The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament journey on Friday evening by hosting the Phoenix Suns in the opening contest.
After a one-game absence, Anthony Davis returned to the lineup for the Lakers, which contributed to their first victory of the year in a 122-119 victory over the Suns. Clearly, with three games remaining, the Lakers remain in contention to win Group A. The victory keeps them in contention.
In order to increase the Lakers’ body mass, Darvin Ham substituted Cam Reddish for Austin Reaves in the starting lineup. It appeared to be effective in the beginning, as Reddish stole the ball and then made a corner three-pointer. The Lakers’ lethargic start notwithstanding, the lineup change was rational, but they quickly seized a 13-7 lead in this contest.
Just two games after returning from a back injury, Phoenix’s Bradley Beal got off to a hot start to keep his squad in the contest. After that, Kevin Durant executed a three-point play, and the Lakers’ early lead vanished abruptly.
Subsequently, the Lakers’ energy level waned, and they encountered difficulties on the offensive as the Suns gained momentum and extended their lead to double figures.
Los Angeles ultimately trailed 34-25 entering the second quarter following a brief appearance of LeBron James suffering a leg injury. However, he was able to return, and he and Austin Reaves began to rally the Lakers with some effective playmaking.
As has been the case throughout the entire season, the Lakers were unable to prevent the Suns from converting offensive glass, and as a consequence, the Suns maintained their lead at double digits.
Aside from a few attempts from Taurean Prince and D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers were apathetic for the duration of the first half. Due to James transitioning into an aggressive stance towards the conclusion of the second quarter, Los Angeles entered the halftime locker room trailing 63-55 following a Beal jumper at the buzzer.
Davis opened the third quarter with a fast bucket following a sluggish first half. James then tied the game at four points with a pair of free throws, but that lead was short-lived as Jusuf Nurkic responded with five consecutive points.
From that point on, LeBron was on fire with consecutive three-pointers, exerting every effort to keep the Lakers within striking distance. Russell maintained his solid play throughout the evening, assisting teammates such as Davis in converting easy goals.
However, just as the Lakers appeared to be gaining ground, Durant completed a three-point play and two consecutive 3-pointers to extend the Phoenix lead back to double digits. Fortunately, the Lakers entered the fourth quarter with a 96-79 deficit after Reddish’s 3-pointer beat the buzzer.
The Lakers took the lead for the first time since the first quarter when James assisted Reddish on a transition layup after Rui Hachimura and Reddish each missed triples to start the fourth quarter.
After a timeout by the Suns, the run continued with another Reddish 3, which was capped by a layup by Eric Gordon. By contributing to the action with yet another three-pointer, Christian Wood increased the Lakers’ lead to five and compelled Frank Vogel to take another timeout.
Big baskets by Durant assisted the Suns in regaining momentum, keeping the game close in what was shaping up to be an exciting conclusion.
With one minute remaining, the Lakers were unable to contain Durant in the midrange, but Reddish made another colossal corner triple to give his squad a 118-113 lead.
The Lakers then recorded the necessary stop, and Prince won the contest with a layup.