The Los Angeles Lakers survived a 115-114 thriller against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night, but only after watching a 20-point advantage evaporate in the closing minutes at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
Los Angeles rattled off a 24-0 burst spanning the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth, opening a 99-79 cushion with fewer than eight minutes left. Guard Marcus Smart appeared set to widen the margin when he received a long outlet pass from LeBron James on a one-man fast break. Instead of finishing at the rim, Smart attempted a behind-the-head pass that landed in the hands of Grayson Allen. Phoenix converted a three-pointer on the ensuing possession, igniting a 35-14 surge that briefly put the Suns ahead 114-113.
Smart compounded the error inside the final minute by driving for a quick layup that was blocked rather than draining the clock. James ultimately secured the victory with clutch free throws in the final seconds.
Smart: “It started with me”
“It was craziness,” Smart said afterward. “I did some dumb stuff and I’m just glad we came out with the win and it didn’t cost us.” He emphasized that a single play did not decide the game, but acknowledged that his miscues triggered the momentum shift.
Vanderbilt Sparks Defensive Energy
Head coach JJ Redick reinserted forward Jarred Vanderbilt into the rotation to bolster a struggling defense, and the move paid immediate dividends. Vanderbilt contributed seven points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block while helping Los Angeles dominate the glass during the decisive third-quarter stretch. After the game, Redick praised Vanderbilt’s impact, noting the energy he supplied on both ends.
Despite the narrow escape, the Lakers improved to 15-9 and will face the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. Phoenix dropped to 14-11.
Source: LakersNation.com
