Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns (8:30 pm ET, TNT)
Los Angeles Lakers fight it out against the Phoenix Suns (8:30 pm ET, TNT) on Saturday at the US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers have 57-25 home, 23-18 away record, whereas the Suns have 54-28 away, 32-9 home record. Lakers lead by 2-0.
Amare Stoudemire, for his defense, took a lot of heat. Come back from a 0-2 deficit to win a seven-game series against a Phil Jackson-coached team, Phoenix Suns are trying to become the first team in 47 tries.
With the effort and chemistry that made the Suns such a surprising success this season, Steve Nash said the only way for Phoenix to beat the defending NBA champions.
“They’re a more talented team than we are; they’re a more balanced team. It is probably not a stretch in most people’s minds just to say they are a better team than we are. So how do we overcome that? That is just all spirit, fight and belief. We’ve got to rely heavily on those characteristics with this group”, said Nash.
After this season, Stoudemire might opt out of the final year of his contract. He might be playing his final games for Phoenix. In the NBA since the All-Star break, he was one of the most dominant players, but two games against the Los Angeles Lakers have rekindled debate as to whether he is worth that much money.
For the Suns, in Game, Odom, who had 17 points and 11 boards has caused matchup problems, but Pau Gasol has been even more of a nightmare.
“He’s one of the best players in the league, He’s still underrated. His work around the paint, his work in the mid-range, turnaround (shots), passing abilities, defensive ability. Those are things we’re all fully aware he’s capable of doing “, said Kobe Bryant.
Especially from Channing Frye, on offense, Stoudemire could use some help from him. With 172 3-pointers in the regular season, Frye led the Suns.
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