Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale were key players for the Phoenix Suns in their 123-113 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, accounting for 12 of the team’s 17 3-pointers. The Suns dominated for the majority of the game, amassing a sizable lead early on, despite the Lakers’ comeback effort in the second half.
In the fourth quarter, with the Lakers behind 110-104, Allen and O’Neale stepped up with successive 3-pointers, effectively securing Phoenix’s victory.O’Neale’s third 3-pointer increased the Suns’ lead, making it impossible for Los Angeles to mount a late rally.
Phoenix received balanced scoring from all five starters, with Allen leading the way with 24 points and six 3-pointers. O’Neale scored 20 points, including six three-pointers, and collected nine rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic had a terrific effort, recording a double-double with 18 points and 22 rebounds, falling just one board short of his career high. Nurkic also demonstrated his playmaking abilities with seven assists.
The Suns’ offensive performance was driven by effective ball movement, as indicated by 32 assists on 44 field goals. Devin Booker led the squad with nine assists and scored 21 points. Kevin Durant scored 22 points and seven assists to help Phoenix win.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis both had double-doubles in the Lakers’ loss. James topped all scorers with 28 points and 12 assists, while Davis scored 22 points and 14 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell contributed 20 points and seven assists for Los Angeles.
Despite shooting a respectable 52.2 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc, the Lakers only converted 4 of 8 free throws. In comparison, the Suns made 18 of 19 free throws.
Overall, Phoenix’s balanced scoring approach, paired with timely shooting from Allen and O’Neale, proved to be the deciding factor in their victory over the Lakers.