The Phoenix Suns (10-7) unleashed a scoring frenzy in the second half to claim a dominant 127-100 win over the Los Angeles Lakers (10-6) on November 27. The win ended their five-game skid and extended the Lakers’ losing streak to three. Both teams now hold a 2-1 record in the NBA Cup.
The Suns’ offense was spearheaded by their healthy big three. Devin Booker dropped 26 points and 10 assists. Bradley Beal finished with 23 while Kevin Durant contributed 23 points and 6 rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic rounded out the performance with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Suns started the season atop the standings but have struggled significantly with Beal and Durant missing a combined 12 games, both sidelined due to calf injuries. The Suns are 9-1 with Durant in the lineup and 1-6 without him.
The Lakers heavily relied on Anthony Davis, who racked up 25 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks. LeBron James flirted with a triple-double, recording 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists while Austin Reaves chipped in 15.
Booker Leads Phoenix’s Explosive Second Half
Davis got off to a hot start, scoring 12 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. But Phoenix gained a slight edge late in the first with 8 points from Allen. The second was a rollercoaster ride, with both teams trading baskets. The Suns, however, found their touch from three and threatened to break away. But Reaves responded with 8 quick points to level the game.
Phoenix started the third with a bang. Nurkic tallied the first 10 points, then Booker followed with 11, pushing their squad to an (83-72) lead. The Suns kept their foot on the gas, with a 15-6 surge to build their largest lead at 20 heading to the fourth. The Suns sustained their momentum in the final frame, stretching the lead to 27 and sealing the outcome.
The Suns host the Nets while the Lakers visit the Spurs tomorrow.
