Lakers Pitch "Complete Game" Against Phoenix

To use a baseball analogy, the Lakers "went the distance" last night against the Phoenix Suns at the Staples Center. It’s the first time since the All-Star break that from the first quarter on, the game was never in doubt for L.A.

The Lakers played a "complete game," taking care of business at both ends of the floor. Their high-powered offense put up 132 points against the Suns, while the defense gave up only 106.

That figure might at first glance seem high, but it's really not when you take into account the Suns had been averaging over 128 points per game since Alvin Gentry took over the head coaching reins. He's truly gone back to the "run ‘n gun" offense.

Even a defensive-minded team like the Celtics gave up 108 points against the Suns last Sunday. Still, they are without Amare Stoudemire, who is recovering from eye surgery, and Steve Nash, who injured his ankle against Charlotte.

The blowout victory enabled Phil Jackson to rest his starters the entire fourth quarter. That gave players who aren’t in the regular rotation, like D. J. Mbenga, and newcomers Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown a chance to get some much-needed playing time.

The star of the game was Lamar Odom. Anyone who shoots 11-for-12 and gets nine rebounds along with four assists deserves top honors in my book. His 23 points bested Kobe Bryant by one point, though Kobe also picked up eight assists. Pau Gasol put in 16 points and tied Odom in rebounds.

But the "Best Supporting Player" award in this victory has to go to none other than D. J. Mbenga. Having played in only two games this season for a total of six minutes with no points, Mbenga stayed on the court for nearly 15 minutes last night and scored eight points, dished three assists, and blocked two shots.

Although Mbenga did rack up five personal fouls in those 15 minutes, he put the Suns on notice that driving down the lane could be a hazardous venture.

Leandro Barbosa was the leading scorer for the Suns with 18 points. Alando Tucker had 16 points, and rookie Robin Lopez looked impressive with 14 points.

It was a good thing for the Lakers that all their starters could sit out the fourth quarter, because they didn’t get to their hotel in Denver until 5:00 a.m. If you have ever flown into Denver, then you know that the airport is out in the hinterlands. It takes an hour just to circle around and reach the road that leads to the interstate.

The good news is that the Lakers have a five-game winning streak against the Nuggets, which includes a four-game sweep in the Playoffs last year and this year’s opener way back on Nov. 1.

But things have changed since then. Allen Iverson is no longer a Nugget (having been traded for Chauncey Billups).

They've morphed into an efficient pick-and-roll team, and that's the kind of offense that gives the Lakers defense nightmares.

Besides that, the Nuggets should be well rested. Their last game was a victory at home against Atlanta on Wednesday night. But the Lakers, despite being jet-lagged, are the best road team in the NBA at 21-6 (as well as winningest overall with 48 Ws).

This should be a good match up. Look for another high-scoring game.