reaves then scored every point in a 16-6 Lakers run to put it away. “He’s in a great space right now, feeling his game and locked into what we’re trying to accomplish.” Suns coach Monty Williams gave just one answer before leaving his postgame news conference, both ripping the game officials and describing what he sees as a pattern of unfair officiating against his team in recent games. D’Angelo Russell scored 26 points for Los Angeles. Chris Paul said the box score was “a little weird-looking.” Crazy how some of (the officials), too, you can’t even talk to them or approach them … The Lakers shot 46... Other teams are reaching, other teams are hitting, and we’re not getting the same call, and I’m tired of it.

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NBA: Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell lead Lakers past Suns (INQUIRER.net)

Anthony Davis recorded 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists to help the Los Angeles Lakers notch a solid 122-111 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns ...

The Lakers held a 12-point lead in the third quarter after Reaves hit a floater with 7:31 left. Russell then converted a three-point play and Davis added four straight points to increase the Los Angeles lead to eight with 6:03 remaining. With Dallas having the tiebreaker edge, the Lakers hold the final play-in berth by a half-game over the Utah Jazz (35-37) and New Orleans Pelicans (35-37). Devin Booker scored 33 points and Chris Paul added 18 for Phoenix (38-34), which has dropped five of its past six games. Phoenix big man Deandre Ayton (right hip) missed his second straight game. Booker committed seven of Phoenix’s 17 turnovers.

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The Sports Report: Lakers use new lineup to get a victory (Los Angeles Times)

Austin Reaves joins the starting lineup as Lakers defeat the Phoenix Suns, 122-111.

No. 2014 — Quardell Young drives the length of the court for a go-ahead layup with 0.9 seconds left and Wisconsin-Whitewater holds off Williams to win the NCAA Division III men’s championship 75-73. Only Wilt Chamberlain has more, scoring at least 50 points in seven consecutive games during the 1961-62 season. 1994 — Wayne Gretzky scores his 802nd goal, passing Gordie Howe as the top goal scorer in NHL history. State ends UCLA’s streak of seven national championships with an 80-77 victory in double overtime of the NCAA tournament semifinals. 1957 — North Carolina defeats Wilt Chamberlain and Kansas in triple-overtime to win the NCAA men’s championship. She has had assists in the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs and in meaningless friendlies. The Bruins rank No. This week, Mafi discusses his experience during the Bruins’ pro day. 16 last season and No. UCLA’s defense has made it a fashionable pick to get back to college basketball’s biggest stage even with a few massive roadblocks in the way. Top six qualify for the playoffs.

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Phoenix Suns issues go beyond free throws and personal fouls ... (AZCentral.com)

The Phoenix Suns are now 1-5 in their last six games after Wednesday's road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

It’s one thing to lose the battle at the line, but the Suns compounded matters with bad defense. The Suns don’t have Mikal Bridges to bottle up a perimeter player. The fouls are one thing. [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or contact him at 480-787-1240. Then again, the Lakers are still without LeBron James (foot). [play-in tournament](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2023/03/22/phoenix-suns-devin-booker-isnt-trying-to-go-through-play-in-tourney/70039078007/) to make the playoffs. That was the first of the Lakers scoring on five straight possessions either from the field or the line in a 12-4 run to take a 111-102 lead with 4:52 left. "Other teams are reaching, other teams are hitting and we're not getting the same call and I'm tired of it. [Devin Booker hopes to avoid play-in tournament for Suns to reach NBA postseason](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2023/03/22/phoenix-suns-devin-booker-isnt-trying-to-go-through-play-in-tourney/70039078007/) It's old.” The Suns got one of the best players to ever do it in Kevin Durant in the blockbuster deal with Brooklyn, but they traded away a great on-ball defender in Bridges and an improving defender in Cam Johnson, who can also knock down 3s. They’re next to last in the NBA in fewest free throw attempts allowed at 25.9 a game, 28th in free throw attempts at 21.5 and 26th in fewest fouls per game at 21.5.

