It's still Sunny in Phoenix

What seemed to be another sweep by the Los Angeles Lakers has now turned into a best of three series. The Phoenix Suns, who were dominated on the boards and taken out of their rhythm in Games 1 and 2, gave the Lakers a taste of their own medicine in Games 3 and 4. The reason the series is tied, surprising at that, is the Suns’ zone defense, which they started playing in Game 3. The Suns, who aren’t known for their defense, have made the Lakers settle from the outside instead of attacking and breaking down zone. Even though the Lakers can shoot well from beyond the arc, it comes within the flow of their triangle offense and isn’t their primary option. The zone has showed how much it has affected the Lakers' offense, who attempted 33 three point attempts combined in the 1st two games and 32 in Game 3 alone. Outside shots will always be open in a zone, but you can’t settle for what is given to you. In order for the Lakers to take advantage of the Suns’ zone defense, they must attack the gaps and space out the floor and keep the defense honest.
Kobe stated in the Game 3 press conference that he saw Amar'e Stoudemire’s 42-point game coming because he’s a great player. Did he see the Suns’ bench scoring 30 points alone in the 2nd quarter in Game 4? If he did, he should have warned his teammates who were a non factor throughout the whole game. The Suns’ bench, who scored 52 points in Game 4, ran all over the whole Lakers team from start to finish. Key contributions came from the Suns, Channing Frye, who broke his cold streak by making four 3-pointers and Goran Dragic who was running the show at point guard and abusing Derrick Fisher. Jared Dudley and Leandro Barbosa hit numerous big shots as well.
Kobe, who ended w/ 38 points, 7 rebounds and 10 dimes, did state one thing correct after Game 4, which is their main focus should be on defense (not offense…DEFENSE)! The Lakers, who were out-rebounded 36 to 51 in Game 4, need to make a lot of adjustments in order to win Game 5. The Suns’ bench proved their depth w/ 3 people in double figures and will have to be consistent night in and out in order for the Suns to advance to the Finals.

Side Note: Phil Jackson is 46-0 when his team takes a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven series. Maybe this will be his first loss.