With a Chris Paul weakened by his shoulder injury, the Phoenix Suns could not contain the Los Angeles Lakers and are now behind 2-1 in the series. The defending champions have made their dominance in the domestic sector speak.
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The Lakers’ salvation came through the racket
In the first game, young Phoenix pivot Deandre Ayton had taught Los Angeles interiors a lesson, compiling 21 points and 16 rebounds. The Lakers then adjusted in the second meeting with an imposing Anthony Davis and had to dominate the racket on Thursday.
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The Californians scored 58 of their 109 points in this area of play, taking advantage of a physical advantage over their opponent in the evening. With 60% success in painting, Los Angeles eclipsed Phoenix (19/42 in racket shooting) while being imperial on rebound. The defending champions took 51 rebounds including 15 offensives, almost twice as many as the Suns (8), ensuring easy baskets and preventing Phoenix from counterattacks. Another major data, the trio James – Davis – Schröder weighed on the meeting by scoring 78 points.
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The third quarter fatal time for Phoenix
The Suns are asserting their status as second in the West since the first minute of the series. This Thursday again, Phoenix has long hung Los Angeles. At the end of the first half, the gap was only five points (45-40) in favor of the premises. Only Kyle Kuzma (8 points) and Anthony Davis (12) had exceeded the five-unit mark for the Lakers while Deandre Ayton (10 points 5 rebounds) and Devin Booker (11 points) guided their teammates. In a match launched to be tight again, Frank Vogel’s men finally put the accelerator out of the locker room.
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The Lakers scored 33 points in 12 minutes, twice as many as second (13) and were more dexterous and solid defensively than the Suns. LeBron James (10 points) and Anthony Davis (18 points) scored almost all California points in the start of the second half and stifled Phoenix (2 points for Booker). With a 15-point lead before the last quarter, Los Angeles then consolidated its lead and won this precious Game 3.
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Chris Paul’s shoulder hurts the Suns
Injured in the right shoulder from the first minutes of the first game of the series, Chris Paul has played since gritting his teeth. Handicapped by his pain, the leader of Phoenix averages 6.5 points and gives as many assists since the start of the series. The former Houston point guard is far from his usual performance (16 points and 9 assists on average in the regular season) and suffered again in Game 3 against the Lakers. At the final buzzer, Chris Paul ends the game with 7 points (3/8 shooting), 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
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Real catalyst of his team, the veteran of the Suns can not exploit the full measure of his talent, penalizing in fact the performances of Phoenix. Even injured, Chris Paul remains essential in the game plan of Monty Willliams. The leader runs at an average of 29 minutes per game and should once again start in Game 4, Sunday, at 9:30 p.m. (French time).
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