By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Phoenix Suns dismantled reigning champions Los Angeles Lakers with a 115-85 win in Game 5 of their playoffs series to take a 3-2 lead, with one win away from the Western Conference semifinals.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and now have the momentum, as the series heads to Game 6 on Thursday.
Cameron Payne added 16 points coming off of the bench, Mikal Bridges had 13 and Dario Saric added 5 points in 7 minutes.
LeBron James registered 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Lakers, who played without Anthony Davis, who remained sidelined with a groin injury.
For the four-time NBA champion, losing consecutive playoffs games is a first. “We got our ass kicked. It is that simple. “They did whatever they wanted to win this game”, he said following the harsh defeat.
Despite the win, Suns saw guard Chris Paul going down with an injury on his right shoulder during the third quarter and did not return to the game since. Although it looked scary, Paul said “he’ll be alright” after the game.
“It scared me, it was just a very uncomfortable feeling, kind of helpless.”
Photo: Getty Images