Durant and Beal Shine in Return as Suns Dominate Lakers
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns finally looked like the team everyone expected them to be this season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With both Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant back in action, the Suns snapped a five-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 127-100 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
It was a night of celebration for Suns fans, as the team’s Big Three finally shared the court again. Beal and Durant, both sidelined recently with strained left calves, returned to the lineup and wasted no time making their presence felt. Each scored 23 points, while Devin Booker led the charge with 26 points and 10 assists. The Suns looked rejuvenated, and the energy in the Footprint Center was electric.
Durant and Beal Back in Action
For Suns fans, the return of Durant and Beal was a sight for sore eyes. Beal, who had missed the last five games, was efficient and sharp, hitting 10 of his 15 shots, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Durant, who had been out for seven games, looked as smooth as ever, gliding to the basket and knocking down tough shots with ease. The Suns are now 9-1 when Durant is in the lineup, a stat that underscores just how critical he is to their success.
“It felt great to be back out there with the guys,” Durant said after the game. “We’ve been through a tough stretch, but tonight was a step in the right direction.”
Booker Leads the Charge
While Durant and Beal’s return stole the headlines, it was Booker who truly set the tone. The Suns’ star guard was in complete control, orchestrating the offense and delivering in key moments. His 14-2 run midway through the third quarter, where he hit three consecutive shots, was the turning point of the game. By the time the dust settled, the Suns had turned a tight contest into a commanding 98-78 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Booker’s leadership was evident throughout the night, and his chemistry with Durant and Beal is something Suns fans will hope to see more of as the season progresses.
Lakers Struggle to Keep Up
On the other side, the Lakers had a night to forget. Despite strong performances from Anthony Davis (25 points, 15 rebounds) and LeBron James (18 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists), Los Angeles couldn’t keep pace with the Suns in the second half. The Lakers shot a dismal 23.5% from three-point range, making just 8 of their 34 attempts. D’Angelo Russell added 16 points, while Austin Reaves chipped in 15, but it wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding as the Lakers dropped their third straight game.
Key Contributions from the Suns’ Supporting Cast
While the Big Three carried the load, the Suns also got valuable contributions from their supporting cast. Jusuf Nurkic bounced back from a slow start to finish with 12 points and 12 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint. Grayson Allen added 10 points off the bench, and Royce O’Neale knocked down three clutch three-pointers during the Suns’ second-half surge.
“It was a total team effort,” Booker said. “Everyone stepped up, and that’s what we need to do moving forward.”
Key Takeaways
- Lakers: The Lakers hung tough in the first half but fell apart after the break. Their poor shooting from beyond the arc (8-of-34) was a major factor in the loss.
- Suns: With Durant and Beal back, the Suns looked like a completely different team. Their depth and star power were on full display, and they’ll look to build on this momentum.
Key Moment
The game’s defining stretch came in the third quarter when Booker scored three straight buckets during a 14-2 run. That sequence turned a close game into a comfortable lead for the Suns, and the Lakers never recovered.
Key Stat
The Suns are now 9-1 when Durant is in the lineup and just 1-6 when he’s not. His impact on the team’s success is undeniable.
What’s Next?
The Suns will look to keep the good vibes rolling when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, the Lakers will try to snap their losing streak on the road against the San Antonio Spurs, also on Wednesday night.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
