Lakers Block Out the Suns, Put Questions on Phoenix' Roster
I can't blame the Suns for laying a Christmas egg yesterday... hell, I wouldn't want to work either. That being the case, I doubt the LA Lakers wanted to work either, but at least they played a worthy game. The Lakers' win over the Suns puts Phoenix only 1 game up in the Pacific Division, with the surprising Lakers in second (& rising). The past 3 years (or more), the Suns have really struggled against the Lakers, while steamrolling virtually every other team (except the Spurs). No doubt, the multi-talented Bryan and Lamar Odom are a tough task for any defense, especially one featuring a less than 100% Raja Bell.
In addition to a great 2nd half & overall game by Kobe Bryant, LA was led by young center Andrew Bynum, who manhandled Phoenix' Amare Stoudemire. Not quite the outcome you'd expect, but Bynum sure played a great overall game. Amare simply couldn't (or wouldn't) cover Bynum in the paint or on easy screens. He repeatedly left Bynum open for easy dunks and scores. STAT also got outrebounded on the offensive boards, 2 (reb) to Bynum's 8.
Steve Nash played a terrific game for Phoenix, but the 1-2 combo of Bryant and Bynum was too much to handle. The Suns could not handle their scoring, while the Lakers' Lamar Odom was a monster on the boards as well (he had 14).
Phoenix has lost 5 of their last 8, so things are looking that bright today... however, it's still very early in the season & I'm sure that the Suns' players are just looking forward to the playoffs (yes, already). A number of other sports writers are talking about trade rumors involving Shawn Marion or breaking up the team since "it's obviously not working". They point out that Steve Nash is too old and the Suns are on their way down (not up). I strongly disagree, but only time will tell who's actually right. Yes, the Suns are struggling right now, but they've had Raja Bell in/out of the lineup during their troubles, so their defense is down a notch. The holidays can also take a lot out of you, so I expect everyone to get back into the flow after the New Year.
In other NBA news:
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Chicago Bulls fire head coach Scott Skiles... this team is in shambles and someone had to go. While a lot of people are asking for John Paxson to step down, I think the only really bad move he's made is picking up Ben "Too old" Wallace.
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Miami Heat lose to rebuilding 76ers, fall to last place in division. Wade can't rescue this team...
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Atlanta Hawks are winning... no seriously, they are winning (for now). With a win over Pacers, Hawks move to 15-12, which is their best record since 1999.