The Phoenix Suns, who were not performing well as they entered the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers, managed to turn things around and secure a 123-113 victory. Despite scoring a season-high 45 points in the first quarter, the Suns only managed 50 points in the middle periods and had a slim five-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Suns quickly increased their lead to twelve points, not through their star players, but through the collective effort of the team. In the first 9:36 of the final quarter, the Suns scored 21 points, with only four points coming from Devin Booker or Kevin Durant. The Lakers focused on limiting space for Booker and Durant, even if it meant leaving a good shooter open.
LeBron’s Epic Return: Can He Save the Lakers vs Spurs? Find Out!
Kevin Durant noted that the Lakers’ strategy of focusing on stopping him and Booker allowed the rest of the Suns’ team to take advantage. The Suns also managed to contain the Lakers’ offense, which had been performing well recently. The Suns’ defense was more coordinated, and they made fewer mistakes.
Without Bradley Beal and Eric Gordon, the Suns’ supporting players stepped up. Jusuf Nurkic, returning from a one-game absence, contributed 18 points, 22 rebounds, and seven assists. Devin Booker acknowledged Nurkic’s significant contribution to the win.
The Suns made 17 three-pointers, with Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen each contributing six. O’Neale also added 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block, along with his 20 points. Allen scored a team-high 24 points, and Bol Bol added 11 points off the bench.
Nurkic played a key role in facilitating offensive possessions when Booker and Durant were defending Anthony Davis. O’Neale defended LeBron James and filled in gaps elsewhere. Allen’s pressure on the rim was crucial throughout the game.
The Suns were motivated by their disappointing loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday. Despite a few mental lapses, they managed to maintain their energy throughout the game.
The Lakers have been performing well this month, with Davis, James, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell all averaging over 18 points per game in February. However, the Suns managed to outperform them, with Durant scoring 22 points and Booker adding 21 points.
