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

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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. 

"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."

"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 Monday (May 31) at 12:30 a.m IST. 

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