Although you won’t find any record of it at Cal Tech or the Jet Propulsion Lab, tonight some 20,000 NBA fans witnessed a total eclipse at the Staples Center as the Lakers torched the Phoenix Suns 128-107.
Despite Kobe Bryant’s 40 points (21 in the third quarter), it was a cohesive team victory. Bryant was able to dominate because the other Lakers all did their jobs.
The Lakers' bigs would not be denied, scoring in the paint, pounding the boards and not allowing many second chance opportunities. The Lakers were plus 18 in the paint and out-rebounded the Suns 42-34.
Pau Gasol had 21 points while Lamar Odom had a double-double off the bench with 19 points and 19 rebounds (a career playoff high).
Even the other members of the much maligned Lakers bench came through with Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar combining for 19 points.
Ron Artest, who has had problems this season with his perimeter shooting, scored 14 points and dished off five assists. As usual, Artest played stellar defense ...
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Article written by Paul Peszko