As the Los Angeles Lakers look to rebound in Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns, let’s take a look at how the Lakers fared individually in the opening contest.
As a unit, the performance was bleak. Los Angeles played with minimal energy from the start, as they allowed Phoenix to get to their spots comfortably with little resistance.
Though their defense tightened up in the second half, their offensive struggles persisted.
Los Angeles finished the game shooting 43.4% from the field overall and 26.9% from 3-point range, worse than Phoenix’s numbers of 46.5% overall and 32.1% from deep.
If the Lakers hope to steal Game 2 on the road, a huge component is simply making their shots. The Suns boast the sixth-best defense in the NBA, so when open looks and opportunities arrive, they have to convert.
Let’s look at how the Lakers graded for Game 1: