The Suns have found their breath. And incidentally their superstars. After a break of almost a week in their schedule, the Arizona players found Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to strike a big blow against the Lakers (127-100). Thus erasing their series of five consecutive losses.
A victory full of authority acquired behind the great joint performance of the local “Big Three”, Durant, Beal and Devin Booker all three finishing at 23 points or more with a balanced distribution of shots.
Behind the very strong double-double of Anthony Davis (25 points and 15 rebounds), or that of a sometimes clumsy LeBron James (18 points and 10 assists) (7/16 and 5 lost balls), the visitors held distance for a half (62-60) before experiencing a serious breakdown in the third quarter.
The big gap in the third
The Californian attack suddenly stalled because it was too focused on long-distance shooting. Almost forgetting to serve Davis underneath, the Lakers struggled to generate quality shots for long minutes. Quite the opposite of Suns, well in rhythm and punishing the slightest opponent error.
While Jusuf Nurkic did a little bit of everything in the Suns racket, Devin Booker was responsible for doing a lot of harm to Austin Reaves in defense with his shots from the perimeter. Result: the locals went 19-4 and the Lakers were only able to score 8 points… in the last eight minutes of the quarter. The locals, helped by some long-distance shots from Royce O'Neale, were able to start the last period in the best conditions (98-78).
Despite JJ Redick's efforts to shake up his team from his bench, the Lakers were unable to react afterwards. The gap has even worsened. While they scored 35 points in the second quarter, the visitors only scored 40 in the second half.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Suns, as if nothing had happened. The Phoenix players resumed their march forward in the most natural way, with their biggest victory of the season. As a symbol, Kevin Durant converted the first shot of the game, behind the arc. A good way to get back to work started at the start of the season. Bradley Beal didn't seem much more rusty, while Devin Booker was able to find a smile and some space thanks to his two friends. All in all, this team is something to think about… The Suns (10v-7l) now have the same record as their evening opponents, who have three defeats in a row.
– Lakers' first defeat in the NBA Cup. The Californians won the first mid-season tournament in history last year by winning all of their matches. By beating the Spurs, then the Jazz this season in the same context, the Lakers had not yet lost once in this competition. It's now done for them who host the Thunder on Friday, still in the Cup format.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
