USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
The Lakers have tied the playoff series against Phoenix Suns in an enticing Game 2. This puts the two teams in a fair position while LeBron James and Anthony Davis have found their way back from injuries.
While James added 23 points to the 109-102 victory, Davis was on a roll with 34 points on the charts. This was a comeback response by Anthony Davis after an unexpectedly poor performance in the Game 1 loss. However, it wasn’t a one-sided show; the Suns put up a tough fight against the defending champions.
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Lakers vs Suns Game 2 turns the series even
Despite the ejection of Chris Paul to shoulder injury, Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton made sure it was an up and down battle. Moreover, Cameron Payne charged up his heels in the fourth quarter and posted 19 points for his team.
USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (left) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
However, Suns’ efforts paled in front of Bron and Co. With the last quarter remaining, the intensity was high on the court. There were a couple of petty skirmishes as one team fouled the other. And, the King was seen pumped up to snatch this win from the Suns.
LeBron James possesses another winning skill; ‘leadership’
LeBron made calls on the court and lectured his teammates during timeouts to accelerate their efforts. During the last few minutes of the game, LeBron went up to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope saying, “I want you to shoot!”
We have known about LeBron’s playoff energy through numerous seasons and this was just one of those moments.
“I WANT YOU TO SHOOT”
Bron hyping up KCP 🗣 pic.twitter.com/OOlbQ9kscg
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 26, 2021
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He was a leader out there and Magic Johnson agrees to it more than anyone. In a post-match tweet, he wrote, “The scoring and leadership of LeBron James, the best player in all of basketball, played a crucial role in the Lakers victory.”
The scoring and leadership of LeBron James, the best player in all of basketball, played a crucial role in the @Lakers victory.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 26, 2021
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Bron is giving his all at 36-years of age, winning matchups against young ones who are touching their prime years in the league. What more has he got? Can he defend the NBA title this season? Now that the series stands even, the Lakers-Suns matchup will turn fierier. Who’s back have you got?
READ MORE: ‘Championship DNA’: LeBron James Explains What Lakers Did Differently to Beat Suns in Game 2
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