Lakers Survive Suns Run, Artest's the Hero

The defending champs Lakers are 1 game closer to returning to the NBA finals. The game finished on a high not after an ugly ass finish by the Lakers who allowed the Suns to come back from 18 points and almost send the game to overtime while riding momentum. The Suns clawed back behind superb play by 2 time MVP Steve Nash who had 29 pts, 11 dimes and some sweet rainbows over Pau Gasol in the 4th. Unfortunately for Nash his fellow All-Star buddy Amare was not as aggressive and needs more than the 19 pts, 4 rebs, to give his team a chance. Jason Richardson almost made one forget his bad game of 5/12 shooting, 1/6 from downtown, if it wasn't for his late tying desperation bank three at the end of the game, he however forgot a very important basic in the game of basketball, boxout. The Suns bench had a lack luster performance except for Frye who has regained his touch back, but Dragic,Barbosa,and Admundson did not bring the energy they usually bring. Tough loss for the Suns. On the opposite side the Champs still refuse to do anything without drama, but hey looks like they finally figured out how to attack the zone defense, 'bout damn time. The Lakers startes had 3 players with more than 20 points with Lamar chipping in 17 from the bench. 'Drew did not have a strong offensive game but did have 7 rebounds, and more importantly 4 blocked shots. There was even a Machine sighting as he was brought in to piss Dragic off and it worked as Dragic had a subpar game. Ron Ron a terrible game with 2/9 shooting even having Laker fans cringe on his every brick, then all was forgiven. Ron Ron stepped in on Kobe's potential game winner which was short caught and threw up a prayer that was answered as time expired. 5 more games baby.

Player of the Game: Black Mamba one assist short of a triple double, 4 block shot, yet another 30 points, adding yet to his legacy as a Laker and one of the greatest ever.

X-Factor: Lamar Odom had a great game 17 pts, 13 rebs, 4 assists, but this title goes to his New York buddy Ron Artest while only 2 shots, he hit the most important one, the last of the game. Phil Jackson said he didn't know why he had him on the floor in the first place, this is exactly why, for the little plays that play huge.

Should Have Been Benched: Shannon Brown contributed just 2 points, but he continues to be a defense liability and is not using his great athletic ability to help his team.

Laker Hater: After being a no show for 3 games Channing Frye has decided to join the series and has become a thorn on the Lakers ass, 14 pts, 10 rebs, this is the first time in the playoff that Frye gets double figures in rebounds and the first time since 3/26.

Overtime: The Lakers have now won 11 home games in a row, all they have to do is win every home game from now on, and they will claim their 15th title.