-On a steamy late May afternoon in NYC, we at least got one good hoop series going on thanks to the Suns’ second straight ‘W’ over Kobe’s Lakers last night in The Desert. Thanks to a strong fourth quarter in which they outscored LA 30-22, they took Game Four 115-106 to level the best-of-seven Western Conference Final.

This time, Alvin Gentry’s squad got nice balance with six different players netting double digits with plenty coming from a productive bench that outscored the Lakers’ bench 54-20. Channing Frye finally found the range (four 3′s) and Leandro Barbosa added 14 with Jared Dudley and Goran Dragic (8 Pts, 8 A) delivering money performances. Louis Amundson also was effective going for seven points and seven boards as the Suns hammered LA on the glass 51-36.

In a game where Nash, Amare and J-Rich didn’t dominate while Kobe did what he could registering a game high 38 along with 10 assists and seven rebounds, it didn’t matter because Phoenix’ bench was the difference. Only Lamar Odom contributed for LA with a double double (15/10) and three dimes. Bryant didn’t get enough from Pau Gasol or Ron Artest. So, the series goes back to Hollywood all even with the pressure squarely on the defending champs. How will they respond to Bryant’s criticism regarding the lack of defense? See ya Thursday night at Staples.

-Meanwhile, in an hour-plus, D-Howard and the Magic go for two in a row when they host the Celts. Can they get a repeat performance from Jameer Nelson? Will the ghost of Vince Carter reappear? Boston can’t play much worse than the other night. Figure KG, Pierce and Rondo to be determined to get it done.

-The Mets look to carry momentum forward from an 8-0 drubbing of the suddenly slumping Phils, who’ve dropped three straight. The Amazin’s have reeled off three in a row and at .500 (23-23), are just four off the pace. This team is resilient and seems to enjoy playing for Jerry Manuel. If Jason Bay and Jose Reyes remain hot, they should be fine. Do the Phils have a response at Citi Field?

-As for the Yanks, they completed the postponed game with a 1-0 shutout over the Twins. Runs have come at a premium lately. They’ve been leaving too many runners on and paying dearly. Even a lineup as potent as the Bronx Bombers can’t survive a power outage. We’ll see if the domination of their favorite opponent continues.