Phoenix; Nothing Rhymes With Your Name

Western Conference Finals time, the Lakers and Suns will be battling it out to advance to the NBA finals. It's time to check out who is doing what on both teams.

Point Guard

Phoenix

Steve Nash
Any talk of the best point guard in the league and Nash's name has to be mentioned. A great shooter with unnaturally good passing abilities, this Canadian can slice through a teams defense in numerous ways. His pick and roll attack with Stoudemire will be the main attack weapon for the Suns and Steve will have to be on fine form to keep the fast paced Suns playing their style of game.

Los Angeles

Derek Fisher
His shooting has become more and more reliable which isn't surprising considering that the Lakers are getting deeper and deeper into the playoffs where big plays are required. Fisher will have the unenviable task of guarding Mr. Nash and will rely on his strength to limit Nash. Nash is not as quick as guards like Westbrook so Derek's speed won't be exposed. Against Utah, Fisher did a good job containing Deron Williams and will look to continue that defensive intensity. Spreading the floor and putting a body on Steve will be Derek's mission in this series.

Match-up: I have to go with Steve on this because of his unrelenting skill this two time MVP has the experience and mentality to play well at this high level.

Shooting Guard

Phoenix
Jason Richardson
Richardson's game has been improving during the Suns' playoff run. With solid three point shooting he'll want to continue Phoenix's league best three pointing shooting percentage against the league's top three point defense team. Jason has the task of being the first person on the floor to be challenging Kobe. Not what you want, especially since Kobe has recently been hitting his stride.

Los Angeles

Kobe Bryant
Fresh from five consecutive games of thirty points or more, a well rested Kobe Bryant does nothing but set off alarm bells for Phoenix. Kobe is going to be clinical once again with no one on th Phoenix to match his athletic ability, Kobe will want to drive the lane and draw the double team. This will create space on the perimeter for Artest and Derek when he drives and give valuable space inside for Pau and Andrew when the double team comes.


Match-up: Improved game play doesn't quite cut it against the Player of the Decade.


Small Forward

Phoenix

Grant Hill
A reliable consistent player Grant's knowledge and experience helped him contain players like Manu. However Hill will be forced out onto the perimeter to stop Artest's improved three pointers. This will hinder Hill's ability to help against Kobe and it will be interesting to see if Phoenix choose to leave Artest open on the perimeter to try and prevent Kobe making baskets at will.


Los Angeles

Ron Artest
Being snubbed by the NBA all defensive teams doesn't mean he is not one of the best defenders in the league. It just means some people are a bit short sighted. Artest has been a defensive wall during the playoffs and will have a strength advantage against Grant Hill in the coming series. Artest will have a chance to make an offensive impact if he can hit his three and even in the low post. However once again Ron's main duty will be on the defensive end where we will probably see Phil switch Ron between players because of Phoenix's talented bench.

Match-up: Ron Ron is just a better player, here's to you Artest!


Power Forward

Phoenix

Amare Stoudemire
A strong season continues into the playoffs for Amare though his scoring has dipped he still remains very dangerous. However he will have to improve on the defensive end against Pau and Bynum who boast a height advantage. Combined with Nash, Stoudemire will be using the pick and roll offense primarily to attack the Lakers and if they can get easy looks and push the ball with Stoudemire at the head it will be very difficult for the Lakers to contain.

Los Angeles

Pau Gasol
I can not say enough good things about this man. He has been on fire in these playoffs with 65% shooting percentage the Lakers will be wanting, as with the past series, to get the ball into Pau who can put it in the bucket almost at will. If you thought his offense was improved so has his defense, limiting Carlos Boozer throughout the Utah series. Pau will be a huge piece of the puzzle for a Lakers victory.

Match-up: Pau is the best big man in the league, no debate just fact.


Center

Phoenix

Robin Lopez
Coming back from injury Lopez will want to fid his feet again. His main role will be to body up on Bynum and Gasol and try to limit their presence in the paint. It won't be easy since Lopez hasn't played since the end of March. He will undoubtedly have a tough time dealing with the length of LA.

Los Angeles

Andrew Bynum
With his knee worsening Andrew has decided opt for the what-would-Kobe-do? approach and play through the pain. Bynum's presence is a valuable asset for the Lakers and will be crucial for the Lakers in terms of controlling the game. Playing time will probably be limited to twelve to fourteen minute stretches but even that will prove valuable as the young center can be brutal down low. In any case when Bynum does need a rest the walking mismatch that is Lamar will be available.

Match-up: If both these players stay healthy enough to play my money is on Andrew. An incredibly under-rated post player with a size advantage, Bynum could prove to be very influential indeed.


Game Keys:

Phoenix will rely as they have done on their bench players, with an incredibly talented and deep bench Phoenix will want to get everybody involved to really put the pressure on LA. LA will have to impose their will with defense, keeping a body at all times on the Phoenix players to slow them down. In my opinion Lamar is a man that needs to shine this series. He will be crucial during times when the starters rest to help the second unit hold off the Suns.

Lakers:4-2