Lakers even the series with huge 4th quarter win in Game 2.
After coming off a gut-punching loss in game one, the Lakers knew they had to even the series in game two to get a commanding momentum in the series to make a run. The Lakers did just that, bringing the intensity from tip-off, holding a lead throughout the game, beating the Suns 109–102 to even the series at 1–1. Tonight’s victory came down to the spectacular 4th quarter performances from the Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with Davis scoring 14 points in the 4th quarter and James hitting a huge dagger three in the final minute of the ball game.
After scoring a Suns playoff debut record 34 points in Game 1, the Lakers were able to game plan much more efficiently in Game 2, holding Devin Booker to 7 of 17 (41%) shooting from the field. A huge portion of Booker’s points came toward the end of the 4th quarter from the free-throw line when the game was all but over. Booker had 17 of his 31 points come from the foul line, going a perfect 17 for 17. A huge concern came from the Suns starting point guard Chris Paul, who only played 22 minutes due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Game 1. The health of Paul’s shoulder can be a series-changing concern, as the Suns not only lose a great all-star player but a playoff experienced veteran.
After finishing with 13 points on 5 of 16 (31%) from the field in Game 1, Anthony Davis was able to answer back and have a roaring Game 2 performance. In tonight’s playoff win, Davis had an incredible box score, finishing with 34 points on 7 of 15 (46%) shooting from the field, including 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks in his 39 minutes of action. Davis took control in the paint tonight, attacking the rim and not settling for jump shots as he drew fouls all night in the paint, attempting 21 shots from the charity strike, going 18 for 21 (85%).
In the 4th quarter of the ball game, Davis showed why he is one of the best big men in today’s game, scoring 14 of his total 34 points in the 4th quarter of tonight’s playoff win. After the win, LeBron James spoke on the mindset with Davis saying: “Get him the ball early, often and always.”
Despite not being 100% healthy from his ankle injury yet, LeBron James has shown just how rare of a player he is, attacking the opposition in different areas of the floor with his limitations. In 38 minutes, James finished with 23 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds with a plus/minus of +14. James was able to shoot over 50% from the floor, going 9 for 16 (56%) from the field and 4 for 9 (44%) from three.
The all-star tandem of LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 57 points in tonight’s win, showcasing how important this team is when these two players are healthy, being one of the best tandem in the entire NBA. After the game, Dennis Schröder called the two “The top two players in the league, top-five, whatever you want to call it.”
Dennis Schröder created a huge backcourt spark in tonight’s big Lakers win, being one of three Laker to score over 20 points, finishing with 24 points on 8 of 16 (50%) shooting from the field. In 33 minutes of action, Schröder also added 3 assists and 3 rebounds with a plus/minus of +16, the second-best of the night. After the win, Frank Vogel spoke on Dennis Schröder’s assertiveness saying he “really carried” the Lakers on offense tonight at times and said this was his best game since returning from the protocols.
The Lakers starting big-man Andre Drummond completely brought the intensity on the glass for the Lakers tonight, eating up every board that came his way. Drummond finished the night with 12 total rebounds, with 5 of them being offensive boards. In 24 minutes, Drummond finished with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds on 7 of 11 (63%) shooting from the paint. LeBron James was really happy with tonight’s performances from Dennis Schröder and Andre Drummond, telling the media:
“Dennis [Schröder] was in attack mode from the very beginning and I thought Big Dre [Drummond] was amazing in the minutes he had. He was very decisive with his play tonight.”
With the Lakers sneaking in a road win tonight, they will have a nice welcome home at the Staples Center this Thursday, hosting their first playoff game in Staples for the first time since 2013. This Thursday will be the first time Anthony Davis and LeBron James experience a playoff atmosphere at Staples Center in a Laker uniform with last season’s championship run was in the bubble. Look for an intense playoff atmosphere as Lakers fans have been waiting for this day to cheer on their home team for a long time.