Phoenix Suns Eliminates Defending Champion LA Lakers in Game 6; LeBron James Exits Playoffs in First Round for the First Time
The phenomenal 22-point early burst of Devin Booker propelled the Phoenix Suns to their Game 6 victory against the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, 113-100.
Jae Crowder hit big-time shots early in the game as well, establishing the momentum in the first minutes of the game. Crowder scored 18 points for the second-seeded Suns while defending Lakers' main man LeBron James was assigned to him.
According to TSN, Booker shocked the Los Angeles Lakers with his 47-point performance, draining 22 points in the opening period. Booker's performance eliminated LeBron James in the first round of the NBA playoffs for the first time in his 18-year career.
The Chris Paul Effect
Moreover, Chris Paul had eight points and 12 assists for the Suns. The Suns jumped to a huge early advantage in the opening minutes of Game 6, even extending the lead to 29 points.
The Suns lost much of their early 29-point lead, but it did not become a problem for them because they patiently held off the Lakers and James, who had 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
In addition, the six-year veteran, Devin Booker hit all six of his 3-point attempts and went 8 for 9 overall while the Suns took a 36-14 lead after one quarter. Booker showed none of the shakiness since the start of their series against the Lakers. Booker shredded the NBA's best defensive team not only with his silky-smooth jumper and heady penetration but also displayed his sharpness beyond the arc to take down the Lakers.
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Furthermore, Booker and floor manager Paul stayed strong in the fourth quarter, maintained their composure in the game despite the surge from the Lakers, New York Post reported. The Phoenix Suns ended a decade of hoops frustration in the Valley of the Sun courtesy of Devin Booker's first career playoff series along with a victory in the first round against the defending champions, the LA Lakers.
The 29-point lead established by the Suns in the first half was trimmed by the Lakers down to 10 midway through the fourth quarter, France 24 reported. Paul, alongside Mikal Bridges, and Crowder hit big shots down the stretch to make sure the lead never went to single digits.
On the other hand, the scoreless Dennis Schröder in the Game 5 of the series, dropped 20 points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 19 for the Lakers. But they fell short as the team missed the production from their big man Davis.
Despite Anthony Davis suiting up for the purple and gold squad, he did not create an impact in their final game of the season. His return to the Lakers' starting lineup after missing the second half of Game 4 and all of Game 5 did not translate to his usual production. The eight-time All-Star played only less than 5 1/2 minutes before being sidelined again by his groin injury.
The Lakers were running 21-6 in the season before they lost Davis and then James to long-term injuries starting on Valentine's Day. After their stars acquired the injuries, the defending champs never regained their best form.
Phoenix will meet Denver in the second round. Game 1 is Monday in Phoenix.
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WATCH: Devin Booker And Suns Send LeBron James Home In First Round For First Time In Career from- Bleacher Report
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