NBA Playoffs 2021: Anthony Davis says Lakers 'fed off crowd' as team wins first playoff game at STAPLES since 2012

Although they had to sweat a little late, the Los Angeles Lakers eventually cruised to a 109-95 Game 3 win against the Phoenix Suns. 

All-Stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James led from the front as the big man finished with 34 points and 11 rebounds while James put up 21 points, nine assists and six rebounds.

Creating separation with a 33-23 third quarter, after a back-and-forth first half, this win is the franchise's first home playoff win - at the STAPLES Center - since May 18 in 2012. 

2,952
2,952
2,952.....Repeated a few times to let it sink in.
That is the number of DAYS since our last playoff game at STAPLES Center-way too long.

Tonight let’s get LOUD!!! Whether it’s @STAPLESCenter or at home. We will be respectful of our opponent and each other 💜💛

— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) May 27, 2021

"It's always special to play in front of the Laker faithful," LeBron James said postgame. "It's a beautiful thing." 

With a capacity of 18,977, the STAPLES Center is among those home arenas in the 2021 postseason to allow the fewest fans and James, surely aware of that, hoped more fans could be allowed. 

"We hope the numbers rise as the series goes on."

According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, around 7,500 fans were expected for this game. Despite the relatively small numbers, Anthony Davis was pumped to play in front of the Lakers faithful. 

"Staples Center was exactly what it needed to be," AD said postgame. "Once it's at full capacity, it'll be even louder but that's what we wanted."

"Staples Center was exactly what it needed to be." @AntDavis23 spoke with @LakersReporter about the atmosphere for tonight's game, the #Lakers run in the third and he provides an update on his knee. pic.twitter.com/kSB2kdzpAS

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 28, 2021

"We fed off the crowd tonight, especially during our runs, the crowd was loud and gave us some extra energy to make shots and get some big plays defensively." 

James, AD and the Lakers will have a chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in front of these same fans when both teams suit up for Game 4, after a couple of days off, on Sunday (May 30) at 3:30 p.m ET. 

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