For the first time in recent memory, the lower-ranked Los Angeles Lakers opened their first-round streak with the number two seeded Phoenix Suns as overwhelming favorites. But the Lakers aren’t your typical seven seeds.

The reigning NBA champions were in poor health for most of the regular season, but chose the perfect time to regain their strength, winning six straight games entering Game 1 of the NBA Playoff Round 1 on Sunday.

The Lakers have re-welcomed Anthony Davis and LeBron James in recent weeks, both of whom have been missing for more than a month with serious injuries. The biggest problem for the Lakers, however, is that they haven’t had time to develop chemistry with each other. Their starting lineup against the Warriors in the play-in tournament had only been on the field together twice in total. This lack of chemistry manifested itself in Sunday’s opener.

As the Lakers struggled both on offense and transition defense, the Suns burned them down on the quick break and won Game 1 of the series impressively, 99-90. Phoenix led by as many as 16 points, and the Lakers couldn’t take advantage of a right shoulder injury to Suns point guard Chris Paul.

“It’s been a tough year, but our guys are determined to repeat as champions, to defend our title, and we are up to the challenge,” said Lakers head coach Frank Vogel.

Paul fell early in the second quarter after meeting his own teammate Cam Johnson. Paul descended to the floor, grabbing his right shoulder and immediately returned to the locker room. He returned a few minutes later to a standing ovation and was diagnosed with a contusion to his right shoulder.

“We knew the other team [Suns] was going to be on high alert when they lost a nigga like Chris [Paul]”Said Vogel of the injury and not being able to take advantage of his absence.” We still have to enjoy some places in the game, but he was back before you knew it and we didn’t have much of it. reflexive. “

Paul didn’t look the same for the rest of the game, but the Lakers couldn’t take advantage. Whenever the Lakers cut the single-digit lead, the Suns responded with a run of their own to come back up 12 or more.

James also injured his left shoulder when he was cut by Paul after a missed free throw and lay down on the ground. He received work from the training staff on his left shoulder as the two teams argued on the pitch. Four technical fouls were imposed and Suns guard Cam Payne was sent off.

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Paul and James have said they will be “ready to go” for Game 2 of the series on Tuesday.

In the end, Devin Booker took over from the Suns. The 24-year-old all-star, playing his first playoff action, led all scorers with a record 34 points. The Lakers threw every defender they had at Booker – even doubles teams – but he remained confident and unstoppable on offense.

“It’s a scoring machine,” said Booker’s Vogel. “He puts a lot of pressure on our defense. When we passed him he found Ayton on the glass. But if we keep them 99 points in Game 2 I feel good about our chances. We have to be better. . offensively. “

The Suns’ defense, ranked seventh in the league this season, held firm, holding the Lakers to just 90 points. However, mediocre outside shots, limited contributions from the bench and a terrible transition defense didn’t help the Lakers either. Los Angeles made 14 turnovers and it took three quarters for Frank Vogel to finally adjust to the Suns’ quick attack by putting Alex Caruso, Wes Matthews and moving Davis to center.

“We missed a ton of shots as a team,” admitted Davis, who finished with just 13 points. “We missed 11 free throws, we missed layups, we gave up eight offensive rebounds to Ayton alone. We played well defensively, although we gave them a ton of points too, especially transition points. -It’s on me, I take full responsibility for sure.

James led the Lakers with 18 points and was 3-for-7 from beyond the arc. Unfortunately for LA, James was the only player who could hit a three-runner as the rest of the team were 4 for 19 down. Dennis Schröder had 14, and Montrezl Harrell and Alex Caruso combined 22 on the bench.

“We had a ton of looks wide open for three,” Davis noted. “Once we do some shots, that will definitely open the game up for me.”

James likes to say that the first game of a seven-game playoff series is a “feeling game”. The challenge now for the Lakers is how much they’ve learned in this game and how they’re going to adjust defensively. Hitting their three points wide open will also help in Game 2. One thing is certain is that the Lakers won’t panic or flinch, but without seven seeds in NBA history who never win the NBA Finals, the challenge that awaits the Lakers is for the least intimidating.

“The first game has always been a thrill game for me. I can’t wait to break down the movie tonight and then as a team tomorrow,” said James. “We know how great we play a great team. We have to shoot shots. We did a hell of a job defensively. We kept this team at 99 points, but we also have to put the ball in the basket and tonight. have not. We are ready for this challenge. “