Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Broom of the Suns
I might have given the Phoenix Suns too much credit when I said they would lose to the Lakers in five games. After all the Suns actually play defense now as evidenced by their sweep of the San Antonio Spurs in the second round.
128 and 124. That’s what the Suns’ defense yielded to the Lakers. Defense? That is something that has yet to be seen in this Western Conference Finals.
It’s so bad that Suns’ head coach Alvin Gentry said as he was leaving the interview room in the bowels of Staples Center, “I’m open for suggestions. Even from the media.”
This series is so bad that in the Dodger Stadium Press Box last night I did my impression of Jim Lampley calling a fight. “They’re stopping the fight! They’re stopping the fight! The fight has been stopped!”
Unfortunately for everyone involved the series must continue until the Lakers win four games, so the Lakers should use the time to prepare for the Boston Celtics. Okay so the games will in no way replicate the defense the Celtics employ, but the Lakers should take the time to tune up their defense. Hell, the Lakers gave up 107 points in Game 1 and 112 in Game 2 last night. That won’t get it done against the Celtics as everyone remembers from 2008.
Now thanks to the geniuses in the NBA scheduling department we have to wait until Sunday for Game 3. But that will only delay the now inevitable sweep of the toothless Suns as we in Los Angeles brace for the Return of the Rivalry.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
