LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-119 victory against the Phoenix Suns, breaking a three-game losing streak in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
James showcased his dominance with a 32-point performance, complemented by D’Angelo Russell’s 19 points. Kevin Durant shone for the Suns, securing 38 points, while Bradley Beal, in his debut for Phoenix, added 24 points, 20 of which came in the first half. Devin Booker’s absence due to a calf strain extended to his fourth consecutive game.
A pivotal moment came when Austin Reaves initiated a 14-0 run, propelling the Lakers to their first lead of the second half at 97-96. Reaves’ contributions, including a critical layup and mid-range jumpers in the fourth quarter, fortified Los Angeles’s position.
Cam Reddish’s 17 points, including a vital three-pointer assisted by James, consolidated the Lakers’ advantage, with three offensive rebounds preceding his shot.
Despite Durant’s stellar 38-point performance and Beal’s contribution, the Suns couldn’t maintain their momentum, ending a brief two-game winning streak. Phoenix faced challenges, particularly in Booker’s absence, with Jusuf Nurkic, Keita Bates-Diop, and Eric Gordon making scoring contributions.
The Lakers, plagued by first-quarter struggles, showcased resilience, clawing back from a deficit. They forged ahead with an 11-0 run to begin the final quarter, claiming their first lead since early in the game.
Los Angeles secured a hard-fought victory, setting the stage for their upcoming home game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Suns will regroup for their next in-season tournament game against the Utah Jazz on the road next Friday.