The Los Angeles Lakers rebounded from one of their worst losses of the season by defeating the Phoenix Suns 116-114 on Sunday night in Phoenix.
Both teams had already been eliminated from the Emirates NBA Cup, but the rematch carried extra weight after the Suns routed the Lakers in their previous meeting. Los Angeles erased that memory with a dramatic finish decided in the final seconds.
A 24-0 burst spanning the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth changed the game’s trajectory. According to the team, the run is the longest by the Lakers since the NBA began its play-by-play era.
James Delivers at the Line
With 3.2 seconds remaining and the score tied, LeBron James was fouled on a three-point attempt. The forward sank two of his three free throws to provide the decisive margin. James finished with 26 points, four assists and three rebounds, overcoming five first-quarter turnovers that had initially helped Phoenix build an early lead.
Vanderbilt’s Energy Shifts Momentum
Head coach JJ Redick reinserted Jarred Vanderbilt into the rotation after previously benching the forward for offensive struggles. Vanderbilt responded with seven points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block, injecting the energy that sparked the pivotal run.
Austin Reaves missed the game, shifting additional playmaking duties to James. The contest featured multiple large swings and controversial calls, underscoring a night of unusual sequences on both ends.
What’s Next
The Lakers continue their road trip on Thursday against the Utah Jazz, followed by a matchup with the L.A. Clippers on Saturday.
Source: LakersNation.com
