Lakers stumble without Davis, Knicks struggle as Randle’s slump continues

Photo credit: Los Angeles Lakers/Instagram, New York Knicks/Instagram

Things are looking gloomy right now for fans supporting the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks. 

For starters, Anthony Davis once again suffered from an injury during Game 4 of the defending champions’ best-of-seven series against the Phoenix Suns. 

Davis was hit with a groin injury that may require some time away from the game in order to heal. Remember LeBron’s first year in LA where he missed the most games in his career? That was due to the same injury. Yikes!

With The Brow leaving the game, the Suns pounced and nabbed a cool 100-92 win at Staples Center, tying the series with two wins each.

READ: 2009-2010: Remembering the last time the Suns made it to the playoffs

Speaking of injuries, Chris Paul shrugged off a bum shoulder and looked like himself in Game 4, tallying his best output of the series so far with 18 points and nine assists. He magnificently set the table up for his teammates as four other Suns players finished in double figures. 

Photo credit: Phoenix Suns/Twitter

Devin Booker had 17 markers, while DeAndre Ayton hauled 14 points and 17 boards. With Davis gone, LeBron James had to do it all on his own, recording 25 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. 

The Lakers will now travel back to Phoenix for Game 5. 

Hopefully, AD’s injury is not as severe as fans have feared and he will be able to return against Phoenix during the current series. (Fingers crossed!) If not then dark days are ahead for La La Land. 

READ: Get it together, LA! Lakers and Clippers dropped the ball in Game 1

Moving to the Eastern Conference, the Knicks were once again ousted by the Atlanta Hawks during Game 4, 114-96, and are now down 3-1 in their first-round affair. 

What happened? They were practically one of the hottest teams in the league entering the postseason. 

Well, Julius Randle has struggled mightily since accepting that Most Improved Player of the Year Award. 

READ: The Knicks are relevant again thanks to Julius Randle

ALSO READ: Julius Randle wins the NBA Most Improved Player Award

It was the same story for Game 4 as the All-Star forward came away with a lackluster performance against the explosive Hawks team. He may have finished with 23 points, but the dude was still inefficient from the floor once more going 7-for-19 from the field. 

Atlanta, on the other hand, continued their hot shooting against the supposed formidable New York defense. The Knicks had no answer for Trae Young’s 27 points and nine dimes, while John Collins and Danilo Gallinari added 22 and 21 points, respectively. 

Photo credit: Atlanta Hawks/Twitter

Randle’s struggles could not have come at the worst possible time for New York. He was 13-for-54 from the floor entering Game 4. If he doesn’t get his groove back, the Knicks are going to be done for this season. 

Like the Hawks, the Brooklyn Nets are also just a win away from advancing to the next round, following a 141-126 victory in Game 4. The Milwaukee Bucks have already advanced after bringing out the brooms against the Miami Heat.

READ: Bucks bulldozed the Heat, Nuggets tied with Blazers

The Philadelphia 76ers are also close to joining them, currently holding a 3-0 advantage over the hapless Washington Wizards. 

READ: Jazz and Knicks even up their series, Sixers take the commanding lead 

Do you think the Lakers and the Knicks can bounce back? 

Have you been feeling salty lately about the playoffs?

READ: How to cope when you’re feeling salty about your NBA team’s losing streak