Subscribe
Follow Us
The Los Angeles Lakers have turned up the heat since losing the first game of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. After a resounding win in Game 3, the Lakers now find themselves up 2-1. For the Suns, they need to figure things out fast if they hope to make it past Los Angeles.
With Chris Paul still clearly hobbled due to his shoulder injury, Phoenix struggled with scoring once again. The Suns were still able to keep the game close throughout the first half, only for everything to fall apart in the third and fourth quarters as the Lakers finally figured things out offensively.
Phoenix is obviously in big trouble with Paul not himself, but there are still some things the club can do better to have a better chance, even with The Point God hurting. Here are some adjustments needed for Game 4 and beyond.
Win at the free-throw battle
Phoenix went 14-of-18 (77.8%) from the free-throw line. Not a terrible stat, but considering the Lakers went 26-of-30 (86.7%), the Suns gave up a 12-point differential in free throws. They lost by 14 points, so had the Suns fouled less, they could have been within range to strike late in the fourth quarter.
The Suns have to get more aggressive and force themselves to the free-throw line as the Lakers do. If Phoenix can close the gap in this stat, then they'll have a great chance to get the win in Game 4. The best strategy would be for Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton to draw more fouls throughout the game.
The Lakers know how to draw the foul and they proved that by shooting 30 free-throw attempts on Thursday night. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are two of the best players in the league and will force themselves to the free-throw line at will.
For the Suns, they have to find a way to not foul the Lakers as much. A task much easier said than done. However, if Phoenix can play steady defense while not committing fouls, that would put the Lakers into some serious trouble. The 12 point differential at the free-throw line cost the Suns a loss in Game 3. Switching up their defensive approach in this aspect could be what the team needs to even up the series.
Improve the rebounding
The Lakers out-rebounded the Suns 51-35. Los Angeles even dominated the offensive boards, as they ended the night with 7 more offensive rebounds as well (15-8). With LeBron, Davis, and Andre Drummond in the lineup, it's a difficult ask to beat the Lakers at rebounding.
For the Suns, they don't necessarily have to win the rebounding game. They just need to improve and get more of them. More rebounds lead to more possessions, and more possessions lead to more scoring opportunities. Deandre Ayton is by far the best rebounder on the team, so someone else is going to have to step up and help the Suns' star center in the paint.
Get aggressive in the paint
The Suns were outscored 58-38 in the paint in Game 3. That 20 point differential prevented the Suns from staying in the game during the second half. It's a tough goal to accomplish, as the Lakers' interior defense is top-notch. However, this could be a great way for Phoenix to even the odds.
With Deandre Ayton playing down low, the Suns have a sturdy center to rely on. He has his handful guarding Anthony Davis and fighting for rebounds against Andre Drummond. He's been using a ton of energy on the defensive end in this series so far, so Phoenix will have to get creative with their interior scoring. If the Suns can have someone like Mikal Bridges step up and offer scoring in the paint, Phoenix could come out victorious in Game 4.
