The Los Angeles Lakers evened up their first-round series with the Phoenix Suns with a much-needed 109-102 Game 2 victory on Tuesday night. The defending champions used a late-game flurry led by no less than Anthony Davis and LeBron James to bring the series to 1-1 heading into Game 3 in Los Angeles.
This series is still in its early stages, but Game 3 should be a pivotal contest for both squads. Phoenix would definitely want to regain home-court advantage after dropping the ball in Game 2. Meanwhile, the Lakers are aiming to put more pressure on this relatively inexperienced Suns squad and force them to face essentially a must-win Game 4 at Staples Center.
As the series shifts to a crucial Game 3, here are three bold predictions for the Suns-Lakers showdown this Thursday.
1. Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton is the key matchup
Despite a subpar showing in Game 1, Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis bounced back in a huge way with 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks to lead the reigning champs to the Game 2 win. Deandre Ayton continued his stellar play in Game 2 with 22 points and 10 rebounds after notching 21 and 16 and outplaying AD in the series opener.
The two former No. 1 overall picks should continue to battle each other throughout the rest of the series and will be the matchup to anticipate ahead of the crucial Game 3. Of course, everybody knows just how elite AD already is on both ends of the floor. If he continues to play at the level he did in Game 2, the Lakers will definitely be tough to stop.
Nonetheless, Ayton is slowly proving his worth as the top pick in his class. The 22-year-old is rounding into form as Phoenix's defensive anchor, and he showed in Game 1 that he could contain Davis and keep The Brow out of rhythm.
2. Devin Booker will score 40
Taking back the advantage in Game 3 is going to be very crucial for the Suns since they ideally don't want to face a 2-1 series deficit in a pressure-packed Game 4 against the Lakers on the road. Chris Paul's health is still very much in question as he is still nursing the effects from a shoulder stinger in Game 1.
Paul, who played just 23 minutes in Game 2, has a couple more days to fully heal up. However, there is still no certain word on how he is actually doing. While he will likely suit up on Thursday like he did in Game 2, the 35-year-old could be very limited again due to his injury.
With their veteran leader still banged up, the Suns will rely on 24-year-old star Devin Booker more than ever if they want to take down the defending champions in Round 1. Booker is averaging 32.5 points through the first two games on 46.5 percent shooting from the field.
Paul may still not be 100 percent in Game 3, which could force Booker's hand to take over on offense for the Suns. Through his first two career playoff games, Booker is proving that he is more than ready for the bright lights. The two-time All-Star is certainly capable of going off on any given night and could very well put up a 40-piece for the Suns on Thursday.
3. Chris Paul will make an impact in Game 3 even if he is still hurt
As laid out in the previous section, Paul clearly isn't at full strength due to the shoulder injury he suffered in Game 1. With a couple of days between Games 2 and 3, the 11-time All-Star will be able to use this time to rest his injured shoulder. He may not be 100 percent come Thursday, but that should be enough time to prepare him for the crucial Game 3 against the Lakers.
Everybody knows CP3 is a baller who will continue to battle it out there for his soldiers as long as his body is able to. Head coach Monty Williams took it upon himself to limit Paul's minutes in Game 2. With a crucial swing contest ahead, the veteran could force his coach's hand to play him more and put together a valiant effort that could be just enough to push them through the Lakers in Game 3.
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