Lakers embarrassed by the Suns in Game 5, moving the series to 3–2.
One of the worst outings on the season came at the most critical moment for the Lakers, giving a non-energetic performance in a crucial Game 5, losing 115–85 to the Suns, as the Lakers move to a 3–2 series deficit. Yesterday’s playoff loss was the biggest loss in the LeBron James and Anthony Davis era, scoring their season-worst 85 points in the 30 point loss. The Lakers shot 34% total from the field, another season low while committing 16 turnovers in the process to the Suns, who only had 4 turnovers all night. Head coach Frank Vogel spoke of tonight’s Game 5 loss, saying:
“They [Phoenix] did what they were supposed to do and win Game 5, whether they win by 1 or 30. It’s our turn to go back to LA and take care of home court to make this a seven-game series.”
The Suns starting lineup combined for 69 points, with all-star Devin Booker leading the way finishing with a game-high 30 points on the night. The 2nd leading scorer on the night for Phoenix came from bench player Cam Payne, finishing with 16 points on 7 for 11 (63.6%) total shooting from the field.
The Lakers starting lineup was completely non-existent in yesterday’s Game 5 loss, with multiple starters finishing the night scoreless. The starting lineup combined for just 35 points, just five more points scored than Devin Booker had all night, showing you how unready this Lakers team came to play. LeBron James finished with a team-high 24 points on an inconsistent night from the field going 9 for 19 (47.3%) total, adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds, while also shooting 60% from three on 6 for 10 from deep. James spoke of tonight’s embarrassing loss, saying:
“We got our ass kicked, It’s that simple. They’re kicking our ass, but at the end of the day, it’s 1 game, they held serve at home, we go home with the opportunity to (return serve).”
With Anthony Davis missing 1.5 games so far this series, the Lakers are looking to Kyle Kuzma to up his production in his absence. In 22 minutes off the bench, Kuzma finished with a solid night, scoring 15 points on 6 of 13 (46.1%) shooting from the field. Forward Markieff Morris started in place of Anthony Davis at the 4, as he finished with just 4 points in 10 minutes, look for Kuzma to start in Game 6 if Davis isn’t cleared by Thursday.
One huge surprise in yesterday’s loss came from a disappointing performance of starting point guard Dennis Schröder, who ended the night scoreless in 25 minutes. Schröder shot 0 for 4 from three and 0 for 9 overall, finishing with a plus/minus of -17. Schröder spoke on the adjustments he had to make:
“I’ve just got to be Dennis, you can’t control if the shots are going in, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to keep shooting them.”
The Lakers put themselves in a tough position against a really good Phoenix team, now having to force a Game 7 and win the next two games. If Anthony Davis isn’t ready to go in Game 6, look for him to definitely play in Game 7 if the Lakers win on Thursday.