Lakers’ Anthony Davis played through hyper-extended knee in Game 3
May 28, 2021, 9:58 AM | Updated: 10:07 am
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis wipes his face after taking an elbow to the face from Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton during the first half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Lakers cruised to a Game 3 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night but experienced a hold-your-breath moment late in the first half regarding big man Anthony Davis.
With about 2:40 left to play, Devin Booker pushed the pace up the floor following a LeBron James turnover.
But instead of laying it in to give Phoenix an early 41-38 lead, Booker was met at the glass by Davis, who blocked the guard’s shot attempt. Booker proceeded to hit the deck, while the center looked visibly shaken up after a weird landing on his left leg.
Despite feeling a little discomfort, Davis played 40 minutes, scoring 34 points and 11 rebounds on 50% shooting (11-of-22).
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“It’s the playoffs. … We got two days in between so I can get it looked at and checked out,” Davis told reporters after the game. “But landed awkwardly, tried not to fall on Book and I guess it hyper-extended a little bit, but just keeping it warm, keeping it loose just wanted to keep going.
“It felt fine throughout the rest of the game, really didn’t have any problems with it. But like they say I was all full of adrenaline, so we’ll see how I feel tomorrow, get some treatment Saturday and be ready to go Sunday.”
If Davis were to miss any time, it would be a big plus for the Suns. In back-to-back playoff losses, Phoenix has watched Davis combine for 68 points, 21 rebounds and seven assists.
As for LeBron James, his right ankle isn’t at 100% but is progressing.
“Obviously it’s been a rough year for me as far as physically with my ankle and dealing with and still trying to get it back to where it was before the injury,” James said after Game 3.
“But every day is a step forward and every day I’ll continue to put work into it with my treatment around the clock, getting it to where it was before the injury.”
In three playoff games, James is averaging 20.7 points, 9.3 assists and 5.7 rebounds over 37.6 minutes per game. He’s shooting 50% from the field and 38.1% from 3-point range.
Davis missed a total of 30 games due to a strained right calf, while James missed 26 of the 30 remaining regular season games with his right ankle ailment. Davis, however, managed to play in 13 of the 14 final regular season games.
The Suns will look to tie up the first-round playoff series at 2-2 on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station for all the action.
