Suns Set Over Lakers Again: Despite Kobe's 38, Phoenix Ties Western Finals 2-2
The sun will be shining bright in Phoenix tomorrow.
Amar’e Stoudamire was the Suns’ fearless leader once again, leading six players in double figures, with 21 points and eight rebounds while willing Phoenix to a 115-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, tying their Western Conference Finals series 2-2.
This win guarantees another home game for the Suns when the series shifts back to Phoenix for Game 6 on Saturday.
Steve Nash, in his first game since suffering a broken nose late in Game 3, had 15 points and eight assists, despite shooting only 3 of 11 from the field.
Kobe Bryant was his usual self, pouring in 38 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds while shooting 15 of 22 from the field.
He led five Lakers in double figures, including Lamar Odom, who finished with a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Phoenix reverted back to a strategy that worked in Game 3, limiting the production of the Lakers bench which worked to their advantage. They allowed Kobe to score at will, but contained valuable options, putting much of the scoring load on Bryant.
Also, the Suns came out aggressive and ready to play, punctuating their effort with a 41-point outburst in the second quarter.
They also ended the game with the same aggression, this time on the defensive end, allowing only 22 points in the final quarter.
The Suns were clearly the more dominant team, something they needed to maintain following their Game 3 win, out-rebounding L.A. by a 51-36 margin, as well as shooting 19 more free throws.
The Suns bench, which was ineffective for most of this Western Conference Finals series, outscored the Lakers bench tonight 54-20.
Phoenix has now won their last six home playoff games, including 14 of their last 15 home games dating back to the regular season. Phoenix will have to win at least one game in Los Angeles, if they have hopes for reaching the NBA Finals and capturing their first NBA Finals Championship.
Game 5 will be played in Los Angeles on Thursday.
