Clutch Rivalry

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Tue Apr 5, 2005 · 7:00 PM
Los Angeles LakersLakers
102
away
Chemistry Tense
Phoenix SunsSuns
108
home
Chemistry Steady

Box Score

TEAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FINAL
Los Angeles LakersLakers 20 28 24 30 102
Phoenix SunsSuns 21 27 34 26 108

After Action Report

The Suns held off the Lakers 108-102. Execution down the stretch made the difference. Second-chance points piled up for the Suns; the Suns played with the chip of a recent gutting loss. The Lakers looked disjointed — chemistry issues linger. Early returns: the Suns per-player utilization choices fit the identity tonight. Ugly, but it counts the same in the standings.

What tipped it

  • Suns · Glass Eaters Crashing the boards generates extra possessions and second-chance buckets.
  • Suns · Heartbreak A gutting last-second loss — revenge is on the menu.
  • Lakers · Ice Cold On a 4+ game losing streak — shots aren't falling.
  • Lakers · Locker-Room Rift Tension in the locker room — poor ball movement and streaky play.