Since their clash in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, the matches between the Suns and the Lakers are always closely scrutinized. This was still the case last night, because we were particularly curious to see if the “Purple & Gold” could confirm their recent collective upturn (three wins in a row) against a cador from their conference. While finally winning an away game this season.
The answer is “no”, since the teammates of Devin Booker (25 points, 5 assists) and Mikal Bridges (25 points, 6 rebounds) were able to resist a monumental Anthony Davis (37 points, 21 rebounds, 5 steals, 5 blocks!), to regain first place in the West (115-105).
A logical success after all for the players of phoenixfinally more armed, dexterous at 3-pts and regular than Los Angelesover the whole part.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— The 3-pt address made the difference. If they certainly dominated in the paint (52 points to 42) and obtained free throws in spades (29/35 on the line, against only 3/5 in front), the Lakers could not just compete with the Suns shooting at 4/18 from behind the arc, with Russell Westbrook and Lonnie Walker IV as the only threats from afar (that is to say). Especially since the men of Monty Williams were themselves in a good evening in the exercise, succeeding 16 of their 34 award-winning attempts. Special mention to Mikal Bridges, author of a 5/7.
— Anthony Davis’ legendary performance. Ten days after Joel Embiid, “AD” also delivered a unique performance this night, simply becoming the first player to compile at least 35 points, 20 rebounds, 5 steals and 5 blocks in the NBA! Omnipresent on both sides of the floor, the All-Star interior stabilizes this entire Lakers team because, as soon as he leaves, the game of this one falls apart. In a state of grace for four games (36 points, 18 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks on average…), he continues to dominate in the paint, forgetting the 3-pt shot, and this is excellent news for Los Los Angeles…
— Phoenix number 1 in the West. As the Nuggets tripped over the mat against the Pistons, the Suns regained control of the Eastern Conference alone. But it is very fragile since ten teams have between 6 and 8 defeats.
— The Beverley/Ayton clash. With four minutes remaining, tempers flared after Patrick Beverley sent Deandre Ayton to the ground with a shoulder strike. Why ? Because the Lakers point guard did not appreciate that the Suns pivot provoked Austin Reaves, on the ground after being countered, or rather cut out, by Devin Booker. At the finish, Beverley was sent off, Ayton received a technical foul and Booker too, for punching Reaves in the face.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Russell Westbrook and Lonnie Walker IV. Combative as possible, the Lakers were able to count on the fine performances of their dragsters, authors of 45 points in total to support as it should, and despite a little waste, Anthony Davis. Aggressive towards the circle and able to score a few 3-point baskets, the only ones on their team, Westbrook (21 points, 5 assists) and Walker IV (24 points) are also a pleasure to see thanks to all this contagious energy and communicative they bring, as soon as they set foot on the ground.
✅ The Booker-Bridges-Ayton Trio. Still deprived of Chris Paul, the Suns relied on their three other leaders to gain the upper hand over the Lakers. In turn, Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges (50 points to two), as well as Deandre Ayton (14 points, 15 rebounds), took pleasure in sanctioning almost every defensive error in Los Angeles. Both behind the arc or halfway and off the screen, with the Booker / Bridges duo, as well as near the circle or behind the defenders, with Ayton. A good proof of solidity displayed by the “Big Three” of Phoenix.
✅ Duane Washington Jr.. True factor X of this part, the rear of the Suns (15 points) hurt the defense of the Lakers off the bench, with his liveliness and his ability to draw without hesitation, at the slightest space. A welcome contribution, which will certainly allow him to strengthen this place he has made in the rotation of Monty Williams, for five games.
⛔ The Beverley-Schröder-Brown Jr trio. Although they may fight and be involved defensively, Patrick Beverley, Dennis Schröder and Troy Brown Jr. cannot afford to accumulate… 0 points, 0/13 (!) in shooting including 0/7 at 3-pts, on a meeting. Especially not in the absence of LeBron James, against such a Suns team, and when the three of them spend around twenty minutes on the floor.
THE FOLLOWING
Phoenix (11-6) : reception of Portland, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday (01:00).
Los Angeles (5-11) : Sacramento reception, Wednesday night to Thursday (1:30 a.m.).
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