Phoenix Looks to Defend Home Court in Game 3

For the Phoenix Suns to have any chance of winning the Western Conference Championship they will have to serve at home In both games 3 and 4. The Los Angeles Lakers have shown that they can beat the Suns at their game in the first 2 games of this series. This presents some serious problems for Phoenix as they will have to change their game plan in order to keep the Lakers within arms reach.

Head Coach Alvin Gentry had decided not to double-team Kobe Bryant in the first 2 games, and that backfired in two different ways. Kobe took over game 1 as he dropped 40 on the Suns. In game 2, Kobe decided to drive and pass as the Phoenix defense collapsed on him. This resulted in a 21 point and 13 assist performance that left the Suns scratching their heads. The only defense that makes sense for the Suns is to double Kobe when he receives the ball on the perimeter. This may leave a man open, but it won’t be one of the Lakers big men.

Pau Gasol has turned out to be the difference maker for this Championship Lakers squad. Since his arrival 3 years ago, the Lakers have gone to the NBA Finals twice with a World Title in 2009. They look to be on track for a repeat as they are firing on all cylinders in the playoffs. Phil Jackson really knows how to keep this team calm when times get tough. The last 22 games of the season for Lakers resulted in a 12-10 record. However, this slide at the end of the year gave many of their banged up players time to rest. Now that they are back at full strength they look to be unstoppable. Ron Artest has found his shot over the last few games. He went for 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists Wednesday night, and has instilled a defensive presence that has been lacking in Los Angeles for the past few years.

Amare Stoudemire looks scared and timid against the Lakers front court. His 6 rebounds in game 2 is well below his season average of 9. This is the time of year that the stars must shine, and Stoudemire has fizzled in the spotlight. Steve Nash has played well, but he has yet to take over a game like he is capable of. In order for the Suns to take advantage of their speed and quickness they will need to push the pace more, and score way more points in the open court. Nash is one of the best point guards in the league when it come to running a fast break, but Phoenix has yet to take advantage of his skill set in this series.

Grant Hill has been a sparkplug for the Suns offense contributing 23 points in Wednesday’s loss. Scoring is not an issue for the Suns, but defense is. Robin Lopez will need to do a much better job of boxing out in the key if the Suns are to keep the Lakers from scoring second chance points. Channing Frye is far too frail and soft inside to contain Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom on the offensive glass. When Frye is in the game, the Suns should look to take advantage of his shooting skills rather than to set up in the half court.

Anticipate another high scoring affair as the Vegas oddmakers have set the over/ under for game 3 at 219. Many expert basketball handicappers are jumping on the Laker express as they have won 8 straight in the playoffs, but don’t put a comeback from the Suns out of the question. They play much better at home, and will feed off of the home crowd. Tune in Sunday as the Suns look to extend this series to 6 or 7 games with a win at home in game 3.

Related posts:

1. Western Conference Finals Game 5: Phoenix vs. Los Angeles
2. Celtics Look to Retain Home Court Advantage in Game 3
3. Lakers go to Phoenix to Closeout Western Conference Finals
4. Cavaliers Look to Maintain Home Court Advantage in Game 5
5. Lakers/ Suns: Game 2 of Western Conference Championship

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