Phoenix: The Phoenix Suns rained in three-pointers from all angles to secure a 115-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, levelling their Western Conference finals series and re-igniting their title hopes.
The Suns pulled away in a rampant fourth-quarter run to win their second straight game against the defending NBA champions and send the best-of-seven series back to Los Angeles at 2-2.
Amare Stoudemire led a balanced Phoenix attack with 21 points and Channing Frye broke through with 14 points, including four three-pointers, after making only 1-of-20 shots in the first three games.
"I believe that every night [I will shoot well]. I put in the time and my teammates believe in me," Frye told reporters having sparked his team and a frenzied home crowd with three long-range shots in the second quarter.
"I have to thank team mates and coaches for believing in me. I take pride in wearing the Suns uniform."
Kobe Bryant sparkled with 38 points and 10 assists but his Lakers were left behind when the Suns sank three straight three-pointers to take control with an 98-89 lead in the fourth.
Arm's length
In all, Phoenix enjoyed a 14-2 run in the pivotal fourth and kept their opponents at arm's length to leave the series evenly poised ahead of today's Game Five.
Lamar Odom had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Pau Gasol added 15 for the Lakers who, apart from Bryant, never found their rhythm.
For the second straight contest, Phoenix used a zone defence to stifle Los Angeles, taking away their height advantage and forcing the visitors into long-distance shots.
