Mandy
The Phoenix Suns delivered one of their most resilient performances of the season on Monday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 125-108 at Crypto.com Arena.
Despite losing Devin Booker early to a groin injury, Phoenix played with intensity and control, ending the Lakers’ impressive seven-game winning streak.
Phoenix Surges Without Booker
Dillon Brooks Dominates The First Half
With Booker ruled out late in the first quarter, Dillon Brooks stepped up as the primary scoring option.
- Brooks finished the night with 33 points
- He scored 23 of those points in the first half on 11-of-16 shooting
His aggressive offensive approach kept Phoenix steady while the rotation adjusted to Booker’s absence.
Collin Gillespie’s Breakout Game
Guard Collin Gillespie delivered a career-defining performance, scoring a personal-best 28 points.
- He drilled eight 3-pointers, also a career high
- 16 of his points came in the fourth quarter, helping Phoenix secure the win
Gillespie’s perimeter efficiency gave the Suns the cushion they needed to stay ahead in the final stretch.
Lakers Struggle Despite Luka Doncic’s Scoring Outburst
Luka Leads, But The Team Falters
Even with Luka Doncic pouring in 38 points, the Lakers struggled to build momentum.
Los Angeles committed 22 turnovers, leading to multiple fast-break opportunities for the Suns and contributing significantly to Phoenix’s 21-point third-quarter lead.
Reaves And LeBron Provide Limited Support
- Austin Reaves added 16 points for the Lakers
- LeBron James scored 10 points, just enough to extend his legendary streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games scoring in double figures
- The streak began on January 7, 2007, shortly after Cooper Flagg was born
Despite these contributions, the Lakers looked fatigued, playing their third home game in four nights.
How The Game Shifted
Suns Take Control On Both Ends
Phoenix showed superb defensive pressure, forcing the Lakers into repeated mistakes.
Their 22 forced turnovers allowed the Suns to maintain pace even without Booker, proving decisive in the second half.
Brooks In The First Half, Gillespie In The Second
- Brooks handled scoring responsibilities early
- Gillespie delivered the decisive blows late with a series of deep-range 3-pointers
The Lakers never fully recovered after falling into an early deficit.
The Phoenix Suns showcased grit and depth with a commanding performance despite losing Devin Booker in the opening quarter.
With Dillon Brooks setting the tone early and Collin Gillespie erupting in the second half, Phoenix overcame adversity and snapped the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, the Lakers struggled with turnovers and inconsistency beyond Luka Doncic’s 38-point effort.
Although LeBron James extended his scoring streak, Los Angeles couldn’t match the Suns’ energy on either end. Phoenix’s win highlights their growing resilience as they move deeper into the season.
FAQs
Why did Devin Booker leave the game early?
Booker exited with two minutes left in the first quarter due to a right groin injury.
Who led the Suns in scoring?
Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 33 points, while Collin Gillespie added a career-high 28 points.
How many turnovers did the Lakers commit?
The Lakers committed 22 turnovers, which played a major role in their defeat.