Dillon Brooks put on one of the best performances of his career to help the Phoenix Suns defeat the LA Lakers without Devin Booker.
The Los Angeles Lakers had their 7-game winning streak snapped by the Phoenix Suns, losing by over 18 points at home.
The Lakers handled themselves well in the first quarter, but a quick series of turnovers in the second quarter cost them the lead.
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Luka Doncic had yet another strong game, scoring 38 points, including a 20-point first quarter. But the Lakers looked like a middle-of-the-pack team, losing to a gritty Phoenix Suns team.
The Lakers could have gotten the win, especially with Devin Booker leaving the game in the first quarter and not returning. But some key mistakes cost them dearly.
LA Lakers can’t stop turnovers in second quarter
During the game, the LA Lakers had a total of 21 turnovers in the game. But it was in the second quarter where this issue proved to be decisive.
The Lakers had 10 turnovers in the second quarter, which allowed the Suns to take a double-digit lead into halftime.
When they returned to the court, these turnovers continued to be a problem, allowing the Suns to run away with the game.
Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin get revenge against the Lakers
Two names several fans were going to watch out for were Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin. Williams had a trade to the Lakers rescinded this February over a failed medical.
Goodwin got cut from the Lakers despite a strong season with them. Both players scored 13 points and put on a show against the Lakers.
Revenge can be an amazing motivator for players, and tonight, that proved to be the case for Goodwin and Williams.
Deandre Ayton gets swamped by collapsing interior defense
On the other side of the coin, Deandre Ayton also faced his former team, the Phoenix Suns tonight. Unlike Williams and Goodwin, Ayton didn’t get much against his previous side.
The Suns brilliantly guarded the paint against Ayton, allowing him to score just 12 points. Ayton was clearly rattled by this aggressive defense, deferring to his teammates on numerous occasions.
Ayton must overcome this fear of playing through a crowded defensive setup, as it tends to hurt the Lakers’ playing style.
By no means a disaster, the Lakers will take this end to their 7-game winning streak bitterly, and look to bounce back in their next game against the Raptors on Thursday.