Phoenix, Arizona - The Los Angeles Lakers responded like defending champions to split the first two games of their series with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Anthony Davis (28) and the Lakers turned things around after a poor game one performance to tie their first-round Western Conference playoff series with a 109-102 win over the Suns.

The Lakers wanted to avoid going home down two games, and thanks to Davis' game-high 34 points, they're finally looking once again like the guys who won last year's NBA title.

LA stayed out front through much of the game and headed into halftime with a 63-48 lead. They kept it up to open the third until the Suns made a strong push to reclaim the game. Phoenix did lead in the game, once in the first quarter, but not again until the fourth quarter.

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The Suns found themselves in a bit of a difficult spot during the game when guard Chris Paul had to step out with a shoulder injury, keeping him out of much of the second half.

The Lakers took advantage of Paul's absence and held the rest of the Suns at bay to seal the win in the fourth.

Much of the Lakers' starting five came up big for the win as Davis finished the game with 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. LeBron James had 23 points, nine assists, and four rebounds, while Dennis Schroder helped out with 24 points.

For the Suns, Devin Booker led his team with 31 points and Deandre Ayton had a double-double with 22 points and ten rebounds.

Game three is on Thursday, from Los Angeles.