Keys to Victory

Every single telecast or radio program throws out their keys to the game. Well, in my efforts to go mainstream (Really, I just want to have a way to get media credentials and get into Suns and D-Backs games. Cool? I think so; plausible, no not really.) I think I need to offer my keys to a series victory for the Phoenix Suns.

Let’s begin:
1. The Bench
Obviously, the bench needs to play great. The Lakers just don’t have the fire power to compete with Frye, Dudley, Barbosa and Dragic when they are on. Really, only two of these guys need to really be on and the rest just need to play solid defense and not turn the ball over. I know Lamar Odom comes off the bench and can really light it up offensively, but he plays a lot with the starters and can’t be a one man show. He just doesn’t have the mentality.

2. Jarron Collins
That’s right; Jarron Collins is a key to a Suns series victory. I’m sure you’ve heard that Robin Lopez is gaining strength and will probably play in the series, but Jarron Collins needs to start game 1. Why? You ask. I want him in the game the first time Kobe drives to the basket. The first time he goes into the lane, Jarron Collins needs to plant him on his keister, Raja Bell style. If he gets suspended, who cares? Lopez is back and healthy enough to fill in for Collins’ 15-20 minutes a night. Even if Lopez isn’t quite at full strength yet, he can’t be any worse than having a Collins out there just run up and down the court. It’s almost like the Suns start the game 4 on 5 since Lopez went out. Plus, this will guarantee more minutes for Lopez, and the Suns need his size and length against this team. Trust me this will work. We need to get inside Kobe’s head.

3. Outscore the Lakers
Just wanted to make sure you were still paying attention. But seriously, people actually use this as a real key to a victory! I never thought that simply repeating the definition to winning would actually be a key insight into a game. (Editor's note: my nine-year-old brother proof read this post and upon reading the third key responded "No dur.")

4. Steve Nash vs. Derek Fisher
Breaking news: Derek Fisher is still starting in the NBA. He’s not only starting, he’s starting for the favorite to win the NBA championship. This means bad news for the Lakers. Steve Nash has the ability to tear him apart. Fisher just can’t guard him. I certainly don’t believe that Phil Jackson will be dumb enough to let anyone go one-on-one with Nash like Popovich did, but once he drives by Fisher and the Lakers’ bigs collapse to help, the three-point shooters will be open all day.

5. Ron Artest
Oh yeah, Ron Ron is definitely a key to the Suns’ success. I know he can be a pesky defender and can get under players’ skin, but his three-point shooting is awful. I mean, terrible. Artest is shooting 23% in the playoffs. That means good news for J-Rich. He will be free to roam and close in on Gasol and Bynum for double teams. We can only hope that Gasol can’t help but kick it out to a wide open Ron Artest for three.