To each his own series. The Phoenix Suns won Tuesday on the floor of the Los Angeles Lakers (108-80), who were deprived of Anthony Davis (left knee injury), Malik Monk and Avery Bradley (Covid protocol). The franchise of Arizona thus signed a fourth consecutive success and consolidated its first place in the Western conference. The Californians have, them, chained a third defeat in a row. They are now seventh in the same conference.
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Phoenix in three point delicacy
Phoenix built their victory in the second half. In the first 24 minutes, the two teams hardly left each other on the scoreboard. By returning to the locker room, the Suns had two small units ahead of the Lakers (54-52). They were in pain on three-pointers, having missed their first nine attempts, for a 3/22 record at the break.
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Phoenix then accelerated and, at the end of the third quarter, was leading 85-73. Los Angeles was unable to react, and the gap continued to widen, up to 22 points (105-83, 44th). The Lakers also had to deal with an injury to LeBron James. The latter hurt his left ankle, in the middle of the third quarter, falling on the foot of an opponent. James continued to play, however, but seemed limited.
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James top scorer, despite his injury
Devin Booker was the main architect of this easy victory for Phoenix, with his 24 points (8/16 including 6/11 three points). He also took nine rebounds and delivered seven assists. Booker was well supported by Deandre Ayton (19 points, 11 rebounds) as well as Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson (14 pts). Chris Paul scored 11 points and delivered nine assists.
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For the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, despite his injury, was the game’s leading scorer (34 points) and Russell Westbrook signed a double-double (22 points, 10 rebounds). The Californian franchise will try to stop its bad streak on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. On the same day, the Phoenix Suns will host the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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