How the West Was Won: Game 3

How the West Was Won: Game 3
How the West Was Won: Game 3 /

How the West Was Won: Game 3

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John W. McDonough/SI

Amar'e Stoudemire quieted his critics Sunday night, dominating L.A.'s front line and helping Phoenix to a 118-109 in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. While the Lakers still hold a 2-1 series lead, here are some of SI's best shots from the Suns' victory.

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Stoudemire led all scorers with 42 points in Game 3. He attacked the hoop to the tune of 18 free-throw attempts, and also grabbed 11 rebounds.

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Suns' point guard Steve Nash has dished out at least 13 assists in every game of the conference finals, including 15 in Game 3.

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Pau Gasol battled Stoudemire all night, but couldn't keep the Suns' star off the glass at either end of the floor (Stoudemire had three offensive rebounds).

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The emergence of veteran Grant Hill has been a key to Phoenix's success in the postseason. Hill scored just five points Sunday night, but filled up the box score with nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.

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Despite being outplayed by Stoudemire, Gasol had another productive outing for the Lakers, finishing with 23 points and nine rebounds.

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The Lakers lost, despite a valiant effort from Kobe Bryant, who quietly had a monster game: 36 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in 43 minutes.

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After a breakout performance in Game 2, Jason Richardson was again an integral part of the Suns' offense, scoring 19 points, including four threes.

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Phoenix forced the Lakers into 17 turnovers, including five from Bryant, helping avoid a 3-0 series deficit.

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A late-game push by Kobe & Co. kept the Suns faithful on the edge of their seats, but Phoenix pulled out the W.

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Stoudemire's 42-point explosion on Sunday put the Lakers on notice. If Amar'e can outplay L.A.'s big men in Game 4, the Suns have a shot to even the series.

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Known more for his hustle than his offensive game, Phoenix's Robin Lopez proved doubters wrong, pouring in 20 points for a game-high plus-minus ratio ( 19).

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Amar'e on his critics: "You can never question my determination, my focus, my dedication."

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Odom scored 19 and 17 in the first two games of the series, but managed only 10 in Game 3 before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

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The series continues Tuesday night in Phoenix, as the Suns hope to keep their momentum going against the defending champs.


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