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Lakers charge to skid-snapping win over Suns, 122-111 (FOX 10 News Phoenix)

Booker scored 25 of his 33 points in the second half for the Suns, who have been called for 31 personal fouls in each of their last two games.

we’ve got a guy (Booker) who goes (to the rim) night in and night out, and you don’t necessarily see the same (calls). "After the game is controlled in the first half and we’re down 20 to 30 free throws, it’s kind of easier for them to give us some after that," Booker said. "He’s in a great space right now, feeling his game and locked into what we’re trying to accomplish." Davis, Russell and Reaves then scored every point in a 16-6 Lakers run to put it away. The Lakers have kept James’ recovery under wraps, but he is scheduled to be re-evaluated later this week. "Like Chris said, I watch these games every night, so I kind of understand what’s going on. "Where do you see a game with 46 free throws for one team?" Chris Paul said the box score was "a little weird-looking." Crazy how some of (the officials), too, you can’t even talk to them or approach them ... D’Angelo Russell scored 26 points for Los Angeles. Suns coach Monty Williams gave just one answer before leaving his postgame news conference, both ripping the game officials and describing what he sees as a pattern of unfair officiating against his team in recent games. Other teams are reaching, other teams are hitting, and we’re not getting the same call, and I’m tired of it.

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Suns' Monty Williams rips free-throw disparity in loss to Lakers: 'I'm ... (Fox News)

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams ripped the free-throw disparity after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, 122-111.

[CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP](https://www.foxnews.com/apps-products?pid=AppArticleLink) we've got a guy (Booker) who goes (to the rim) night in and night out, and you don't necessarily see the same (calls). You want high-pressure moments and you really want to play under the lights." "But this is why you play the game. [GRIZZLIES' JA MORANT SCORES 17 POINTS OFF THE BENCH IN RETURN FROM SUSPENSION](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/grizzlies-ja-morant-scores-17-points-off-bench-return-suspension) Crazy how some of (the officials), too, you can't even talk to them or approach them... "They had 27 free throws in the first half. [brought the Lakers](https://www.foxnews.com/category/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers) to a tie for ninth place in the Western Conference standings. "When do you see a game with 46 free throws for one team? because that (communication) is horrible." "I can sit here and rant and rave about what I feel like is not a fair whistle," Williams said. Forty-six to 20 free throws with Devin Booker on our team.

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Monty Williams says Suns aren't getting a fair whistle after Lakers ... (CBSSports.com)

Williams repeatedly pointed to the 46-to-20 free-throw disparity.

Even last season, when the Suns had the third-best defense in the NBA (it is down to seventh -- still good! Durant takes his fair share of jumpers, but he has attempted 9.8 free throws per 100 possessions this season, which is better than anyone else on the team. Forty-six free throws. Generally speaking, a large disparity in free-throw attempts does not mean that one team has been treated unfairly, and teams that rank toward the bottom of the league in drives and rim attempts don't shoot a ton of free throws. They are also the only teams with a lower free throw rate (FTA/FGA). Forty-six to 20 free throws. - It is rare for a team to shoot 46 or more free throws in one game, but it happens. It has only taken 26.1 percent of its shots at the rim, and that's dead last. On Wednesday, the Lakers became the third team to do it in a regulation game this season. And I'm tired of talking about free throws. When Williams was finished talking about the free throws, he stood up and left. More specifically, he was irked by the Lakers having attempted 26 more free throws than the Suns.

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'Agendas being pushed': Devin Booker sounds off on officiating after ... (ClutchPoints)

Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker was not happy at all with the officiating after the team's loss to the LA Lakers on Wednesday night.

Devin Booker and the Kevin Durant-less Suns have lost five of their last six games, and have also been missing Deandre Ayton for the last two with a hip injury. Booker played well for the Suns in the loss to the Lakers, scoring 33 points and adding six rebounds and five assists over a team-high 40 minutes on court. It is happening to us too much…46 to 20 free throws with Devin Booker on our team.”

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Monty Williams sounds off on free-throw disparity in Lakers-Suns ... (Lakers Daily)

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams was not a happy camper after his squad lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. The 51-year-old skipper had a lot ...

