Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesI'm not sure what the Phoenix Suns' strategy is for reversing their fortunes from Monday's Game One loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, but making statements which could be used as possible motivation shouldn't be part of it.When asked how the Suns were planning to deal with Lakers' Carolina Panthers jersey
forward Lamar Odom in the wake of his dominant Game Oneperformance, Suns' forward Amare Stoudemire responded by saying "luck" was responsible for Odom's 19 point, 19 rebound double-double.Using luck to explain adefeat is a classic excuse and one I have used myself on occasion but to relate Odom's skillful showing against the Suns to luck, is an exercise in denial.Odom is without question the most versatile player left in the postseason, and his ability to switch effectively between the post and the perimeter may make him the most valuable Laker in this series.If Odom is properly motivated, as he was on Monday, he can be a nightmare match-up for opponents, and Game One was an example of Odom putting in work early.Odom's 6'10 frame and ball-handling skills gave him a predetermined advantage against anyone the Suns chose to defend him with, and he exploited this by attacking the rim early.There was nothing "lucky" about the way Odom constantly beat Stoudemire off the dribble because of his poor defensive footwork, and there was nothing "lucky" in the way Odom positioned himself for rebounds.In fact, Odom's 19 rebounds accounted for more than Stoudemire, Channing Frye, and Robin Lopez combined, and he was just as effective on the defensive end as well.It's a known fact among Lakers' fans that Odom is apt to follow his Game One gem with one of his patented disappearing acts, but Stoudemire may have unwillingly nullified that exception.When Odom was made aware ofChicago Bears jersey
Stoudemire's comments, his expression didn't change much, but his facial muscles tightened up, and it was clear his focus would squarely be on tonight's game.A motivated Odom is a scary proposition for the Suns because they have enough trouble trying to solve the Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol equation, and Odom could make their plight hopeless.Odom exists as an x-factor for the Lakers in this series, and before Monday night's game, he had been roundly criticized for his uneven performances throughout the course of the postseason.He was only averaging 7.8 points per game, and besides a decent Game Five against Oklahoma City in the first round, Odom had been mostly just another body on the basketball court.But Odom's talent has always suggested he could be a dominant player, and this challenge from Stoudemire may be just what the laid-back, almost star needed.This may be the first time I have ever heard an opponent call Odom out, and most of that has to do with his friendly, and meek nature, which is nothing like his New York City upbringing.Odom and Lakers' forward Ron Artest were childhood friends both from Queens, New York, and it's hard to picture Artest accepting Stoudemire's affront in the same manner as Odom did.But Odom's strength may lie in his silence, because for the first time, an opposing player has questioned Odom's consistency, passion, and desire, and even though Stoudemire only used "luck", how else should Odom take it?Stoudemire called Odom's performance "luck" Cincinnati Bengals jersey
because he is used to witnessing his uneven play, but Stoudemire just gave it the wrong label.Maybe Stoudemire would have been better off just acknowledging Odom's performance, and instead focus on ways to improve his own three rebound performance on Monday night.But, that task may increase in difficulty because a focused Lamar Odom might be out to prove his first game was far from "luck", and if he is properly motivated, can Stoudemire summon the defense to slow him down?
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