Lately, I've been trying to shy away from the post-game posts. It seems like some of them just lack the substance that the Fox community deserves. Well, tonight, I couldn't resist.

The Lakers just walked out of one of the most hyped games of the season with a win. Twas not a huge win numerically, but it solidified 3-1 season series win over their division rival.

Win. Win. Win.

Kobe and Pau combined for 70 points (41 and 29, respectively). Kobe's finger didn't seem to get in the way of a 41 point outing, and, yet again, Mr. Gasol impressed me with his Spaniard flair and finesse. I know, I've prefaced just about everything Gasol does with the word 'Spaniard,' but there's no denying that Pau's game is elegant... and frankly, I find Spain elegant.

You saw that hook shot.

That aside, Lamar came out with a good showing, and despite missing 25 layups, he managed to score 22 and pull down 11.

Oh yeah, we almost forgot. Shaq made his Phoenix debut today (stache-less). I'll never be one to hate on The Diesel, but he looked very sluggish coming into the game... He almost looked confused walking out to center court before the opening tip. Nevertheless, Shaq did what he does best, and provided a huge presence physically down low. Despite getting off to a slow start, he managed for 15 and nine; just in the neighborhood of his season averages.

If we want to look past the Kobe-Shaq hype, Amare Stoudemire stole the show on the Phoenix side of things. 37 points and 15 rebounds really showcased Amare's abilities at the four. Steve Nash also chimed in with 22 points and eight assists.

The bottom line is that this was a fun game to watch. I was standing in front of the TV for the entire fourth quarter. That's how I judge the overall aesthetics of a game... the 'stand-factor.'

Lastly, The Lakers' win boosted them into a tie with the Suns atop the Pacific Division. Upcoming games anyone?

  Lakers:

 Suns:


Food for thought...

[edit: 1:53am]
Check out Tom7's post on the game if you haven't already. It's like 400x more comprehensive.