Anthony Davis Scores 34 Points, Lakers Tie Series At 1-1

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image: Getty)

Following a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to rebound and hold on to take Game 2.

The Lakers took Game 2 behind Anthony Davis’ stellar performance. Davis recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. While Davis was leading the way, guard Dennis Schröder had one of his best games. Schröder added 24 points, while LeBron James had 23 points and nine assists in the Lakers win.

For Phoenix, Devin Booker was the team’s main scorer. Nearly matching Davis’ scoring with 31 points on a poor shooting night. Although he struggled from the field, Booker converted all 17 of his free throw attempts.

Chris Paul, a crucial Suns player, only played 23 minutes in the game. The reason he didn’t log many minutes is because of a shoulder injury that he suffered in Game 1. He still played last night, but only limited minutes. The Suns did not list him on their injury report before Game 2, but Paul is hopeful that he will be 100% soon. Nevertheless, Paul did not play in the fourth quarter.

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After the first half, the Lakers held a 63-48 lead after a 10-1 run to start the third quarter. At that point, it seemed like Los Angeles would cruise through the game with ease, but Phoenix said no and clawed their way back. Cameron Johnson was able to score back-to-back threes including one at the buzzer to pull Phoenix within a seven-point deficit heading into the fourth.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth close game between the two teams. Highlights of the game included Jae Crowder scoring a three-pointer while being fouled, completing a four-point play that gave the Suns an 84-83 lead. With six minutes left in the game, Deandre Ayton dunked the ball to keep the Suns ahead by two points.

Unfortunately for Phoenix, the Lakers were able to retake the lead and hold them off.

As to what motivated the Lakers in their win, Davis explained it well. “This was a must-win,” he said. “We all came out with that mindset and we were able to get the job done.”

The Lakers’ star then gave some criticism to his teammates. “We’ve got to do a better job of holding leads, but we showed we’ll keep fighting,” Davis said.

“Those are two of the top five players in the NBA,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said of Davis and James. “We have a formula where those guys carry a big load, especially at crunch time.”