The Los Angeles Lakers (32-27) defeated the Phoenix Suns (33-25) by a narrow margin of 121-119 on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. The game was a close contest between two of the top teams in the Western Conference, with both sides trading leads and big shots throughout the four quarters.
Lakers overcome injuries and adversity
The Lakers were without two of their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who were both sidelined with injuries. James suffered a sprained ankle in the previous game against the San Antonio Spurs, while Davis aggravated his Achilles and hip issues. The Lakers also missed Jarred Vanderbilt, who was a key defender against the Suns’ dynamic duo of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Despite the absence of their leaders, the Lakers showed resilience and determination to pull off a stunning victory. They were led by D’Angelo Russell, who had a stellar performance with 34 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Russell hit several clutch shots in the fourth quarter, including a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:12 left in the game. He also made four free throws in the final seconds to seal the win for the Lakers.
The Lakers also got valuable contributions from their role players, who stepped up in the absence of their stars. Rui Hachimura had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 16 points off the bench. The Lakers shot 50% from the field and 40% from the three-point line, while also outrebounding the Suns 48-42.
Suns fall short despite Booker and Durant’s heroics
The Suns were not without their own injury woes, as they missed their leading scorer Bradley Beal, who was out with a hamstring strain. Beal’s absence was felt by the Suns, who struggled to find consistent offense outside of Booker and Durant.
Booker and Durant were sensational for the Suns, combining for 69 points on 24-of-41 shooting. Booker had 35 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while Durant had 34 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. The two All-Stars carried the Suns’ offense, especially in the second half, when they scored 46 of the team’s 64 points.
However, the Suns did not get much help from their supporting cast, who shot a dismal 14-of-44 from the field and 6-of-25 from the three-point line. The Suns also committed 15 turnovers, which led to 21 points for the Lakers. The Suns had a chance to tie or win the game in the final possession, but Booker’s three-pointer was blocked by Hachimura, and Durant’s putback attempt was too late.
What’s next for both teams?
The Lakers improved their record to 32-27, moving up to the fifth spot in the Western Conference standings. They will face the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Lakers will hope to have James and Davis back in the lineup, as they look to extend their winning streak to six games.
The Suns dropped their record to 33-25, falling to the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings. They will host the Houston Rockets on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. The Suns will try to snap their three-game losing skid, and get back on track in the playoff race.
