The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns tonight in Game 3 of their first round matchup. The Lakers had a long absence from the playoffs until last season but unfortunately the fans weren’t able to watch their team live in the postseason. The last time fans were at the Staples Center for a postseason game, Kobe Bryant was leading them.
Tonight’s game marked, eight years since the fans win a postseason game at the Staples Center. And those fans couldn’t forget their hero who led them to this stage last time. The home fans chanted ‘Kobe,’ as the Lakers were blowing out the Suns late in the fourth quarter. Most of the fans would have grown up watching the Mamba lead them to victory. So this was a chant to honor the late legend.
Lakers fans chanted “Kobe!” as they got their first home playoff win since 2012. pic.twitter.com/aH808XmFlJ
— ESPN (@espn) May 28, 2021
Since his passing in January 2020, fans have always taken every chance to pay their respects. So whenever they get an opportunity like this to celebrate the hero who won five rings for them, this chant will be heard loud and clear.
The players would also have been motivated to hear their fans cheering them on and creating such an atmosphere. They missed having fans in the bubble, but now they will be delighted every bit of this love from the home crowd.
Throwback to the Lakers last win at Staples Center, led by Kobe Bryant
The Lakers faced the Thunder in May 2012, when they got their last win at home. Although the series ended in a loss, this win was iconic as Kobe led the barebones Lakers to a win over the eventual Finalists.
Bryant had 36 points in an inefficient 9-25 display. But his excellent free throw shooting helped them Lakers to edge out the Thunder by three points. It was an ageing team with poor depth. But they still eked out this win against a strong and young team.
Lakers win Game 3, favorites to win next game as well
The Suns stole Game 1 of the series and rival fans felt the Lakers would lose. But they have bounced back with two big wins, and look favorites to grab the next one too. Playing with the home crowd cheering for them has elevated their performance, and so this series could end soon, possibly in just five games.
READ MORE – NBA Players React to LeBron James and Lakers Winning Their First Playoff Game at Home Since 2012
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