Two areas make difference in series

PHOENIX -- Why were the Los Angeles Lakers made 11-1 underdogs in their opening-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns?

Two key areas highlighted in Game 1 justified that assessment:

POINT GUARD -- The Suns' Leandro Barbosa, named Monday the winner of the Sixth Man Award, led Phoenix in scoring with 26 points off the bench.

And he plays behind Steve Nash, two-time league MVP in strong contention for the award again this season.

The Los Angeles Lakers counter with Jordan Farmar, a rookie who has made only three starts this season, including Game 1, and Smush Parker, relegated to the bench for his lackluster play and public criticism of his coach.

FRONT COURT -- For the Suns, Amare Stoudemire is back at center after missing nearly all of last season because of a knee injury. He is complemented by power forward Shawn Marion. Between them in Game 1, they had 28 rebounds, more than half the Los Angeles Lakers' team total of 46.

The Los Angeles Lakers counter with Kwame Brown, still limited because of a lingering ankle injury, Andrew Bynum, who continues to suffer from a disappointing lack of aggressiveness, and Lamar Odom, who came up big in Game 1 with 17 points and 16 rebounds but has a history of inconsistency.

Game 2 is tonight before the scene switches to Staples Center for Game 3 on Thursday and Game 4 on Sunday.

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