The Los Angeles Lakers halted their four-game losing streak with a 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena. The win improved Los Angeles to 41-25, evening the season series with Phoenix at 2-2 with 16 games left in the regular season.
The Lakers, boasting the second-best home record in the Western Conference (26-7), bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to Denver on Friday. Head coach JJ Redick credited the team’s resilience.
"We lost a crushing game on Friday night... It was disheartening. Our guys to come back with an early start and be the harder playing team from the beginning; that, to me, says everything about our group," Redick said.
The win was powered by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who combined for 61 points.
Dončić shines in return
Dončić, playing his first game in four outings, recorded 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, marking his seventh 30-point performance in 14 games with the Lakers.
He was instrumental early, knocking down three first-quarter three-pointers while outscoring Phoenix 13-11 in the opening frame.
Reaves complemented Dončić’s effort, stepping up in the absence of LeBron James (groin strain). The guard provided 28 points, proving his value as a reliable third scoring option.
Hayes sparks early surge
Starting centre Jaxson Hayes made his return after missing four games, finishing with 19 points (six rebounds) on 8-of-10 shooting. Hayes made an immediate impact, scoring three straight and-one buckets to open the game and providing a crucial lob threat for Dončić.
"You can see the difference for me. It helps me a lot, but he helps the whole team," Dončić said on Hayes’ return. "We missed him, for sure."
Phoenix struggle from deep
The Suns endured a poor shooting night, hitting just 22% from three-point range (9-of-41). They struggled in the first half, making just 2-of-20 from beyond the arc, as the Lakers built a commanding 54-37 halftime lead.
Bradley Beal played only 15 minutes before exiting with hamstring soreness, leaving Kevin Durant (21 points, 9 rebounds) and Devin Booker (19 points, 11 assists) with a heavier scoring burden. Despite a third-quarter push, Phoenix never closed the gap to fewer than eight points.
Dorian Finney-Smith sealed the Lakers’ win, knocking down two corner threes late in the fourth quarter. He finished with 10 points and six rebounds, tying Dončić for the team’s highest plus-minus (+16).
Playoff picture & next game
The Suns (31-37) suffered their 37th loss of the season and sit 1.5 games behind Dallas (33-36) for the final play-in spot (11th seed) in the West.
The Lakers continue their five-game homestand on Monday against the San Antonio Spurs, who will be without De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama for the rest of the season due to injuries.
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