Anthony Davis was far from his best on the court and took the blame for the defeat, a gesture which pleased LeBron James. Los Angeles Lakers succumbed to a 99-90 loss against Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the first playoffs round.
The defending champions trailed for the majority of the contest as Devin Booker ran the show at the Vivint Arena with 34 points to his name.
The star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled for much of the evening, especially the latter. Davis was only able to 5-of-16 from the field and ended the dismal evening with 13 points 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Following the defeat, Davis took the blame on him and stated that the team won’t even win a single game, let alone the series if he plays like that.
“I missed a ton of shots. We just have to be better on that end, but there’s no way we’re winning a game, let alone a series, with me playing the way I played. So this one is on me. I take full responsibility for sure. We’ll be better in Game 2.” Davis said.
LeBron expects Davis to bounce back in Game Two
LeBron James, chasing his fifth NBA championship, despite top scoring for the Lakers with 18 points, had a rather modest outing.
The veteran believes that all Davis needs to do is play like himself and the rest will be sorted out.
“It’s always just AD being AD. Anytime he comes to the press and tells you guys we can’t win with him playing the way he played, he always responds. So I’m looking forward to that. When AD is AD, then we’re the Lakers.” James said.
LeBron added that the Lakers outfit is a whole lot better when Davis is aggressive, and called for everyone to step up in Game two of the series.
“It’s never just one guy, but I love when AD puts that pressure on himself. We’re a better team when he’s aggressive, we’re a better team when he demands the ball, but we’ve all got to do a lot better as well. Tonight was a great opportunity for us to play better. We didn’t do that, and we look forward to Game 2.” James added
The defending champions were always a step behind the Phoenix Suns and will have to find a way to silence Devin Booker when they meet again on Wednesday.
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