The Philippine Online Chronicles

Unlike the past few games, Kobe Bryant didn’t need another buzzer-beater to put away the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Nevertheless, the Lakers still managed to beat their division rivals, 102-96.

The lack of another buzzer-beater from Bryant however, didn’t mean that the game was easy for the defending champions. It was an intense and physical game for the Lakers and the Suns all throughout.

The Lakers’ win over the Suns finally got them out of a four-game losing skid on the road.

Bryant almost had a triple-double as he scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished eight assists. In spite of turning the ball over seven times, he had plenty of help from his teammates as Andrew Bynum scored 18 while Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, and Ron Artest contributed 15 apiece.

The Suns didn’t go down without a fight as evidenced by the superb game from power forward Amar’e Stoudemire who tallied 29 points and 16 rebounds. Swingman Jason Richardson scored 16 points, while All-Star point guard Steve Nash chipped in 14 points and eight assists in 34 minutes of play.

The Suns rallied from a 15-point deficit in the third quarter before grabbing the lead early in the fourth quarter. After that, the Lakers asserted their might as they took the lead for good from the Suns.

Meanwhile, Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry was ejected with 5:06 to play, after arguing a non-call when Gasol gave a hard foul to Louis Amundson. He has to be restrained by his assistant coaches before he finally decided to leave the playing court.

The Suns took the lead early in the game before losing it when the Lakers started playing tough defense. The Lakers’ work at the defensive end eventually paid off, as they were able to build a 15-point lead at the end of the third quarter.

The Suns didn’t want to give up just yet, as they fought back to regain the lead early in the fourth quarter. However, Shannon Brown threw a thunderous dunk over Amundson, sparking a scorching 12-1 run for the Lakers. Fisher knocked down two charities for Gentry’s ejection, making it 93-83, in favor of the Lakers.

The Suns had a chance to get close by cutting the lead down to four 100-96, courtesy of a Stoudemire dunk, with 1:26 remaining. However, Nash committed a turnover that led to a foul on Bryant, who converted both free throws to close the game.

When interviewed after the game, Bryant lauded the Lakers’ poise and execution near the end of the game. He also liked the hard foul that Gasol committed on Amundson. He added that for the Lakers to have a chance, they have to play tougher by not giving easy opportunities.

Lakers’ coach Phil Jackson appreciated how Bryant facilitated for his teammates by passing, finding the open guys, and making the defense collapse.

Notes: The Suns were without forward Channing Frye, who was suspended for his altercation in the game against the Pacers. Grant Hill returned to the game after getting three stitches to his upper lip after Sasha Vujacic inadvertently elbowed him in the third quarter.

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