[Patrick Beverley implies his opinion wasn’t valued on Lakers](https://lakersdaily.com/patrick-beverley-implies-his-opinion-wasnt-valued-on-lakers/) Los Angeles leads the entire league in free-throw attempts per game this season at 26.6. Those two trends obviously didn’t change when the Suns and Lakers met on Wednesday. Postseason games are often officiated differently than regular season contests, so Williams can hope that things change once the playoffs roll around. Talent alone may ultimately be enough for Phoenix to overcome its concerns about free throws. Phoenix is a team that features many players that take lots of midrange shots, but Williams doesn’t seem satisfied with that explanation. He gets 12, and Josh [Okogie] gets — our bench had no free throws. They’re averaging just 21.5 free-throw attempts per game, which ranks 28th out of 30 NBA teams. Other teams are hitting. The other teams that rank below the Suns in terms of free-throw attempts per game are the Other teams are reaching. “46 to 20 free throws with Devin Booker on our team.

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Lakers' Austin Reaves Earns Hero Status Among Fans in Win over ... (Bleacher Report)

Austin Reaves has arrived after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-111 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. After head coach Darvin Ham ...

Reaves and the rest of the Lakers' starting lineup put on a clinic against Phoenix's defense. Ham's decision to put Reaves in the starting lineup moved Malik Beasley to the bench. It couldn't have come at a better time for the Lakers, who moved into 10th place in the Western Conference standings with Wednesday's victory. In 12 games since LeBron James went down with a foot injury, Reaves is averaging 18.3 points on 56.8 percent shooting (41.0 percent from three) and 5.8 assists. [teased](https://twitter.com/jovanbuha/status/1638698602079068160) having "something up his sleeve" going into the game, Reaves was moved into the starting lineup for the first time since Jan. The 24-year-old responded with 25 points and 11 assists to earn his first double-double of the season.

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Lakers News: LA May Have Had Secret Weapon Against Suns ... (Sports Illustrated)

Last night, your Los Angeles Lakers took 20 fewer field goals than their opponents, the visiting Phoenix Suns, made four fewer three-pointers, ...

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Three Teams Phoenix Suns Hope to Play in NBA Playoffs (Sports Illustrated)

The NBA Playoffs are just around the corner which begs the question: Who should the Phoenix Suns want to face in the first round?

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Five big Suns concerns: Kevin Durant's health, Devin Booker's ... (The Athletic)

With 10 games left in the regular season, Phoenix is in danger of slipping into the play-in tournament.

[Milwaukee](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/bucks/), Orlando, [Oklahoma City](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/thunder/) and the Lakers), opponents have nearly doubled up the Suns from the foul line. [Philadelphia](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/sixers/), the [NBA](https://theathletic.com/nba/)’s hottest team this month. They lead the fifth-place [Clippers](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/clippers/) by a half-game and the [Warriors](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/warriors/) by a game. 15, veteran [Terrence Ross](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/terrence-ross-yT3Bxdh2KGZMARC3/) has averaged 9 points, hitting 20 of 51 from 3 (39.2 percent). [Cameron Payne](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/cameron-payne-z717119234jJxWdO/) backs up Paul. [Josh Okogie](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/josh-okogie-drgStPYGzbav9klW/) has earned the fifth starting spot. [Landry Shamet](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/landry-shamet-HtpAHcq8kDi8C7Pk/) returned this week after missing two months with a foot injury and has played well. On March 5, forward [Ish Wainright](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/ish-wainright-5SZ1rqQ7ggg5tQyQ/) replaced a struggling Okogie and hit four big shots in Phoenix’s win at Dallas. Forward [Torrey Craig](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/torrey-craig-90lUfTONMRqAMr4h/) has proved himself dependable, but from there, it’s uncertain. Okogie this season has shot a career-best 32.5 percent from 3 but in March, he’s just 14 of 50 (28 percent.) [Jock Landale](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jock-landale-4W0WKHuQR2WdG3pO/) or [Bismack Biyombo](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/bismack-biyombo-L64429RaljF5kZsO/) back up Ayton depending on the matchup. [Los Angeles Lakers](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/lakers/), the Suns have dropped five of six. Point guard [Chris Paul](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/chris-paul-T2sfGOMEeDjjOrJH/) returned that night from a thumb injury that had sidelined him since the All-Star break.

