The Phoenix Suns crushed the Los Angeles Lakers 121-90, the most lopsided contest between the two duo in their best-of-seven first round series on Saturday in Phoenix, advancing to the NBA playoffs second round.

The Suns, led by Brazilian Leandro Barbosa who scored a career playoff-best 26 points, became the eighth team in NBA history to win a series after trailing 3-1.

Phoenix will be challenged by the Los Angeles Clippers at home at Game 1 of the second-round series on Monday night.

Seven Suns scored in double figures with Frenchman Boris Diaw contributing 21 points and nine assists. All-Star Shawn Marion had 14 points and 10 rebounds, Steve Nash, last season's MVP and reported MVP this season, netted 13 points and dished out nine assists.

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points of 8-of-16 shooting, but the rest of the Lakers starters were 17-for-50.

Raja Bell, who returned to the game from a one-game suspension for throwing Bryant to the floor in Game 6, scored 13 points and drew three offensive fouls against Bryant.

The Suns started the first quarter with a 16-6 run and ended it with a 12-2 spurt, concluding the quarter 32-15. They made 14 of 20 shots for 70 percent. The Lakers were 6-for-20.

Source: Xinhua