After all these years, even though he’s already in a different uniform, Luka Doncic still somehow figuratively “owns” the Phoenix Suns. Most specifically, the All-Star guard Devin Booker.
This idea has fathered (pun intended) a lot of hilarious memes, and even as a Laker, Doncic still gave Booker and Phoenix a tough beating.
The Los Angeles Lakers returned home after a brutal road trip on Monday (March 17) and faced the 11th-seeded Phoenix Suns featuring the scoring trio of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant. The Lakers, however, managed to secure the dub and held off the Suns to less than 100 points (107-96).
Doncic, without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, completely took over LA after leading the team in points, assists, and rebounds. The Slovenian superstar finished with 33 points, 8 dimes, and 11 boards.
Austin Reaves was equally exceptional after the young stud put up 28 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. In addition, AR15 looked like the best American player on the floor considering how he punished the Suns’ defense. Meanwhile, Dorian-Finney Smith and Jaxson Hayes were the game changers during that game. Both played their roles perfectly, with the 3-and-D specialist DFS making 10 points, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds and the winning plays in the final quarter while Hayes quietly grabbed 19 points in the paint.
On the Other Hand, the Suns Seem Like They’re About to Implode
Kevin Durant and head coach Mike Budenholzer exchanged some heated words in the third after the team’s lackluster defense. Although Budenholzer told everyone it’s just KD pushing everyone to become better, it seems that turmoil is boiling from within the team.
During their final matchup against the Lakers, Durant and Booker looked a bit checked out. Both stars shot 6-for-17 from the field and their defense was pretty non-existent. Bradley Beal was even worse. The only NBA player with a “no trade clause” only gathered 4 points and was forced to the sidelines after a hamstring injury.
Honestly, this season could be KD’s final appearance in the Valley. With Durant potentially being shopped in the offseason and Beal’s ridiculous contract, the Phoenix Suns, who were a legit contender just a few seasons ago, will soon implode back to their tanking years.
Four years ago, they were a top-tier team and were even in the Finals. Now, they’re so trash that they’re struggling to even make a Play-In spot.
