In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, Devin Booker exploded for 33 points while Kevin Durant contributed 30, leading the Phoenix Suns to a narrow victory against the Los Angeles Lakers with a final score of 109-105. This win marked a significant comeback, as the Suns overcame an early 18-point deficit to secure the hard-fought win.
The Lakers initially dominated the game, entering the fourth quarter with a solid 83-76 lead. However, they were unable to maintain that advantage, ultimately suffering their first loss of the season following a successful three-game winning streak. Durant showcased his clutch performance, sinking back-to-back jumpers to propel the Suns ahead 105-101 with just 2:17 remaining on the clock.
LeBron James attempted to respond for the Lakers, drilling a 3-pointer with 1:58 left to narrow the deficit to 105-104, but despite his efforts, Los Angeles could not reclaim the lead. James finished the night with 11 points, barely extending his remarkable NBA-record streak of games scoring at least 10 points to an astonishing 1,226 games.
The Suns’ victory was particularly impressive given their early struggles; they managed to turn the tide after falling behind significantly. Earlier in the week, the Lakers had defeated the Suns 123-116 in their previous matchup, showcasing their resilience earlier this season when they bounced back from a daunting 22-point deficit.
Takeways
From the Lakers’ impressive early surge, it was intriguing that LeBron James did not take a single shot during the stretch that saw the team build an 18-point advantage. Anthony Davis continued to shine as L.A.’s primary offensive weapon, shooting 12 for 24 and contributing 15 rebounds along the way. In contrast, James struggled, converting only 3 of 14 field-goal attempts.
For the Suns, starting center Jusuf Nurkic faced a challenging night, managing just two points in 15 minutes of play after previously delivering his best performance of the season with 18 points and 14 rebounds against the Mavericks.
Key moment
One of the pivotal instances of the game came when Phoenix’s Royce O’Neale successfully executed a crucial 15-foot floater, allowing the Suns to seize a 107-104 lead with just 1:25 remaining, a moment that ultimately shifted the momentum in their favor.
Key stat
The game was characterized by competitiveness, with an impressive six ties and a remarkable 14 lead changes throughout.
Up next
The Lakers will head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Wednesday, while the Suns will visit the Los Angeles Clippers for their next challenge on Thursday.
More from CBS News
**Interview with Basketball Analyst Lisa Green Following Suns’ Victory Over Lakers**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Lisa. Let’s dive right in. What were your thoughts on Devin Booker’s performance in last night’s game?
**Lisa Green:** It was nothing short of spectacular! Devin Booker’s 33-point explosion really showcased his ability to take over a game. He not only scored efficiently, but he also created opportunities for his teammates. His confidence grew throughout the game, especially after facing that large deficit.
**Editor:** Absolutely. The Suns were down by 18 at one point! How did they manage to turn things around?
**Lisa Green:** It all came down to their defensive adjustments and a relentless offensive attack in the second half. They focused on shutting down the Lakers’ perimeter shooting and began to find rhythm with their own shots. Kevin Durant was crucial in that shift, dropping 30 points and hitting key jumpers that really swung the momentum.
**Editor:** Speaking of Durant, he had some critical shots late in the game. What does his performance tell us about his role on this team?
**Lisa Green:** Durant is undeniably the clutch player the Suns need. His ability to handle pressure and make big shots in critical moments is what sets him apart. Those back-to-back jumpers late in the game were pivotal—he not only scored but instilled a sense of urgency and confidence in his teammates.
**Editor:** LeBron James tried to respond for the Lakers with a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. Do you think he was able to rally his team effectively after the Suns’ comeback?
**Lisa Green:** LeBron gave it his best shot, but you could see the Lakers were feeling the pressure. His 11 points were relatively low for his standards, but that 3-pointer was a brave attempt to reignite the team. However, they couldn’t regain their composure, and that’s where the Suns capitalized.
**Editor:** With this win, the Suns notch their first victory against the Lakers this season and break their own slump. What does this mean for their momentum going forward?
**Lisa Green:** This victory is huge for the Suns. Overcoming an 18-point deficit against a rival like the Lakers can do wonders for team morale and confidence. It’ll be interesting to see how they build on this. If they can develop consistency in their defense and keep their stars healthy, they’ll be formidable contenders moving forward.
**Editor:** Thank you, Lisa, for your valuable insights! It looks like the Suns are on an exciting trajectory this season.
**Lisa Green:** My pleasure! It’s always great to discuss such thrilling matchups.
