Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Lakers-Suns game doesn't disappoint

It's 105-103 Lakers as I start, but that's sure to change before I'm finished. What an exciting game. In fact, the Suns just went up 106-105 with a free throw from Amare Soutemire, who has been exceptional.

Backstory for those who might not know (or care). Kobe Bryant and Shaqille O'Neal won two championships together but they clashed (spoiled immature jocks that they both are, whatever their skills, and finally Shaq was traded to Miami. Since then the Lakers haven't gotten deep into the playoffs, with the Phoenix Suns, led by runnin' gunnin' Steve Nash and perhaps the most exciting team in thre NBA to watch being their nemesis. It got so bad that last summer Kobe was saying he wanted to be traded unless the Lakers made a big trade move. Meantime the Suns haven't been able to get past Dallas or San Antonio to get to the championship round.

Anyway, the Lakers have been better than expected this year, with young Andrew Bynum coming into his own (he's injured now). Then a couple of weeks ago the Lakers traded for Pau Gasol, an exceptional 7-footer, and have gone 6-1 since acquiring him. Then the Suns traded for Shaq, who wouldn't seem to fit with such a fast-break-oriented team, but still can play and brings somethjing special when he's motivated. In fact, he's had the last 8 Suns points, and LA leads just 117-115 with 3:30 to go.

Naturally the Suns started the night one game ahead of the Lakers in the division. And both teams have played with enormous intensity. Fun to watch, which I'm going to do now for the last couple of clock minutes. Still 117-115.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

3 championships.

A UCLA grad.

Alan Bock said...

Of course, you're right. When were you at UCLA?

Alan Bock said...

Of course, you're right. When were you at UCLA?