PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 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 Los Angeles Lakers had a frustrating game with the Phoenix Suns in game one of their playoff series. The Lakers tried their best to come back despite struggles from the All-Star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
One of the biggest moments in the game was when James missed a free throw, but Chris Paul fouled him trying to rebound it. James immediately went down and writhed in pain from the foul. As a result of the foul, a heated confrontation broke out beside them.
Lakers’ Alex Caruso grabbed the ball before the foul was called but got into a heated exchange with Suns’ guard Cameron Payne. Payne ran into Caruso in an attempt to take the ball from him after the foul was called. Payne’s attempt resulted in Caruso falling to the floor, and the Laker got up to smack the ball away, but Payne got it back and threw it at Caruso. That action caused Montrezl Harrell to charge in and shove Payne, which in turn caused coaches and officials to separate the two sides.
Caruso and Harrell were both called for technical fouls for the Lakers. Payne was called for two separate technical fouls and was ejected from the game because of the incident. The technical fouls offset, so neither side shot free throws.
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As for James, he wasn’t injured from the foul and stayed in the game. The Suns were able to hold onto a 99-90 win and prevent a Lakers comeback. The Suns lead the series one game to none.
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