VS: 
Game Information
Who: The Phoenix Suns
When: Thursday, Feb. 26th 2009
Time: 7:30 PM Pacific (9:30 CT)
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: FSN West, TNT
Radio: AM 570 KLAC
Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup
PG: Steve Nash
14.1 Points Per Game
9.7 Assists Per Game
3.1 Rebounds Per Game
SG: Leandro Barbosa
13.8 Points Per Game
2.1 Assists Per Game
2.6 Rebounds Per Game
SF: Jason Richardson
17.2 Points Per Game
4.3 Rebounds Per Game
2.2 Assists Per Game
PF: Grant Hill
10.8 Points Per Game
4.7 Rebounds Per Game
1.9 Assists Per Game
C: Shaquille O'Neal
17.4 Points Per Game
8.8 Rebounds Per Game
1.6 Blocks Per Game
Key Bench Players
SF: Matt Barnes
9.5 Points Per Game
5.3 Rebounds Per Game
2.3 Assists Per Game
SF: Jared Dudley
3.8 Points Per Game
2.4 Rebounds Per Game
0.7 Assists Per Game
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
PG: Derek Fisher
10.9 Points Per Game
3.6 Assists Per Game
1.3 Steals Per Game
SG: Kobe Bryant
27.7 Points Per Game
5.1 Assists Per Game
5.5 Rebounds Per Game
1.3 Steals Per Game
SF: Luke Walton
4.8 Points Per Game
2.5 Rebounds Per Game
2.5 Assists Per Game
PF: Lamar Odom
10.9 Points Per Game
7.6 Rebounds Per Game
2.4 Assists Per Game
C: Pau Gasol
18.3 Points Per Game
9.4 Rebounds Per Game
3.7 Assists Per Game
Lakers "Bench Mob"
PG: Jordan Farmar
7.5 Points Per Game
2.1 Rebounds Per Game
2.4 Assists Per Game
SF: Trevor Ariza
8.8 Points Per Game
4.5 Rebounds Per Game
1.5 Steals Per Game
Key Matchup of the Game
Kobe Bryant vs Shaquille O'Neal
While not a position matchup, it's definitely the focus. From everything that went on in the past between the two to Shaq's love affair for Kobe at this years all star game, anytime that these two are on the court at the same time, they're always going to be the focus. If Kobe drives to the basket, the Big Idiot will most likely be standing there. Everytime they play against each other, I always hope for Kobe to dunk right on Shaq's big dumb head. ANYWAYS, it's going to get a lot of media attention and for that, I consider this the biggest matchup of the game.
Keys To A Lakers Win
- Transition Defense: With Gentry taking over, they're transforming this team back into the run-and-gun team that it was with Mike D'Antoni. So far, they've had pretty good success, scoring 140 points a couple times. Against a top team like the Celtics, however, they were held to just over 100. If we put the effort in on the defensive end, we shouldn't have too much trouble. The Lakers have to realize this is a game where whoever gets the first stop.. wins.
- Control Tempo: When playing the transition Suns, a key factor is not getting caught up in their style of ball. We have to play defense, get the rebound and walk the ball up the court. Pound the ball down low to Luke, Lamar and Pau Gasol. Besides Shaq and without Amare Stoudemire, this is a very small Suns team. Inside-out basketball.
GO LAKERS!!!!
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