The NBA playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns is finely poised, and game three between the Western Conference sides could be huge as both sides look to take the lead in the series.
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers Schedule
- When: Thursday, 27th May 10:00 PM ET
- Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles
- How To Watch: NBA League Pass
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers Preview
Lakers Looking To Turn Series Around
The series didn’t get off to the best start for the defending champions, as they were beaten in the opening game between the sides. However, they responded in the fashion of champions on Tuesday evening, as they claimed a narrow 109-102 victory in Phoenix. The series heads to Los Angeles for games three and four, and the Lakers will be keen to fight back and put one foot into the next round. The Lakers didn’t lose a single quarter in the second game between the sides, as they started the contest in great fashion, by outscoring the Suns 30-24.
That opening quarter was the most crucial, as the remaining three showed very little between the sides. The second and fourth quarters both ended with the Suns and Lakers scoring the same number of points. Anthony Davis led the Lakers in the win, with 34 points and ten rebounds. Dennis Schroder scored 24 points, while LeBron James chipped in with 23 points, nine assists and four rebounds.
Suns Need To Go Again
The Suns would have been disappointed to lose Game 2 of the series, as they were made to pay for a slow start. Still, there would be confidence within the camp that the quality is there for them to go again as the series moves to Los Angeles. Devin Brooker scored 31 of the Suns points in the second game, while Deandre Ayton and Cameron Payne scored respective totals of 22 and 19.
Game 1 was also a tense meeting between the sides, but it was the Suns that started the stronger. They outscored the Lakers 32-25 in the opening period, before stretching their lead in the third after the half time break. Brooker was once again the man in form in that game, as he scored 43 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Ayton scored 21 points and 16 rebounds. However, the Suns will be aware that they can’t let the series get away from them in Los Angeles.
Recent Meetings
The Suns beat the Lakers twice in the regular season, which included a 114-104 victory at the Staples Center. However, they were beaten on their last visit to the area, as they suffered a 123-110 defeat. The victory they recorded earlier in the season, was the Suns first win away against the Lakers since November 2017.
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers Pick
The first two games have been tight affairs, with very fine margins between the teams. Game 3 will likely follow the same pattern, but we would expect the Lakers to make home advantage count on Thursday evening to take control of the series.
