The Lakers take basketball lessons in Phoenix

For the first time this season, the Lakers had two consecutive losses. Traveling to Phoenix on Tuesday night, they were largely dominated by the authoritarian Suns, winning 132–108, with Dillon Brooks as provocative as it is effective.

Deprived Luka Dončićshot in one leg, the Lakers get off to a better start. Jake LaRavia gets the visitors going with a quick run, giving Los Angeles a five-point lead. Phoenix responds immediately with the already aggressive Dillon Brooks scoring six points. Both teams showed great success offensively: 70% shooting for Phoenix, 50% for LA. Inside, Deandre Ayton immediately imposes his presence (6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals), as the Lakers struggle to protect the paint, receiving 16 of the Suns’ first 23 points.

After an injury, Austin Reeves enters the game and quickly scores four points in five minutes. The duel remained tight until the end of the quarter, the Suns won 29-26.

One sided 3rd quarter

Los Angeles started the second quarter in the worst way, and Phoenix used the opportunity to increase the deficit after Oso Ighodaro’s dunk (38-30). LeBron James and Marcus Smart are trying to limit the damage, while Reaves is growing. But the Suns found outside answers: Royce O’Neal hit his third winning shot in the half, Jordan Goodwin added his, and the deficit rose to double digits for the first time (59-49).

To make matters worse, on the Lakers side, Austin Reaves already has four fouls, and plenty of shots are left on the road. At the break, we found ourselves ten points behind (67-57).

The game definitely changed as soon as it resumed. Royce O’Neill opens the second half with another award-winning kick, followed by an And-1 from Mark Williams. The margin climbs to +18, forcing JJ Redick to take a timeout very quickly. It has no effect on the Lakers as the scenario repeats itself: a missed shot on the Lakers’ side turns into an easy basket on the Suns’ side. Dillon Brooks continues to make baskets and even allows himself to provoke LeBron with a shimmy after the game-winning shot. Phoenix is ​​playing its basketball, and despite Reaves’ basket, the Suns lead by 26 points after three quarters (112-86).

In the 4th quarter there is no uncertainty and Jordan Ott offers playing time to his substitutes and youngsters. A real demonstration for the final victory 132-108, the second in three games this season for the Suns against the Lakers.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– First for the Lakers. LeBron James’ partners will wait until December 23 to suffer their second straight loss. It shows that the team has a very good first third of the season. The absence of Luka Doncic was too much, and the team sank (again) in defense with 132 points conceded, 62 of which were scored.

– The Avengers. Provocative but wise, Dillon Brooks confirms his very good start to the season with 25 points, including 12 in the 3rd quarter alone. On his side, Mark Williams is just as vindictive against a team that didn’t want him with 18 points and 9 rebounds.

– One sided 3rd quarter. The Suns set a season high with 45 points in the 3rd quarter, shooting 72%! Dillon Brooks’ energy is contagious, and the Lakers have exploded.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=DVzpMiVBHMK

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.