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Los Angeles is taking control thanks to Anthony Davis and LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers have taken the lead in the first round series against the Phoenix Suns. In the 109:95 victory in game 3, the defense is convincing again – and an increasingly better star duo.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers again with 34 points (11/22 FG) and 11 rebounds, LeBron James had 21 (9/19) and 9 assists (but also 7 turnover). Dennis Schröder added 20 points to the win, but the Lakers’ greatest trump card in their first playoff home win at the Staples Center since 2012 was once again the defense.

Apart from Deandre Ayton (22, 11/15, 11 rebounds), the entire Suns team had massive problems getting points effectively. Devin Booker needed 19 throws (6 hits) for his 19 points, Chris Paul was still visibly restricted by his shoulder injury and hardly threw (7 points, 6 assists, 3/8). Cameron Payne was the most dangerous Suns guard in this game with 15 points (6/10).

The game began curiously: Lakers coach Frank Vogel took his challenge after 15 seconds to investigate a foul by Davis. The game was interrupted, the foul persisted. You probably didn’t want to start that way, but then things quickly picked up speed on both sides. Booker got off to a good start with 9 points, on the other hand Davis in particular was aggressively in the game from the start (10 in the first quarter), although he took an elbow from Ayton in the face in the rebound duel. 28:27 Phoenix.

At the beginning of the second section, the Suns left a few opportunities to break away, instead the Lakers took the lead in the minutes without Ayton and Booker on the court. But they weren’t in the rhythm either, both teams barely got any points on the scoreboard for several minutes. The defensive intensity was high, but so was the error rate. In the final minute, Caldwell-Pope hit a transition layup and then added after his own offensive rebound. 43:40 for the Lakers after a tough quarter.

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