How the West Was Won: Game 2

SI Staff | May 20, 2010

How the West Was Won: Game 2 /

How the West Was Won: Game 2

Thanks to Pau Gasol's new power game, the Lakers now own a 2-0 series lead over the Suns in the Western Conference finals. Here are some of SI's best shots from L.A.'s 124-112 win on Wednesday.

The Lakers' big man led all scorers with 29 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter.

Kobe Bryant took advantage of having a reliable, open teammate down low to record a playoff career-high 13 assists, in addition to 21 points. Bryant became the first Laker to record 13 assists in a postseason game since Magic Johnson did it in the first round of the 1996 playoffs.

After shooting 58 percent in Game 1, the Lakers hit 57.7 percent of their shots Wednesday. Their bench, which included Shannon Brown, converted 68.4 percent of their field goals.

Steve Nash recorded another double-double -- 11 points, 15 assists -- but the Suns' lacking D killed them in Game 2.

After Lamar Odom's 19-point, 19-rebound performance in Game 1, Amar'e Stoudemire said the Lakers' forward "was lucky." On Wednesday, Odom proved otherwise, turning in another strong showing off the bench with 11 points and 17 boards.

While Gasol led all scorers Wednesday, Phoenix's Jason Richardson finished with a team-high 27 points on 10-for-17 shooting.

Richardson's performance makes the Suns' loss a bit surprising since Phoenix entered the game with a 31-4 record when he's scored at least 20 points.

While Nash turned in a double-double, he also contributed five turnovers.

Gasol and the Lakers outrebounded the Suns 39-34.

The series heads to Phoenix for Game 3 on Sunday where the momentum could shift in the Suns' favor.

Published May 20, 2010

SI STAFF