Kobe Bryant rose, his feet synchronized, and let it fly.
He did not need to see over Grant Hill's outstretched arm to know his biggest shot of the night would drop through the net.
After his heroic hoist, he shook his head in Alvin Gentry's direction and then ran back on defense, pantomiming a bird.
He flapped his arms, and his smile grew larger than California's budget deficit.
All the Phoenix Suns' coach could do was smile. Dan Majerle, one of his assistants, did not look as happy.
Moments later, Amar'e Stoudemire heaved up a three-point brick that bounced off the top of the backboard and fell into oblivion—the same way the Western Conference runner-up likely will for the next three weeks.
The Lakers had taken flight, escaping U.S. Airways Center with a 111-103 series-clinching victory and a second date with the hated Boston Celtics.
The Suns headed for an uncertain offseason, during which Stoudemire and others might leave for new digs.
Saturday might have been the All-Star forward's last as a member of Planet Orange.
It does no ...
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Article written by Robert Kleeman
Phoenix Suns’ Remarkable Run Provides Newest Blueprint for Success
June 1st, 2010 by Robert Kleeman Leave a reply »
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