The Suns are in great form as their offence is firing on all cylinders. Their competition as of late hasn’t been stout, but the Lakers’ defence in Anthony Davis’ absence has been lacking.
Pick:
Phoenix Suns to Win ()
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How to Watch Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers
| Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Information |
| What |
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers |
| Where |
STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California |
| When |
10:00 PM EST, March 2, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
TNT |
Head-to-Head: Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers
| Phoenix Suns |
Head-to-Head |
Los Angeles Lakers |
| Monty Williams |
Head Coach |
Frank Vogel |
| 22-11 (4th in West) |
Standing |
24-11 (2nd in West) |
| W-W-L-W |
Form |
W-W-L-L |
| 115.4 (7th of 30) |
Off Rtg |
110.8 (18th of 30) |
| 109.4 (6th of 30) |
Def Rtg |
105.1 (1st of 30) |
| 97.0 (29th of 30) |
Pace |
99.0 (17th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| D. Booker (25.5) |
PPG |
L. James (25.5) |
| D. Ayton (11.6) |
RPG |
A. Davis (8.4) |
| C. Paul (9.0) |
APG |
L. James (7.8) |
| C. Paul (1.3) |
SPG |
A. Davis (1.3) |
| D. Ayton (1.1) |
BPG |
D. Jones (2.0) |
| D. Ayton (.601)/D. Booker (9.3) |
FG%/FGM |
M. Harrell (.630)/L. James (9.5) |
| L. Galloway (.457)/J. Crowder (2.3) |
3P%/3PM |
J. Dudley (.500)/L. James (2.4) |
Limit Three-Point Shots
The Phoenix Suns are an incredibly improved defensive team this season. While Ayton is intimidating while roaming the paint, it has been their ability to stop the three that has fuelled their success.
Phoenix’s presence in the paint has aided their perimeter defence. Without fear of closing out too hard, the Suns have held their opponents to just 11 three-point field goals per game, as well as 34.3% from three-point range per game.
The Lakers’ drive and kick game is their bread and butter. If the Suns can lock down on one of those fronts, they’ll have a real chance against the reigning NBA Champions.
Editor’s Picks
The Lakers Must Establish Themselves Inside
The Los Angeles Lakers certainly don’t have many traditional paint presences, especially with Anthony Davis out. However, LeBron James has turned his game up a notch, showing his attacking mindset of old.
The Lakers aren’t the most prolific three-point shooting team, so creating a presence in the paint is key to them finding opportunities. Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, and even Marc Gasol will have to navigate the rim and the Phoenix shot-blockers to support James inside.
If Los Angeles can ensure easy baskets at the rim, it’ll more than make up for their less than admirable outside shooting.
Suns Key Player: (G) Devin Booker
Two-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker continues to make strides in his career, regardless of whether or not he receives recognition for it. Coming off of an incredible performance, Booker is the player to watch.
Devin Booker scored 43 points in his last game, while also dishing out five assists, and collecting five rebounds. Sure to be blitz on every opportunity, Booker will need to maintain his playmaking skills on top of his scoring.
If there is anywhere that Booker could improve on from his last game, it would be his three-point shooting. More than willing to pack the paint, the Lakers’ defence encourages three-point shots.
Lakers Key Player: (G) Alex Caruso
Caruso continues to impress not just the Lakers, but also every team he faces around the NBA. While he may not be the most impressive offensive player, his hustle and defensive efforts are game changing.
In Caruso’s last game against the Warriors, he scored 13 points, collected four rebounds, and dished four assists in the Lakers’ 117-91 win. Against the Suns, he’ll have his fair share of trying to contain Paul and Booker.
The backup guard may not be on the court for his offensive output, but keeping his opponents honest will do wonders for the Lakers’ regular scoring droughts.
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