There was a lot of questioning towards this young Phoenix Suns team. People mused on whether they’d fold in the playoffs due to their inexperience, but that seems to be the furthest thing from what happened. After Chris Paul’s shoulder contusion, it was up to Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton to save the day, and save it they did.
The Phoenix Suns won Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, with large contributions from their young stars. In fact, they performed better than Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the superstars on the Los Angeles Lakers.
https://twitter.com/jkubatko/status/1396589710294888448
Devin Booker’s first career playoff game: pic.twitter.com/ntRzkpPOLZ
— Antonin (@antonin_org) May 23, 2021
Anthony Davis today:
13 Points
31% FG
0/2 3PM pic.twitter.com/6x9qVUcUT6
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 23, 2021
LeBron James scored just 18 points on 6/13 shooting, missing half of his free-throw attempts against a Suns team that hadn't been to the playoffs in 11 years.
He let his team down.
— HellerMountain (@PaulHel31562294) May 23, 2021
Needless to say, it seems as though the Los Angeles Lakers were not expecting to be outplayed by the young Phoenix Suns, and for the majority of the game, they never seemed in the running. While it is almost a guarantee that they will bounce back next game, this wasn’t a good start to the series. LeBron James is still bouncing back from an ankle injury, so as he ramps it up, the Los Angeles Lakers will definitely win a few games.
The Los Angeles Lakers looked nothing like the defending champs they are. The Phoenix Suns have landed the first blow, and if they win Game 2, then they will definitely feel even more confident about themselves. A lot of people were predicting this series would be easy for the Los Angeles Lakers, but nothing is guaranteed. LeBron James and the rest of the team will have to put in the work to win, as obviously, the Suns aren’t pushovers.
