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After losing the first game of the series, the Los Angeles Lakers have fought back and are now up 2-1 over the Phoenix Suns. Game 4 tips off on Sunday, when the Lakers aim to beat the Suns again. It should be a solid game, as the Suns will do everything to prevent falling two games behind.
The Lakers basically did whatever they wanted in Game 3. LeBron couldn't be guarded and made a fool out of Jae Crowder, while Anthony Davis dropped 34 points and 11 rebounds. The Suns had no answer for Los Angeles, especially in the paint, as the Lakers outscored them down low, 58-38. Phoenix needs to make some adjustments, otherwise it will be an early exit from the playoffs.
Los Angeles is a big team, while Phoenix plays more of a small-ball style. To even the series, the Suns have to play to their strengths and stop fouling the Lakers so often. A task much easier said than done, as the Lakers get to the free-throw line at will. Either way, look for this game to possibly be high scoring as both teams battle it out in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
Here are three bold Lakers-Suns predictions for Game 4.
1. Lakers light it up from deep
The Lakers aren't a great 3-point shooting team by any means, as most of their points are accumulated in the paint. They have an old-school approach compared to the rest of the league, but it works. Even so, the Lakers tend to shoot it from deep just as often as the Suns do (at least during this playoff series), but they're struggling to make their shots.
3-point shooting follows the law of averages. Los Angeles shot a measly 7-of-28 (25%) from beyond the arc in Game 3. That is substantially below the league average. However, the Lakers keep launching from deep, and if the guys are open, it's only a matter of time before the shots start falling.
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2. Suns shoot over 50% from the field
Phoenix is going to have to score at will to keep up with the Lakers. The Suns' best chance is to shoot over 50% from the field, as that will allow them to stay within reach. Devin Booker and Chris Paul will need to step up in the backcourt and get plenty of help.
The best way to increase their shooting is to get closer to the basket. Even though they're smaller and play more around the perimeter, Booker has the ability to attack the rim when he needs to. Additionally, Deandre Ayton is a rising star at the center position. Look for those two to get aggressive down low, which could even out the Lakers' advantage in the paint.
3. LeBron records a triple-double
LeBron recorded 21 points, six rebounds, and nine assists in Game 3, coming up big in the second half after a sluggish first half. If the Suns shoot over 50% from the field, Los Angeles will need James to step it up a notch. With Anthony Davis now rolling, LeBron should be doing everything he can to get the rest of his team involved.
Working as the main facilitator, LeBron can easily secure 10 dimes on Sunday. James is also a prolific scorer, which shouldn't be a problem for The King either. That leaves rebounding as the most difficult stat to obtain double digits. With the Suns fighting to stay alive, James will have to get more aggressive and fight for rebounds to maintain control of the game. If he can do that, James will be walking out of Game 4 with a triple-double.
