This year’s NBA playoffs have been nothing short of exciting so far. There have been many all-star matchups, and championship capable teams showing out each night.
The most intriguing matchup may have been out west, between the Suns and Lakers.
Last night, the Suns eliminated the Lakers in game 6 of their battle, defeating L.A. 113-100, and winning the series 4-2.
The Suns entered this matchup as the number two seed in the western conference, finishing the regular season 51-21, and shocking everybody.
The defending champs however, did not have such an easy road back to the postseason, as they finished 42-30, and had to win a play-in game in order to grab a spot in the playoffs.
Still, with the talent of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the mainly young and inexperienced Phoenix roster, it was anybody’s series to win from the jump.
Phoenix dominates
As the Suns move on to the second round, many are starting to take notice of the talent that they possess.
All star shooting guard, Devin Booker, has been the most notable reason for why Phoenix is one of the best teams in all of basketball.
Booker dropped a playoff career high, 47 points in game 6 to dethrone the Lakers. He also had three other games in the series where scored 30 or more points.
Other key pieces surrounding Booker are guys like veteran point guard Chris Paul, who in his first season with the team, has helped make them contenders out west.
The Suns have four double digit averaging scorers this postseason, including former first overall pick Deandre Ayton, who is currently averaging a double-double.
Head coach Monty Williams has the most talented Phoenix roster that we’ve seen since the Steve Nash era.
Lakers struggles
The Lakers came into this series hopeful at defending their title.
This was not the case, as they found themselves nearly helpless in game 6, and many time throughout their meetings with Phoenix.
To no surprise, LeBron led the way with 23.3 points per game during the playoffs.
However, the supporting cast around him was no where near a big enough factor to help L.A. overcome their deficit.
The team’s second leading scorer, Anthony Davis, left game 6 just five minutes into it after suffering a groin injury.
This served as the knockout punch for the Lakers, who were already at a disadvantage talent wise, compared to the Suns.
James went on to score 29 points, but it was not enough to hold off Phoenix, and force a game 7.
Takeaways
While most of the game during this series were one sided, there is no doubt that each team belonged in the postseason.
We all know the greatness that LeBron James brings to a team, but the lack of help and injuries spelled doom for the Lakers.
These six games were more about the Suns showing us that they are a team to be taken seriously.
It was unknown whether or not Phoenix would fold come playoff time, especially considering the young roster that they have.
They also have not been to the postseason since 2010, whereas L.A. is coming off a championship last season.
The Lakers will re-group and make adjustments for the 2021-2022 season, while the Suns continue on in their quest for their first NBA title in franchise history.
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