The Phoenix Suns ended a streak of five consecutive losses with an emphatic 127-100 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Beal and Durant's Comeback Boosts Suns
This much-needed win marked the return of Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, who had been absent due to injuries. Their presence on the court was a decisive factor in the Suns' success, as both players contributed 23 points each.
Devin Booker led all scorers with 26 points and 10 assists, delivering a masterful performance that underscored his importance to the team on both offense and defense.
Beal, who missed the last five games due to a left calf strain, returned with precision, hitting 10 of 15 shots from the field and 3 of 6 from the three-point line.
Durant, back after a seven-game absence due to the same injury, matched Beal's point production, reinforcing his key role in the Suns' scheme. The improved team chemistry with these two stars back in action was evident throughout the game.
Devin Booker, however, was the standout player of the night. In addition to leading the scoring, he was instrumental during the Suns' explosive third quarter. Booker scored 11 points in that period, including back-to-back three-pointers during a decisive 14-2 run.
This burst helped Phoenix turn a close game into a commanding 86-72 lead, which they continued to extend the rest of the game.
Jusuf Nurkic also played a critical role, dropping a slow start to finish with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. His contributions were especially notable in the third quarter, where he scored 10 points and helped the Suns dominate the Lakers 36-18.
Grayson Allen provided valuable support off the bench with 10 points, while Royce O'Neale added nine points, all from the three-point line, during the Suns' second-half surge.
Lakers' performance
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis was the brightest spot, leading his team with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Despite their effort, the Lakers struggled to keep pace with Phoenix in the second half.
LeBron James had an all-around performance, coming close to a triple-double with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists, but his contributions were not enough to stop the Suns' momentum.
D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves added 16 and 15 points respectively, though both players struggled to make a significant impact as the game got away from them.
Key moments in the game underscored the Suns' dominance. The decisive third quarter not only showcased Booker's individual brilliance, but also the team's collective effort. The 36-18 advantage in that period transformed a tight contest into a comprehensive victory.
In contrast, the Lakers' shooting woes, particularly from the three-point line where they made only 8 of 34 attempts (23.5%), highlighted their struggles. The Suns' defensive pressure and offensive efficiency compounded the Lakers' complications, securing a comfortable victory for Phoenix.
How many goals do you expect to celebrate in today's #ChampionsLeague MATCH? 💥⚽#Liverpool have won 7 consecutive games at Anfield, 4 of them without conceding. #RealMadrid have only won 2 of their last 4 matches.
Predict now! ➡ https://t.co/HCS0drbkft pic.twitter.com/9ar5VP3OQK
- Betcris (@Betcris) November 27, 2024
Durant and the Suns
The win underscored Kevin Durant's importance to the Suns' success this season. The team has a 9-1 record when he plays, compared to 1-6 in his absence. With Durant and Beal back in the lineup, Phoenix showed the offensive chemistry and cohesion they lacked during their recent rough patch.
Looking ahead, the Phoenix Suns will look to keep this momentum going in their next game when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, now with three consecutive losses, will continue their road trip with a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs that same night, hoping to reverse their recent bad fortune.