Phoenix Suns stun NBA with dominant win over Lakers
In a surprising turn of events, the Phoenix Suns took down the Los Angeles Lakers with a commanding 125-108 victory on Monday night. This win was particularly remarkable as it came without star player Devin Booker, who exited the game early due to a groin injury after scoring 11 points. Adding to their challenges, Phoenix also missed Grayson Allen, who was sidelined just before game time due to illness.
LeBron’s Struggles and Doncic’s Brilliance
LeBron James returned to the lineup after missing the previous game against New Orleans, but his performance was lackluster. He managed only 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting, failing to contribute rebounds and dishing out just three assists. On the opposite side, Luka Doncic shone brightly for the Lakers, tallying an impressive 38 points alongside 11 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win.
Dillon Brooks emerged as the standout performer for Phoenix, scoring 33 points, while Collin Gillespie contributed a season-high 28 points. With this victory, the Suns improved their record to 13-9, effectively snapping the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak.
First Quarter Action
From the onset, both teams engaged in a fierce battle for control, exchanging baskets and showcasing their offensive firepower. The first five minutes saw an exciting back-and-forth with seven lead changes. The Lakers held a slim lead of 13-12 before the first timeout, but the Suns quickly regrouped. After trailing by six, they fought back to tie the score at 31-31 by the end of the first quarter. Doncic’s early 20 points led the way, while Booker was the closest competitor for Phoenix with his 11 points. Both teams shot a solid 50% from the field.
Second Quarter Surge
The second quarter saw a pivotal moment when Booker left the Suns’ bench and did not return, officially being ruled out due to his injury. This setback propelled Brooks into the spotlight, as he made an astonishing eight consecutive shots in Booker’s absence. A crucial three-pointer from Gillespie pushed the Suns’ lead to eight points, prompting Lakers coach JJ Redick to call a timeout to regroup. Phoenix ended the half on a blistering 19-4 run, positioning themselves with a 66-52 advantage at halftime. The Lakers struggled with 12 turnovers compared to the Suns’ impressive 18 assists.
Third Quarter Dominance
Phoenix’s momentum carried into the third quarter, where their defensive strategy began to pay dividends. The Suns utilized a strong defensive lineup, extending their lead to 79-63 by the 7:19 mark of the quarter. Notably, they dominated fastbreak points, leading the Lakers 21-0 in that category. Brooks crossed the 30-point threshold late in the quarter, helping the Suns establish a 20-point lead for the first time in the game. By the end of the third, Phoenix held a comfortable 96-77 lead.
Fourth Quarter Clutch Performance
With Booker sidelined and Brooks in foul trouble, the Suns needed their supporting cast to step up. Gillespie rose to the occasion, sinking two critical three-pointers early in the fourth quarter, effectively maintaining the Suns’ lead over the Lakers. LeBron managed to keep his streak of consecutive games scoring in double figures alive, but it was a mere formality as the Lakers began to clear their bench with less than six minutes remaining. The Suns kept their starters in until the final moments, ensuring a decisive victory as the clock wound down to zero.
This stunning win not only highlighted the depth of the Suns’ roster but also served as a stark reminder of their competitive spirit, even in the face of adversity.
