Suns Fall to Lakers, Start Season 1-1
Less than 24 hrs after their comeback victory over the Seattle Supersonics, the Phoenix Suns didn't have anything left against the LA Lakers in the home opener. It was evident as early as the 2nd quarter... the Suns were off and had no shot at the victory against the conflicted Lakers.
Kobe Bryant played a supporting role, but the other role players on the Lakers stepped up and delivered against a tired Suns team. While the game is not quite over yet, the Suns look to fall by about 30 points in their 2nd game of the year.
Amare Stoudemire struggled throughout the game against the Lakers' big men - not only getting in foul trouble, but he also shot 2 for 10 in the game (20%). This is hardly the effort required to win against a Pacific Division foe. While it's still early in the season and the loss will probably not have a long-standing effect on Phoenix, you have to hope that they pull a 180 like they did last year after starting 1-5 (winning over 60 games overall).
Steve Nash is uncharacteristically turning the ball over (6 per game so far) and the Suns just seem a little out of whack. They were fortunate enough in last night's game that the Sonics folded in the 3rd and 4th quarters, but the Lakers have simply forced the issue and will run away with the victory.
Shawn Marion and Grant Hill played well for the Suns, but it wasn't enough as the Lakers bench torched Phoenix repeatedly. Led by Derek Fisher and Vladimir Radmanovic's outside shooting, the Lakers were particularly effective from the outside, shooting well over 50% from the field.
Next up for the Suns are Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who've started the season 1-1 after a close victory over the New York Knicks tonight. The game is Sunday, November 4th a US Airways Arena in PHX. Get your tickets here.