The Suns had the tempo that they desired.  But they didn’t get the result that they desired.

The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the third quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals as they cruised past the Phoenix Suns, 128-107.

As is customary at the Staples Center, Kobe Bryant heard the “M-V-P” chants from the crowd as he put up 40 points in three quarters.  That’s right – #24 sat out the entire fourth quarter, sipping on some Evian.  L.A. held distinct advantages starting the halves, as they outscored the Suns by nine in the first quarter and seven in the third quarter - establishing a 14-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.  Bryant’s 21-point third quarter gave the Lakers all of the momentum that they needed, and they extended their advantage to as much as 28.

Phoenix had no answer for the Lakers offense.  Los Angeles shot 58% from the floor, and they used their length to easily control the glass, 42-34.  The Laker height also had an adverse effect on Phoenix floor general Steve Nash.  Nash had 13 assists in three quarters of play, but he was out of rhythm all night and didn’t do his customary job of managing the flow of the game.  The Suns box score concluded with six players in double figures, but a good portion of those points came after the game was decided.

The length of the Lakers players made things uncomfortable for Steve Nash.

Pau Gasol, who has sparkled throughout the playoffs, continued to play well tonight.  He had 21.  And Lamar Odom proved to have the biggest impact of any reserve player from either of the teams, pitching in 19 points, 19 rebounds and 3 assists.

The most obvious adjustment for Phoenix will be figuring out a way to slow down Kobe.  Grant Hill assumed the primary duty on covering Bryant, and he didn’t do a bad job.  Likewise, Jared Dudley came off the bench to give Hill some relief, but was equally ineffective.  Kobe’s legs looked fresh, and consequently, his play was out-of-this-world tonight.  Phoenix also needs to find a way to make the Lakers shoot tougher shots.  As expected, L.A. had a huge points in the paint advantage – and that will have to cease if the Suns want to keep pace in this series.

Former two-time MVP Steve Nash will have to find a way to get his game going and breathe some life into his team.

That is, if Game 1 didn’t already suck the life out of them.

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