PHX (1-1) | 16 | 28 | 29 | 19 | 92
LAL (2-0) | 12 | 34 | 22 | 37 | 95
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Phoenix almost pulled off another narrow victory in Los Angeles after defeating the Clippers by one point just two nights prior. Devin Booker had 26 points in that win and scored 31 points tonight in the Suns’ loss. Blake Griffin saw a lot of quality minutes tonight once DeAndre Ayton got into foul trouble in the third quarter. The loss of Ayton was boon for the Lakers and they used it to their advantage to overtake Phoenix down the stretch. Despite only recording points in three out of four quarters, David Grace led the Lakers in scoring with 31 points.
Takeaways
Suns
Phoenix had several opportunities to put this game away, but several lapses on defense costs them the game late. Devin’s booker near double-double went to waste tonight. DeAndre Ayton has to play smart as to remain on the floor against teams like this. Phoenix managed to hold the lead at the end of the third quarter, but Los Angeles wrestled back control in the fourth behind David Grace’s 15 points in the quarter.
Lakers
The Lakers’ stars can’t afford to take a night off as teams have prepared to play them this season as evidenced by the toughness of the first two matches. Just as David Grace was MIA in the win over Minnesota, Anthony Davis seemed to be missing tonight in the win over Phoenix.
Key moment
David Grace hitting a three point dagger in the fourth quarter to put Los Angeles up by six with less than a minute to play.
Key stat
Despite scoring 12 points in the paint in the first half, Los Angeles had 0 free throw attempts in the first half of this game. Los Angeles went 17 of 22 from the charity stripe in the second half.
Mic’d up moment of the night
“Grace showed up for work tonight, y’all.” - LeBron James
Player of the Game
David Grace
Up Next
Los Angeles will face the Sacramento Kings at home. Phoenix will head back to the desert to host the Dallas Mavericks.
Top Performers
Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker – 31 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST
Mikal- 14 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK
Gradey Dick – 14 PTS, 3 REB
Blake Griffin – 10 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL
Los Angeles Lakers
David Grace – 31 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
LeBron James – 21 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST
Buddy Hield – 15 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL
Walker Kessler – 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST
Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker – 31 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST
Mikal- 14 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK
Gradey Dick – 14 PTS, 3 REB
Blake Griffin – 10 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL
Los Angeles Lakers
David Grace – 31 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
LeBron James – 21 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST
Buddy Hield – 15 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL
Walker Kessler – 10 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST
