Jordan Ott reveals what drove the Suns against the Lakers

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns they may have had their most efficient game of the season when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers by a score of 132-108.

Although the game was initially headlined by the Dillon Brooks-LeBron James feud, it wasn’t even a factor in the outcome. The Suns had a frenzy to play with 35 assists and only 14 turnovers.

It was only a matter of time before they clicked like they did. However, this is certainly helped by the high percentage of shooting from the field.

Despite that The Suns have trouble against the Lakers the last time they played, shooting wasn’t a problem. Phoenix shot 59% from the field and 41% from deep in the lopsided win, and connected throughout.

The synergy was there, the communication between all 11 guys was unanimous and everything went in perfect rhythm. But for head coach Jordan Ott, Tuesday’s win all circles back to the communication of his group.

“It’s hard to gauge,” Ott said after the game about the growth from training camp to Tuesday. “I think at one point we talked about communication; it starts with your quarterback with your fives. A little easier with Osa (Ighodaro) because we also have coverage together, so we just switch a lot of things. “Mark (Williams) is where it’s tough; multiple calls are involved.

“One time it’s LeBron (James), one time it’s Austin Reaves, one time it’s Nick Smith, who’s super fast. Communication is always going to be at the top of your defense’s list.”

The Suns have been waiting for a game like this

Everyone knew it was coming; it was just a matter of when. With The Suns embrace Ott’s coaching philosophypays dividends fairly quickly.

The team’s 16-13 record is impressive, but that’s how quickly it all comes together. Various coaches around the league praised the first-year coach for developing his team’s identity.

It may be rooted in toughness and a nose-to-rock mentality, but it’s layered with communication and adaptability. Every game looks like Phoenix has the potential to be in a frenzy.

Fast forward, and that potential manifestation was created. While Devin Booker knew the playmaking would be accurate, Tuesday’s game was the pinnacle of everything which has been studied, practiced and put into play.

“Our team talks. We talk on and off the field. The vibes are always high,” Booker said in the locker room after the game. “I always go back to the beginning of the season when we started 1-4. We still came in with the mindset of getting better. Then we ran away a few games, and we’ve been in every other game since then.”

“So now we have to tie something together. We’re going on our way. It’s just going to be us, and we’re looking forward to it.”

I asked Devin Booker how he’s seen the Suns’ communication grow from training camp to now.

“I always go back to the beginning of the season when we started 1-4. We still came in with the mindset of getting better. Then we got away with a few games and were in every other… pic.twitter.com/vjsMBh03eV

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) December 24, 2025

The chemistry continues to grow, and countless players have come together. The Suns will have four more games until the New Year, in which they may be able to complete this upcoming trip without defeat.