Andrew Bell
The bright lights of the NBA Playoffs will shine in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon, as Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers come to town for game one of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
There’s just a different buzz when the Lakers are in town. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of the Nash-Kobe battles, maybe it’s the rivalry of Phoenix natives and the LA transplants who make their way to the valley, or maybe it’s the clash of purple and orange versus purple and gold.
Whatever it is, this series is going to be fun. The Lakers, a seven-seed who narrowly fended off Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in last night’s play-in game, come in as favorites over the Suns, despite Phoenix’s breakthrough year that has seen them hold one of the best records in the league all season.
CP3, Book, Lebron, Anthony Davis. There’s no shortage of stars and storylines going into this one. If you’re an NBA fan, being on the couch at 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday is a must. Here’s what other people and media outlets are saying about the matchup:
Sportscenter
We haven't seen this in the modern era of the NBA ⬇️
The 7th-seeded Lakers (-300) have opened as a big favorite against the 2nd-seeded Suns (+240) 👀 pic.twitter.com/bfoSp6haEV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 20, 2021
Magic Johnson
The @Lakers didn't look sharp tonight. We have to play better if we're going to beat the Phoenix Suns.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 20, 2021
NBA On ESPN
LeBron had praise for the Lakers' first-round playoff opponent – the Suns.
"We know how great CP is, how great Book is, up-and-coming … from Ayton."
(via @Rachel__Nichols) pic.twitter.com/5Zo8aduGai
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 20, 2021
ESPN
CP3 in year 16. LeBron in year 18.
They'll face off in the playoffs for the first time 💪 pic.twitter.com/fY7vVkzEke
— ESPN (@espn) May 20, 2021
ESPO
The best part of a Suns Lakers series? If you don’t already know what it’s like to feel the desire to #BeatLA with every fiber of your being and what it’s like to despise a rival… you’re about to get a crash course in it.
— Espo (@Espo) May 20, 2021
Ringer NBA
The Suns finding out they have to play the defending champion Lakers in the 1st Round pic.twitter.com/vQS1Z0ZOiO
— RingerNBA (@ringernba) May 20, 2021
For the Suns young cast of players who are getting their first taste of playoff experience, it’s sure to be a baptism by fire by having their first playoff game against one of the all-time greats.
First-time playoff participants Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton spoke about that opportunity earlier this week.
“I don’t know what to expect. I just know it’s going to be super intense and it’s going to be serious. It’s going to be mentally-focused, not only a physical type of thing, but a lot of mental,” Ayton said. “I’m ready to take that next step. This is what I’ve been working for and the team is here and we’re working. We’re just happy to be in the spot that we’re in and ready for the experience.”
Bridges added his input as well.
“Every possession matters but it’s just playing hard and being more physical,” Bridges said. “It’s things like that, and I’m ready.”
The Suns and Lakers tip-off this Sunday, May 23 at 12:30 p.m. local time.
