Man of Steel
05-29-2008, 12:39 PM
If memory serves correctly--I think the last team to fuck up a 3-1 lead was LA...
homas added 12 points and six rebounds in Game 7.
(Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images)
The Suns became only the eighth NBA team in history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit with their 121-90 home victory over Los Angeles on Saturday in Game 7. Phoenix jumped out to a 17-point first quarter lead and never looked back, shooting a blistering 61 percent from the floor. Leandro Barbosa led seven players in double figures with 26 points, while versatile forward Boris Diaw collected 21 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Phoenix welcomed back Raja Bell from a one-game suspension as he came off the bench to play tough defense on Kobe Bryant and notch 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Shawn Marion added 14 points and 10 boards for the Suns, who outscored the Lakers by 13 on fastbreak points. Bryant led the Lakers with 24 points, but only totaled only one point in the second half. Luke Walton chipped in with 16 points. Phoenix handed Coach Phil Jackson his first opening-round playoff loss in 15 tries. The Suns, who held the Lakers to 35 percent shooting, host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday (10:30 p.m. ET, TNT) in the second round.
homas added 12 points and six rebounds in Game 7.
(Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images)
The Suns became only the eighth NBA team in history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit with their 121-90 home victory over Los Angeles on Saturday in Game 7. Phoenix jumped out to a 17-point first quarter lead and never looked back, shooting a blistering 61 percent from the floor. Leandro Barbosa led seven players in double figures with 26 points, while versatile forward Boris Diaw collected 21 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Phoenix welcomed back Raja Bell from a one-game suspension as he came off the bench to play tough defense on Kobe Bryant and notch 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Shawn Marion added 14 points and 10 boards for the Suns, who outscored the Lakers by 13 on fastbreak points. Bryant led the Lakers with 24 points, but only totaled only one point in the second half. Luke Walton chipped in with 16 points. Phoenix handed Coach Phil Jackson his first opening-round playoff loss in 15 tries. The Suns, who held the Lakers to 35 percent shooting, host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday (10:30 p.m. ET, TNT) in the second round.