Suns/Lakers 2009-2010: A Closer Look

[Chaplin]

Wanted to take a minute and look at that 3-1 Laker season series record against us.

Game 1: November 12, 2009 @ LA Lakers (LOSS 121-102)
This was pretty much a laugher from start to finish. The Lakers had everyone healthy on their team and we were only missing Robin at the time. This was also the second game of a back-to-back, having won the night before in Phoenix against the New Orleans Hornets.

Game 2: December 6, 2009 @ LA Lakers (LOSS 108-88)
Another 2nd of a back-to-back, the first game was at home against the Sacramento Kings, which was a win right after our first losing streak of the season. This game had Robin in it (although Frye was still starting), but didn't have LB and Amundson. And again, the Lakers were healthy (only Luke Walton was inactive).

Game 3: December 28, 2009 @ US Airways Center (WIN 118-103)
Biggest win of the season at that point. Not a back-to-back. Ron Artest and Walton were the two Lakers that didn't play, but we were relatively healthy. I'm sure most of us remember this game fondly.

Game 4: March 12, 2010 @ US Airways Center (LOSS 102-96)
Not a back-to-back. Again, the Lakers only had Luke Walton out of the lineup. We, however, had Barbosa still out after his wrist surgery, and this was also the game that Channing served his suspension. Alvin was also tossed in the game.

So what does all this tell us? Not much. Neither team faced the other at the strength (or weakness) they are at now. I would venture to say that those first 3 games, even our win, should be thrown out the window. The only game that really matters is the 4th game and we were missing 2 pieces, one of which is vital for us.

Channing did a spectacular job on Duncan in this series, and I see him probably guarding Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum, and I don't think he'll be completely hopeless. We'll have to see.

 

[Tyler]

Its going to be one hell of a series, granted the Lakers do what everyone expects them to do.

I personally see it going atleast 6 games with the Suns winning. But that is blatent homerism and you know the media wont see it that way.

WIN IT FOR COTTON!!!!

 

[Griffin]

That last game was pretty close until the end and, if I remember correctly, some calls didn't go our way. As for the first two games, having to play the Lakers on the road on the second night of a back-to-back while they were well-rested was difficult. But no back-to-back in the playoffs. I agree the regular season series doesn't tell us much. Three of those games were played in 2009, long before we started playing the way we are now.