Critical Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals was won by the Phoenix Suns, 118-109. In a pleasant turn of events, the Suns avoided being in a 3-0 hole where no NBA team has ever rebounded. Now, they have a 2-1 series record with the chance to even it out with the reigning champs on Tuesday night still in Phoenix. So what has changed in that the Suns was able to turn things around?
First, Amare Stoudemire was playing like a man possessed. From the start to finish, from the 1st to the 4th quarter, he did what he does best by driving, posting up and playing pick and roll with Steve Nash in his way to 42 points and 11 boards while contributing 1 steal and 1 block in the defensive end. Steve Nash was also stellar with 17 points and 15 assists, many of those to Amare and Robin. Last but not the least, was Robin Lopez’s surprisingly effective play. He had 20 points and 3 rebounds on 80% shooting and 100% from the free throw line.
Alving Gentry did a really good job tonight by implementing the zone defense which really had a big impact on the Lakers’ offense which was held to 48%. Still high but not as high as Game 1 and Game 2.
On the other hand, Kobe almost had a triple double with 36 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds. Unfortunately this was not enough to stop the rampaging Suns. His side-kick, Pau Gasol, had a pretty decent game himself with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Lamar Odom was non-existent and fouled out half-way through the 4th quarter.
If the Lakers want to take a commanding 3-1 lead come Tuesday night, they need to find a solution to Alvin Gentry’s zone defense.
While the Suns need to make sure that their bench performs better and yes I am talking about Channing Frye. He attempted a total of 7 shots this game which included 5 3-point attempts and had 0 points in return. If he can knock down those shots, then the Lakers will have a harder time defending.
Game 4 is still in Phoenix at 9:00PM ET.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Game 3 Results | 
[...] Game 3 Update: Tight game with 45-45 on the 2nd quarter. Shannon Brown made an ala Michael Jordan save-the-missed-free-throw dunk. The critical game 3 is won by the Suns, 118-109. Recap here. [...]