Game 1 Loss by Suns Due to Outside Shooting | IXGAMES

The chances that the Phoenix Suns will win in the Western Conference finals have become few and far between as they had not been able to score a crucial 3-pointer. Crucial 3-pointer In the series opening loss 128-107 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday evening, the Suns went 5 for 22 on 3-pointers, obtaining no points even from the most remarkable spot on their offense. Phoenix was able to hit nearly 42 percent, making 101 3-pointers, during the first two rounds of the post season, which can be considered as the best record for any team in the playoffs. The Suns were known to depend on the 3-pointer in order to win over Portland and San Antonio; however, they were not able to do so at Staples Center. Is it safe to assume therefore that the defense of the Lakers’ had, in fact, been the deciding factor in Game 1 for Phoenix’s end of the court, or was it the unimpressive shooting by the Suns? According to Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry, however, the combination did it for them. The team struggled against the opponent from the 3-point line, especially since the opponent had been pretty good at blocking the 3-point shots. Gentry admitted furthermore that there were some shots available to them, which they did not take the opportunity of making. “As far as the 3 point percentage defense in the league goes, they had been No. 1, and they were able to do an excellent job on that”, Gentry has said. It was a struggle for the Phoenix Sun, with the team having a difficult time with their 3-point shots. Channing Frye headed for 1 for 7, while Jared Dudley, fellow reserve, went on for 1 for 5 after the two players combined their competencies for 34 3-pointers during the initial two rounds. Opponent played a great game Steve Nash behind the line was 0 for 2, while Goran Dragic, though known for his 3-pointers on the court, missed his 3-point attempt after almost 21 minutes of play.  However, Jason Richardson took advantage of the usual success by the Suns, going for three 3-point shooting feats, maintaining his post season percentage at more than 50%. Richardson admitted that they did not really do everything they could.  However, under the circumstances, taking a win from the opponent had been near impossible. He conceded that the Lakers really played a competitive game. For the regular season, the Suns were the ones leading the NBA for 3-point shooting; however, the Lakers had been the best at defending the 3-pointer for the NBA. The players of Los Angeles credited their win to the gigantic duo of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, who are both 7-footers. Coach for the Lakers Phil Jackson has something to say. He said that the Suns missed some important shots but they had a good game nonetheless. While the team had kept Suns out of balance at times, Jackson had been positive that they will be back in fighting form for the next game.