The Phoenix Suns stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 126-98 Tuesday at home to take a 2-0 lead in their National Basketball Association Western Conference first round playoff series.

Brazilian Leandro Barbosa, the Sixth Man of the Year, scored 17of his 26 points in the first half for the Suns.

Amare Stoudemire collected 20 points and nine rebounds for winners, with Game 3 of the best-of-seven moving to Los Angeles on Thursday.

Last year, the Suns took a 3-1 lead over the Lakers in the first round but eventually needed seven games to advance.

However, the Lakers had another misery as superstar Kobe Bryant, who scored 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting, rolled his ankle with 7:59 to play and retreated to the locker room with the Suns leading 115-87 with 4:29 left.

"It's OK," Bryant said. "It's pretty stiff, but I tape that ankle pretty high so it protected it pretty well."

Barbosa received his award before the tip-off after he was announced as the winner on Monday.

In Game 1 one day earlier, he scored 15 of his 26 points during a five-minute stretch in the second half to lead the Suns to a 95-87 victory.

Tuesday was just another day for Barbosa, who shot 11-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-8 from the arc. The Brazilian led an offensive onslaught for the Suns, who led by as many 32 points.    

The Suns dominated the Lakers from the start, finishing a host of fast breaks with dunks and open layups. Phoenix also dished out30 assists.

"They did what they had to do," Bryant said. "They protected their home court. Hopefully when we go home things will change."

Shawn Marion had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Steve Nash collected 16 and 14 assists for the Suns, who made 11-of-26 on 3-pointers.

Nash and Stoudemire sat for most of the fourth quarter.

Editor: Donald