LOS ANGELES -- The Suns appear to be setting.The Lakers took a commanding 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals with a 124-112 win at Staples Center on Wednesday night. Someone might want to ask former Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni if he's a believer in the notion that the Suns' defense has improved, as they gave up 57.7 percent shooting after a similar Game 1 effort (or lack thereof). Let's take a look at the action:
Hero of the Day
As the Lakers were taking care of Oklahoma City in the first round, Kobe Bryant's father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, compared his future Hall of Famer son to Picasso. And as the Lakers continued to take care of business with championship aplomb, Bryant is indeed painting a marvelous picture with his game. After his 40-point outburst in Game 1, he played the part of facilitator with a personal playoff career-high 13 assists to go with 21 points.
Share Turning Point
The Suns were right where they wanted to be, having finished the third quarter on a 10-4 run to tie it 90-90 entering the fourth. But the clogged lane continued to confound the pick-and-roll game between Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire, and the Suns point guard's sloppiness coupled with a Lakers' scoring surge led to a 20-7 run.
LAKERS LEAD 2-0
Game 2: Lakers 124, Suns 112 | Box Score
Tomasson: Lakers Make Their Own Luck
'Sore' Barbosa Expects to Play Game 3
Amick: Kobe's Career Playoff Passing Night
SI's Jenkins: Gasol Too Much for Suns
Also: Phil Jackson Expects Pay Cut
Jackson: Bynum's Knee Still Ailing
Game 3: Sun., May 23 | Series Schedule
Key Coaching Decision
Suns coach Alvin Gentry said he wanted point guard Steve Nash to get much more involved offensively. But with Derek Fisher keeping up with his fellow hoops senior citizen and the Lakers' bigs rotating beautifully, Nash had just eight shots (hitting four) in his 11-point, 15-assist outing.
Outside the Box
Jared Dudley showed once again what he means to this Suns team, albeit in a losing effort. It wasn't just the fact that he found his shot again (15 points on 5-of-6 shooting), but he was scrappy and spirited in his defensive effort against Bryant before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Now perhaps if Channing Frye would have followed suit, it may have been a different story.
You Had to Be There
For a guy who fans seem to universally loathe, official Joey Crawford has no shortage of respect among his colleagues. Early in the fourth quarter, Crawford was bowled over by Goran Dragic on a drive and pinned on his backside. He signaled Lakers ball from the floor, then was helped up by a trio of players who came his way to assist. Grant Hill checked in with Crawford too, of course, because the ageless wonders have to stick together.
Weiner Throws His Hat In The Ring
Reports: Man Questioned Over Marathon Bombings Killed By Police
Rescuers Continue Search For Tornado Survivors
House Republicans Press On With Slashing Cuts
Big Step Forward For Senate Immigration Bill
Massachusetts Lt. Governor Resigning
Army Commander Suspended On Adultery, Physical Altercation Charges
Sergio Makes 'Fried Chicken' Joke About Tiger
Garcetti Takes It
Pussy Riot Member Declares Hunger Strike
Senator Introduces Hemp Legalization
The World's Most Powerful Women
Study Reveals Hidden Anti-Latino Prejudice
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
CBS Reporter's Grave Allegations
Inhofe: Oklahoma Aid Will Be 'Totally Different' From Sandy Aid
More Tax Trouble For Apple
Knife Attack In China Wounds 6 Schoolchildren, 1 Adult
Pentagon Wants Millions To Maintain 'Inefficient' Facility
Take That, Citizens United!
Poll Shows National Support For Legalized Doctor-Assisted Suicide
Two GOP Senators Battle 'Bizarre' Tea Party Demand
Business Tycoon: 'Corporations Should Pay No Taxes'
Atheist State Rep Shakes Up Prayer Session
Americans Feeling Effects Of Payroll Tax Increase
Best Buy CEO Claims 'Win-Win-Win'
U.S. Seized Phone Records For Fox News AND White House
Virginia GOP Candidate: 'I Don't Have Anything To Rephrase Or To Apologize For'
Many Insurance Payments Won't Cut It After Oklahoma Disaster