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Devin Booker, Suns Hope to Avoid Play-In Tournament (Sports Illustrated)

With the regular season winding down, Devin Booker made it clear he does not want the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In tournament.

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Phoenix Suns Coach Monty Williams Slams Ridiculous NBA Officiating (Sports Illustrated)

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams has had enough of the NBA's handling of his team and the free throw disparity that occurs each game.

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Suns' dream seeding scenario, matchup for 2023 NBA Playoffs (ClutchPoints)

We break down the dream seeding and matchup scenarios for the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 NBA Playoffs which are rapidly approaching.

Add in the sheer intrigue of this matchup, and you have a potential classic in the making. This matchup won’t be a cakewalk for the Suns, none of them will be, but they should still have an edge. Who wouldn’t want to see the last two Western Conference champions face off in the first round. The Suns’ have a 17% chance to face the Warriors in the first round, with a 13% chance to be the home team and a 4% chance to be the road team. Of all of the Suns’ possible opponents, they’ve actually fared the best against the Warriors this season. With this in mind, their focus should be on defending the fourth seed so they can have home-court advantage in the first round.

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Suns' Torrey Craig lost a tooth; NBA referees used social media to ... (AZCentral.com)

Coaches, players and fans demand answers to questionable calls or lambast them on social media after a controversial call. But often, there's more than meets ...

They're just two and a ½ out of the West's final 10th play-in spot, which is the Lakers (36-37) are now. "On post-game review we see it," Taylor said, according to a report from pool reporter Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. The Lead correctly calls a block based on the defender not being legal versus giving into the force of the play," said the OfficialNBARefs account with hashtag "BlockChargeMonday." As Atlanta's De'Andre Hunter shot a 3 with three seconds left to play, Minnesota's Taurean Prince boxed out Bey under the hoop then threw one of his arms to push Bey back, causing him to fall. The Suns, their fans, and Craig, who lost a tooth on the play, thought it should've been an offensive foul call, but instead it was called a defensive foul on Craig. Craig is not in a legal guarding position in the path of Giannis.

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Suns crying foul hints at problems between their ears (Arizona Sports)

In Phoenix, the issue has reached a critical juncture. Head coach Monty Williams has complained about officiating for three consecutive losses, even walking out ...

But it’s the softness between the ears — especially when it comes to officials — that might end up costing them a championship. But the issue is creating something of a wedge in Phoenix, where the head coach and his star players do not seem to be on the same page when it comes to officiating. He has been willing to lament free-throw disparities after a game is completed. He has been willing to stare quizzically at a box score from a podium. And after a rare loss to the Lakers, Devin Booker casually dropped accusations of rigged competition. The Suns rarely attack the rim on offense.

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Suns Coach Monty Williams Heated Over 46 FT Attempts Awarded ... (OutKick)

Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams blamed a contrast in awarded free throws for the team's loss to the Lakers on Wednesday, 122-111.

Certainly, but the bitter defeat of losing to the lesser Lakers must have hit a nerve with Monty Williams. Is Monty Williams out of his gourd for calling nepotism by the refs in a pivotal game for LA? “Forty-six to 20 free throws with Devin Booker on our team. The frustration was palpable as the Suns dropped a winnable game against the 10th-seeded Lakers, who are desperately playing for a postseason spot. Other teams are reaching, other teams are hitting, and we’re not getting the same call, and I’m tired of it. “Where do you see a game with 46 free throws for one team?

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Jones: Suns need to 'control what they can control' with fouling (Arizona Sports)

Worrying over what transpired in previous games does the Phoenix Suns no favors as it jostles for playoff position.

“Teams have really been taking advantage of our turnovers in transition and points off turnovers have been a big deficit for us, so that’s an area we need to clean up. In the Suns’ loss to the Lakers, Phoenix committed 17 turnovers, which the Lakers turned into 27 points. “I’m not going to turn this into an officiating referendum or anything like that,” the GM added.

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