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I predicted that this would be a 6 or 7 game series prior to Game 1, and despite two blowout Lakers wins, remained convinced. Following the Suns’ Game 4 victory early this morning that ties the series at 2-2, we now have an intriguing series.

With the Celtics having a commanding 3-1 lead over the Magic in the East Finals, we now have a real battle over in the West Finals.

The Suns got the job done in Game 4 by finally having their bench show up.

Sure, Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash both had solid games, but it was the Suns bench that made the difference.

All series, even in the Game 3 win, they failed to reproduce the form of the late season that made them one of the best bench units in the league. In Game 4 however, they erupted for 54 points.

Most importantly, Channing Frye broke out of his slump which had seen him go an incredible 1-for-20 through the first three games. He went 4-of-8 for a much better 14 point performance.

Barbosa, Dudley and Dragic also had solid shooting nights but it was their defensive efforts that made the difference too, helping to maintain and expand the Suns’ lead throughout the game, even against the Lakers starters.

The kind of confidence they displayed in taking shots and attacking the basket reaffirmed that they were on form tonight, this play in particular from Dragic showing the effectiveness of the bench:

Kobe was still Kobe with an amazing 38 points, making 6-of-9 from 3 point range. It seemed every time the Suns hit a three during an explosive 2nd quarter, Kobe was right there with one of his own in response. In addition, Odom continued his good play off the bench with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

But with the Suns bench on form, they simply had too many weapons. We now go back to LA for Game 5, and with Gentry’s decision to play a zone defense causing the Lakers problems offensively combined with the Suns bench finally turning up, it remains to be seen just who will emerge from the West.

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