Suns-Lakers: An in-Depth Preview Of the Western Conference Finals

So far, the 2010 NBA playoffs have been a brilliant spectacle of entertainment for all basketball fans alike to enjoy, and we're only half-way done.

The Western Conference playing field of eight teams has now been narrowed down to a slim two. The Lakers and Suns have both managed to make it to the West finals via different routes. 

First we have the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. A team who ran with the young and talented Thunder before eliminating them in six. They then went on to easily hand the Jazz a one-way ticket out of the playoffs after only four short games. 

Last but definitely not least, a team that has been quieting doubters all year long. A team was picked by sports experts to finish 11th in the West. This is the Phoenix Suns. The Suns fought hard showing grit and toughness as they took out an ever-resilient Portland Trail Blazer team, a series ended in six games. They then ran right past San Antonio with a four game sweep over the '07 champs.

So here we are with two standing tall. I'll examine certain areas of the game to see who has the advantage. After each matchup I'll have the running tally. Anyways, here's the breakdown.

Steve Nash vs. Derek Fisher

Both guards can shoot really well although Nash is more consistent. Nash wins the assists category obviously. Both are decent defenders, but Nash has a slight advantage here. Leadership and general impact on team goes to Nash also. Fisher does have more playoff experience. But the fact is, Nash runs the show in Phoenix and therefor Nash and the Suns have the advantage at point guard.

Suns advantage 1-0.

Kobe Bryant vs. Jason Richardson

Maybe the best individual matchup of the series. They average about the same PPG but Kobe has the advantage because he can go off for HUGE games at any moment. Overall leadership and impact on team goes to Kobe although this is closer then one would expect.

When Kobe is off, the wheels come off for L.A. and in Phoenix, when Richardson scores over 20, they've been unbeatable. In this battle of two great shooting guards, Kobe, and Los Angeles have the advantage.

Tied 1-1.

Grant Hill vs. Ron Artest

This really isn't a matchup technically because Hill will be guarding Kobe and Artest will be guarding Richardson. Scoring, they're about equal. They can both break out and be huge for their respective teams.

Defense, they're equal also. Both are great defenders, and both will be needed by their teams to step up defensively. Hill has a slight advantage due to his success over the past two series shutting down Andre Miller and Manu Ginobili. Leadership and team impact goes to Hill because he must check Kobe, which will be critical to the Suns success. 

Suns advantage 2-1.

Amar'e Stoudemire vs. Pau Gasol

Another great matchup here. Scoring Amar'e has the advantage. Pau has the rebounding advantage, though. Both are good at defense though I feel Gasol is slightly better here. Overall leadership, Stoudemire wins this category. He leads the charge offensively, and when he puts his mind to it, he can break out for big scoring nights. Overall, this matchup is equal in my books.

Still Suns advantage 2-1.

Andrew Bynum vs. Robin Lopez

As of Friday, May 14, Robin Lopez is going to start Game 1. Apparently his back is gradually getting back to full health. He was probably the main beneficiary to these seven days off. The scoring category goes to Bynum. When healthy and aggressive, he causes huge problems for teams.

Rebounding goes to Lopez. Same deal, when healthy, Lopez led the team in rebounding per game. Overall leadership and team impact, its a tie. Both players are wild cards and can show up big at any night. This has to be a overall tie to me due to the declining health of Bynum and inclining health of Lopez.

Still Suns advantage 2-1.

Suns Bench vs. Lakers Bench

Both benches are very deep and talented. For overall youth, Phoenix has the advantage. Dudley, Frye, and Dragic have been brilliant this postseason, all taking over games and bringing the team on their backs. The Lakers have Odom, Farmar, Brown, and of course Adam Morrison (just kidding).

Odom is a rebounding machine and can break out scoring-wise during any game at any time. Phoenix must keep his production under control. Overall, Phoenix has the better bench in my point of view. They're are so deep, and when Gentry has needed them this postseason, they've stepped up to the challenge.

Suns advantage 3-1.

Lakers Crowd and Coaching Staff vs. Suns Crowd and Coaching Staff

Lakers do have home court advantage which can be huge in any series. This can also be lost pretty easily. Lakers need to use this to their advantage. For coaching staff, I have to go with the legendary Phil Jackson. What Alvin Gentry has done to turn this team around is nothing short of amazing. But Jackson's championships speak for themselves.

Suns advantage 3-2.

In this heavily competitive series, where the winner gets a chance at the finals, I have the Suns winning in six games. They're the hotter team, and for the reasons listed above, they have the advantage in my opinion.

Anyways, ladies and gentlemen strap on your seat belts. This is going to be a wild ride.