For the first time since the NBA Cup’s inception, the Lakers suffered a loss in the tournament, falling to the Suns in a lopsided 127-100 defeat on Tuesday night. It took two seasons and nearly ten games, but the Lakers’ unbeaten streak in the Cup came to an end after a dominating performance by Phoenix.
The game unfolded in a manner reminiscent of the Lakers’ struggles against the Nuggets. Despite a solid first half, the team collapsed in the third quarter, where the Suns outscored them 36-18 to take full control. The opening quarter saw both teams trading baskets at a high tempo. Anthony Davis started strong, going perfect from the field with midrange shots and a dunk, while LeBron James balanced scoring with some slick assists, including a highlight pass to Rui Hachimura for a slam.
On the Suns’ side, Bradley Beal, returning from injury, hit a pair of wide-open three-pointers, and Devin Booker started to find his rhythm late in the first quarter. Phoenix took a 31-25 lead heading into the second period.
The Lakers narrowed the gap early in the second quarter, keeping within three points despite shaky offense and defensive lapses. However, their struggles to guard the perimeter allowed Phoenix to capitalize, with Kevin Durant looking automatic from deep. Austin Reaves provided a spark for LA with an 8-0 personal run, briefly giving the Lakers a one-point lead. The half ended with a pair of highlight plays: Suns rookie Ryan Dunn tipped in a shot, and Reaves knocked down a midrange jumper for LA. Phoenix led 57-55 at halftime.
Reaves opened the third quarter with a three-pointer, but the momentum quickly shifted. Jusuf Nurkić, after a quiet first half, scored 10 points in the period, and Phoenix’s lead grew to double digits. LA’s energy plummeted, their shooting went cold, and their defense fell apart, prompting a timeout after a Kevin Durant three pushed the Suns ahead by 11. Phoenix surged on a 19-4 run to end the quarter, leaving the Lakers down by 20 points.
The final quarter saw more of the same. A three-pointer by Beal set the tone as the Lakers continued to miss shots and lacked defensive intensity. With the outcome clear and a back-to-back game looming on Wednesday, coach JJ Redick pulled the starters.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with a standout performance, recording 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, a steal, and four blocks. LeBron James added 18 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, while Austin Reaves contributed 15 points on 6-12 shooting. Despite these efforts, the Lakers couldn’t match Phoenix’s firepower, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
The loss highlights significant areas for improvement as the Lakers look to regroup ahead of their next game.
