Game 1: Showtime shines brighter than the Suns

It was an overcast day in the City of Angels, which kinda felt like a sense of foreboding for the Lakers. Instead of the typical sunshine that permeates Los Angeles on a late spring day, it was cloudy and drizzling. In a sense, it felt like the city was no longer in Kansas anymore but in a world resembling the Twilight Zone or a Stephen King novel.

Yet, the Lakers brought some sunshine and then some against the Phoenix Suns. They pummeled the Suns in the post and out-rebounded them 42-34. In addition, the Lakers beat the Suns at their own game: three point shooting. The Lakers were 8-17 from downtown compared to 5-22 for the Phoenix Suns. Despite 7 days of rest, it was the Suns and not the Lakers that were caught flat-footed.

Initially, the Suns could do no wrong early in the game as they jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the 1st Quarter. Suddenly, the Lakers sprang to life as Lamar Odom led the charge early on with 7 quick points in just 3 minutes. Odom was a beast inside and outside. He scored 19 points and 19 rebounds. For two playoff series, Lamar was dormant but tonight he exploded with volcanic force on the Phoenix Suns. From there the Lakers took their cue from Odom.

Ron Artest, who had been an offensive liability throughout the postseason found his shooting touch with 14 points. He was very judicious for the most part on what shots to take, which was largely invisible in the previous two rounds. In addition, he pestered the passing lanes of Phoenix leading to fast breaks in segments of the game.

Pau Gasol was deadly as he scored 21 points on 10-13 shooting. The Lakers got him the ball early and it was almost an automatic two points. In fact, he scored on an off-balance jumper despite being double-teamed in the post. His passing was breathtaking as he made a Showtime-esque pass to Kobe in the Third Quarter that led to a three point play.

Kobe Bryant put another classic game as he scored 40 points and exploded for 22 points in the third quarter. He was masterful managing the game by getting the ball to Gasol early in the game. Then, he just ripped and shredded the Suns hearts' in front of their eyes in the third quarter. His performance was breathtaking but can he continue to do so in a 7 game series?

As for the Suns, there were few bright spots but the defense was absolutely shredded by the hot shooting Lakers. They made some dumb turnovers such as Channing Frye stepped out of bounds and when the Suns had a chance to cut the Laker lead to 6 or 7 points late in the third quarter.

Goran Dragic was excellent in the 2nd Quarter as he abused Jordan Farmar and moved to the basket with craftiness that can make Steve Nash smile as he laid on his back on the Suns' bench. Unfortunately, he got half of his points in garbage time. Barbosa was spry in the 2nd Quarter as he slyly went around four Lakers for a three point play. Yet like Dragic, half of his points came with the game well in hand. The Suns bench, which was one of their strengths played to a standstill with the Laker bench thanks to Lamar Odom playing out of his mind.

Amare Stoudamire showed great touch with his jumper and nailed them with Karl Malone like efficiency. Yet, his scoring was canceled out by Gasol and like Malone his stats were mostly all sizzle. Nash had a double-double in 28 minutes with 13 points and 13 assists. However, his movements were watched and monitored at all times by the Laker D. Jason Richardson had 15 points in the game. Yet, I wonder why the Suns did not give Richardson the ball when he had the hot hand late in the third quarter. Robin Lopez played sparingly but he had his moments especially with the pick and roll with Nash for an easy dunk and forcing Gasol to a jump ball. Yet, he scored his points with the game already decided.

Despite losing by 21, the Suns have nowhere to go but up. It was a demoralizing loss but they have 48 hours to adjust. They must play fast and get Richardson involved. In addition, they have to deny the ball in the post when the Lakers get into their offensive motion. The Phoenix frontline needs to stand tall and rebound with reckless abandon. If not, the Suns' chances for victory will disappear like a mirage in the desert.