The Phoenix Suns showed out for upwards of 11,000 fans in attendance at Talking Stick Arena for their first playoff game of the season. The Suns first playoff game in 11 years was full of ups and downs for Phoenix fans. Deandre Ayton was 10-11 with 21 points and 16 rebounds, Chris Paul was in and out of the locker room with an upper-body injury, and Devin Booker scored 34 points – setting a record for the most by any Suns player in their playoff debut.
LeBron James scored 18 points for the Lakers but the Suns were dominant. The last time the Lakers had the lead was with just over five minutes left in the first quarter and the Suns never looked back.
If you missed the game – here’s your social media rundown from pre-game to post-game.
The Suns crowd LOVED CP3 dunking in warmups. 😂🔥
(🎥: @billoram) pic.twitter.com/h2WM72lPvk
— theScore (@theScore) May 23, 2021
Deandre Ayton was the early star of the show, compiling 10 points and four rebounds in the first quarter…and he didn’t slow down. Devin Booker was also quick to show off some slick footwork.
Peep the footwork 👀 @DevinBook pic.twitter.com/nEbDp06jg3
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 23, 2021
Suns fans were taking their worries to Twitter when Chris Paul went to the locker room in the second quarter with an upper-body injury. However, that locker room visit was a short one and Chris Paul was back on the floor in under 4.5 minutes. Unfortunately for Suns fans, that would not be his only visit to the trainer.
Chris Paul goes down with an apparent injury
Hope he’s okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9fzidecYWl
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 23, 2021
CHRIS PAUL IS BACK ON THE FLOOR LADIES AND GENTS.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 23, 2021
The Suns didn’t attempt any shots from the free-throw line until the third quarter with only 7:40 left. However, that didn’t keep Phoenix from holding onto the lead.
Okay DA! 💪 https://t.co/9MFkd1yKxn
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) May 23, 2021
Did I mention Chris Paul had us all riding an emotional roller coaster?
Everyone hang on tight. We feel you… and we're all riding the Chris Paul emotional roller coaster. pic.twitter.com/dEFyau1jlT
— Sports360AZ (@Sports360AZ) May 23, 2021
Emotional Roller Coaster: A Thread
Chris Paul has now headed back to the locker room. Hopefully everything is ok. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QKfY5AiCjf
— theScore (@theScore) May 23, 2021
This game had everything: Three-pointers, some dunks, and even a small brawl?
Players had to be separated after a CP3 loose ball foul on LeBron. pic.twitter.com/KpFxOPco6r
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 23, 2021
That small brawl and the play in question resulted in Phoenix’s Cameron Payne’s ejection. Eyes were quickly back on Devin Booker who sported 34 points in 24 shots with just under six minutes left to play.
The rest of the world discovering Devin Booker. pic.twitter.com/W0yYfHwqWB
— Paola Boivin (@PaolaBoivin) May 23, 2021
Late in the fourth quarter Suns head coach Monty Williams encouraged his players to remember what they’re competing for. I’m sure they know…but you get the point.
Monty Williams just now to his team in the huddle: "This is our freakin' moment, early in the playoffs. I'm not trying to get to July and say 'I wish we did whatever.' It's freakin' right now. You guys are built for this."
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 23, 2021
Guess what? Based on this performance, the Suns WERE built for this. Suns win 99-90!
The Phoenix Suns win Game 1, 99-90 over the Lakers pic.twitter.com/K8CDROJJsP
— katherine fitzgerald (@kfitz134) May 23, 2021
Devin Booker's 34 points against the Lakers in Game 1 are the most by a Suns player in their postseason debut. The previous high of 31 was set by Walter Davis in 1978. Booker also had 7 rebounds and 8 assists. @ESPNStatsInfo pic.twitter.com/ju3aBu7cUM
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 23, 2021
