Lakers Were Meticulous Tonight

[isetcap]

Against a supposed West contender.

Without 2 of their starters, one whose name is Kobe.

After trailing by 20 points in the 4th quarter.

A little bit scary.

[bigboydan]

The Suns just came out flat for the 2nd half tonight. I wonder how they play tomorrow night against the Clippers.

[Dark Horse]

Some angles from last season:

Since December, PHX is 19-4 ATS in 1H after not winning the previous 2H SU. (last updated March 31st, 06)

For season PHX is 12-2-1 (was 10-1-1) ATS in 1H when playing without rest.

Suns looked awkward against LAL, but remember that they were prepared for Kobe. As HF of 5 pts or lower PHX was 12-2 ATS in competitive games last season, 12-3 when counting meaningless last game of season. When the line jumped to 8, that (mental) edge was gone for PHX. From a close game this changed to a game they should win rather easily, which changed their mindset. They fell asleep when Nash left the floor early, with about a 19 pt lead. And never regained their edge. Basically, PHX had a chance to put the game away early, and cruise through at least the 4Q, but D'Antoni was determined to rest Nash early and long.

Expect PHX to come out sharp tomorrow. This is a rhythm team that loves to play on no rest.

1H PHX (no line yet, but probably -2 or 2.5)

[isetcap]

Expect PHX to come out sharp tomorrow. This is a rhythm team that loves to play on no rest.

1H PHX (no line yet, but probably -2 or 2.5)

That's a very sound bet.