Western Conference Finals Game 5: Phoenix vs. Los Angeles

The Phoenix Suns have done their job by winning games 3 and 4 on their home court. Many wrote the Suns off after they were dismantled in the first 2 games of the Western Conference Finals by the #1 seed Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe Bryant openly talked about his disgust in regards to the lack of defensive intensity that the Lakers have had in Phoenix. Los Angeles averaged 107.5 points in their 2 games in the desert, but have 2 losses to show for it. Kobe had a tremendous game scoring 38 points with 9 rebounds and 10 assists, but he’s not concerned about the teams’ offensive production.

The Phoenix bench exploded for 54 points as Channing Frye and Leandro Barbosa poured in 14 apiece to lead the way. Jared Dudley contributed 11 of his own, while Louis Amundson and Goran Dragic combined for another 15. The Lakers will need to stop the perimeter shooting of the Suns as they went 11 for 30 from 3 point land Tuesday night. The treat of the outside shot eventually opens up the pain for guys like Amare Stoudemire and the shifty Steve Nash. Everyone is assuming the Lakers will bounce back to win game 5, but I’m not too sure about that. Based on the opening 7 point spread posted by the Vegas oddmakers, many NBA handicappers will naturally have basketball picks favoring the Lakers to cover. This may be misleading as the previous 2 games in Los Angeles were also around that number. This time however, the Suns have momentum and the hot hand.

Lamar Odom was thought to be the difference maker in this series, but his 15 points and 10 rebounds Tuesday may show that he’s not. The Lakers look to be playing into the Suns hands as they too shot 28 3 pointers which is far above their season average. If Phoenix can keep the pace fast and loose, they may have a chance at taking game 5 at Staples Center Thursday night. This is sure to be another fast paced game with the exception being that it will be closely contested this time around. If you’re and NBA fan you won’t want to miss game 5 of the Western Conference Finals!

Related posts:

1. Lakers go to Phoenix to Closeout Western Conference Finals
2. Western Conference Clash: Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Los Angeles and Boston Square Off in Game 2 of NBA Finals
4. Lakers/ Suns: Game 2 of Western Conference Championship
5. Lakers/ Suns Western Conference Championship Preview

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