Suns Take Early Command
Phoenix established dominance early, initiating the game with a 7–0 run and later extending their lead with an 11–0 streak in the first quarter. By the end of the period, the Suns held a commanding 31–16 advantage. Despite a brief rally by the Lakers in the second quarter, fueled by Austin Reaves’ 18 first-half points, Phoenix maintained control throughout the game.
Standout Performances
Austin Reaves emerged as a bright spot for the Lakers, leading the team with 20 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Rui Hachimura contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and two steals, while R.J. Davis added 14 points off the bench. Bronny James also made his preseason debut, scoring eight points.
For the Suns, Devin Booker led all scorers with 24 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. Dillon Brooks was notably efficient, hitting all three of his three-point attempts. Deandre Ayton, despite a modest scoring night, contributed significantly on defense with eight rebounds and two blocks.
Lakers Struggle with Shooting
The Lakers’ offense faced challenges, shooting only 31% from the field. This inefficiency, coupled with turnovers and a lack of consistent scoring, hindered their ability to mount a comeback. However, Reaves’ performance indicated promising individual growth and potential for the team’s offensive development.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers will aim to rebound from this loss in their next preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, October 5, at 5:30 PM PT. The team’s performance in this matchup will be crucial in building momentum for the upcoming regular season. Fans can look forward to seeing how the Lakers adjust and whether they can integrate their star players back into the lineup effectively.
For those interested in rewatching the game or catching up on highlights, the full game is available for streaming.
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