NBA playoff tracker: Lakers suffocate Suns for first Staples Center playoff win since 2012

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 25, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The first Los Angeles Lakers playoff game at Staples Center since 2013 wasn’t quite Showtime, but the fans still got what they wanted.

The Lakers topped the Phoenix Suns 106-93 to take a 2-1 series lead in the first round. The win is the defending champions’ first playoff win at their old stadium since 2012, having played all of last postseason at Disney World.

The NBA’s top regular season defense by defensive rating was on full display, holding the Suns to 19-of-42 shooting in the paint. Devin Booker also struggled, shooting 6-of-19 for 19 points and getting ejected in the final minute of the game after a hard foul on Dennis Schroder.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis had a second-straight monster game, posting 34 points and 11 rebounds. After a rough Game 1 (13 points, 5-of-16 shooting), Davis now has 68 points in his last two games.

The Lakers also continued a complete swap of Montezl Harrell for Marc Gasol at center behind Andre Drummond. Gasol has seen significant minutes off the bench since a DNP in Game 1, while Harrell hasn’t played a minute since playing 15 minutes in Game 1. Given the threat of Deandre Ayton, that’s not a surprise.

 

continue…