Lakers-Suns: NBA Playoffs – Game 2 Preview
When the Phoenix Suns start their Western Final series against the L.A. Lakers and walk out on to the floor of the Staples Center to, it had to have felt like a dream. They had nothing but momentum on their side as they were coming off a series sweep over the San Antonio Spurs and. In Monday’s Game 1, that dream quickly turned into a nightmare.
It was 35-26 in favor of the Lakers after the 1st quarter and the Suns quickly fell behind. The Suns quickly faded down the stretch while they did better in the 2nd. The Lakers defeated the Suns 128-107 at the final buzzer. Kobe Bryant exploded in this game, scoring 40 points, and Pau Gasol chipped in 21.
As the Suns went 1-3 against the Lakers in the regular season, Game 1 had to feel like a bad case of déjà vu for them. By allowing 128 points, it appeared that Phoenix suddenly forget how to play defense. If the Phoenix team that showed up tonight shows up for Game 2, they can expect more of the same. Like they did in Game 1, Phoenix simply cannot allow Kobe Bryant to score at will. When Kobe scores at will, the Lakers win, simply put.
If the Phoenix don’t want watching the Finals from home, they must have to spend Tuesday coming up with a different game plan. If the Suns are able to stop Kobe and the Lakers, or if they once again get embarrassed, find out on Wednesday night at 9PM ET.
