It was a different story in Game 3, when the Lakers surprised the Suns with a trapping defense that thrust them back into the series.

With backup guards Shammond Williams and Smush Parker getting extended playing time, the Lakers rallied from an early 17-point deficit to beat the Suns 95-89 Thursday night, cutting Phoenix's lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Williams played 24 minutes, Parker played 17, and the two combined to miss nine shots in as many attempts. But their value was obvious at the other end of the court.

The Suns committed 15 turnovers -- five by two-time MVP Steve Nash -- and generally seemed out of sync in the final three quarters.

"We didn't react well to the pressure," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said Friday. "We have to adjust to that. We really didn't push the ball, we didn't run. We made some turnovers that weren't very nice, threw the ball out of bounds, dribbled off our leg.

"They changed the defense up. Steve will solve the problem."

Lakers center Kwame Brown, who scored a career playoff high 19 points and was a force inside on defense, said he believes the Suns became rattled by the Lakers' pressure.

"We were very aggressive on the screen and roll, got Nash out of what he wants to do," Brown said. "Hopefully we can keep stopping the ball. That was a key for us, keeping Nash out of the paint. We sat back in the first two games and allowed Nash to do what he wanted."

Game 4 will be played Sunday at Staples Center, with the fifth game Wednesday night in Phoenix, where the Suns embarrassed the Lakers 126-98 in Game 2.

The Suns made 13 of their first 16 shots for a 31-14 lead in Game 3, but went just 23-of-59 after that (39 percent) and scored only 58 points in the final three quarters. They scored 68 in the first half and 58 in the second half of Game 2.

"Their defensive scheme and their game plan defensively threw us for a loop," Phoenix's Raja Bell said. "I can't remember them attacking the pick and roll like they did last night. They sprung it on us in the second quarter. We'll have to make an adjustment."

After a brief pause, Bell smiled and said: "We've got the best point guard in the league. I'm confident will look at the film and Steve will find a way to handle it. It's a chess match in the playoffs."

That's true, but Lakers coach Phil Jackson might not have too many moves left.

"We've never used that type of defense on a consistent basis," Jackson said, adding he expects the Suns to adjust.

"We're going to have to make some adjustments that can match theirs on the move," he said.

Nash had 10 points and 13 assists. After the first quarter, it appeared he didn't have much room to maneuver no matter where he was on the court.

"We mentally weren't prepared to be successful against it last night," Nash said regarding the Lakers' trapping defense. "The bottom line is, they just played it hard. We didn't shove it back in their nose. Usually, we're proficient against it. Someone's got to be open -- you've got to have good spacing. The biggest adjustment is just to be tougher.

"Maybe we were a little overconfident after getting off to a good start in the first quarter. They outplayed us the last three quarters. We took a step back. They stepped up. They played harder, and we didn't react well."

Kobe Bryant, who scored 45 points in Game 3 after getting only 15 in the second game, said he believes the Lakers' aggressive approach surprised the Suns.

"They'll be ready," Bryant said regarding Game 4. "They're going to bring it, play with maximum energy and effort. We've got to match it."

Bryant admitted to being puzzled concerning the Lakers' lack of consistency from an effort standpoint this season.

"Whatever the coverage is, you have to put forth that effort," he said.

The odds remain against the Lakers, since only 11 of 193 teams in NBA history have come back from an 0-2 deficit to win a seven-game series.

Jackson said he told his players "not to get too full of themselves" after getting a victory.

"The basic concept is, we haven't done anything yet," he said.

"It's one win," Brown said. "We definitely have to win Sunday."

Lamar Odom, who had 18 points and 16 rebounds in Game 3, hyperextended his left elbow during the game. And Luke Walton dislocated his right pinky Friday in practice.

"They'll play," Lakers spokesman John Black said.