The Lakers win the thriller
Just the time when NBA fans have counted them off, just the moment that nobody believes on them anymore, just after the Phoenix Suns embarrassed them last Tuesday. The Los Angeles Lakers came up with a spectacular defense to beat the Phoenix Suns 95-89 in a thrilling game.
Kobe Bryant scored 45 points, six assists, and six rebounds to lead the Lakers while Lamar Odom and Kwame Brown stepped up their games to match Amare Stoudamire and Shawn Marion.
The Lakers came back from 17 points deficit in the first quarter.
Stoudamire led the Suns with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Steve Nash had 10 points and 13 assists. The speedy Leandro Barbosa scored 20 points and Marion scored 10 points for Phoenix.
Lakers Adjustments:
1. Pick-and-roll defense. The Lakers were aggressive rotating and getting up to bother the Suns.
2. Shammon Williams on Leandro Barbosa. Williams slowed Barbosa the whole game not allowing him to penetrate.
3. Inside game. Kuame Brown and Lamar Odom pounding inside as Amare Stoudamire in foul trouble. Also, Kobe was driving to the basket.
4. The perfect combination. Odom, Brown, Parker,Williams, and Bryant line-up shattered the Suns.