USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half in game four of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half in game four of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers play their fifth game of the series against the Phoenix Suns tonight at 10:00 PM EST. Given how the series has progressed so far, this game is surely very crucial to take a step towards the second round of the post-season.
After Suns took game 1, the Lakers stormed back. While LeBron James continued to facilitate, it was Anthony Davis‘ electrifying scoring that made the difference for the champions. Scoring a total of 68 points, AD looked unstoppable.
USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates against the Phoenix Suns 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
With Davis and LeBron leading the charge, the Lakers looked in cruise control of the series. But game 4 certainly was a big game changer. With Chris Paul getting back to full fitness, the champions needed Davis in full form. But ‘the Brow’ suffered from a terrible groin injury. With Davis out of the game, the Lakers simply looked clueless and eventually succumbed to a 100-92 loss.
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Anthony Davis out in Lakers vs Suns game 5
Given how Davis was hobbling to the dressing room, it was clear that Davis was in tremendous pain. Coming into game 4, AD was already nursing a knee injury to his left leg, and this groin injury certainly was the last thing the champions wanted.
Typically, even the grade 1 groin strains take about a week of recovery and considering the game was only in two days, Davis’ return looked unlikely. Yesterday, even NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that their was pessimism surrounding the Brow’s return.
Noon @SportsCenter with @Sagesteele on pessimism surrounding Anthony Davis’ availability for Game 5 of Lakers-Suns series pic.twitter.com/MMnVIRikRn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 31, 2021
The numerous reports and speculations have unfortunately turned out to be true for the Lakers. Minutes before their game 5 against the Suns, the Athletic’s Shams Charania has confirmed that Davis indeed is out.
Sources: Lakers‘ Anthony Davis (strained groin) is officially out for Game 5 vs. Suns.
Markieff Morris will start in place of Davis.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 2, 2021
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In place of Davis, forward Markieff Morris is set to start for the champions. Coach Frank Vogel has certainly tweaked his rotation with AD’s injury. While Kyle Kuzma is generally the backup as a forward, Morris provides more size to the champions and has a better jumper.
A look at the Lakers’ starting lineup for Game 5 in Phoenix without the injured Anthony Davis: pic.twitter.com/U8yLlYxOVe
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 2, 2021
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With Davis’ absence confirmed, this is certainly a big game for LeBron James to make a statement. Till now LBJ hasn’t had a significantly high scoring game and certainly needs to bring his A-game to the floor tonight. Can ‘King James‘ lead his side to victory or will the CP3 led Suns trounce the defending champions?
