The Los Angeles Lakers got a big 122-119 win over the Phoenix Suns to improve to 4-5 on the season.
The Los Angeles Lakers completed an incredible turnaround on Friday night, coming back from down double-digits to beat the Phoenix Suns 122-119. The Lakers were down 14 points at one stage and seemed headed toward a fourth straight loss, but roared back in the fourth quarter.
They won the period 33-23 to get their first road win of the campaign and improved their record to 4-5. The Lakers once again had a slow start as they were down 35-24 after the first quarter, but they managed to turn things around.
Leading the way, as always, was LeBron James, who had 32 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. He went down with a non-contact injury in the first quarter, but managed to return to the game and dominated.
Anthony Davis, meanwhile, had a quiet night on his return from injury, finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and a block. It didn’t end up hurting the Lakers too much, as four other players scored in double figures. This win also meant the Lakers are now 1-0 in the In-Season Tournament.
As for the Suns, Kevin Durant was magnificent with 38 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Bradley Beal had 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a second-straight loss to the Lakers this season.
Lakers Fans Celebrated The Statement Win
Lakers fans were in high spirits after this one as you might imagine. They celebrated this statement win over the Suns.
One says they are the best team in the league.
#LAKERSWIN pic.twitter.com/oqe10y4pAB
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 11, 2023
A fan says LeBron James should be in the MVP race.
#LAKERSWIN pic.twitter.com/oqe10y4pAB
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 11, 2023
Cam Reddish should become a permanent starter, a fan said.
#LAKERSWIN pic.twitter.com/oqe10y4pAB
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 11, 2023
A fan explained that they are hard on the team because they know the group is capable of putting in performances like this one.
A fan lauded the team for this great comeback.
#LAKERSWIN pic.twitter.com/oqe10y4pAB
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 11, 2023
This win would be a huge confidence booster and the fans certainly seem to be over the moon.
Starting Cam Reddish Paid Off For The Lakers
Head coach Darvin Ham made a significant change to the starting lineup for this one and it wasn’t a popular decision. Lakers fans were angry with Ham for benching Austin Reaves in favor of Cam Reddish, but it worked out pretty well.
Reddish ended the night with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals, and made a good impression. He played solid defense and was 5-8 from beyond the arc, hitting a huge three-pointer to give the Lakers a five-point lead in the closing stages of the contest.
He had struggled massively at the start of this season but repaid the faith that Ham put in him by starting him. This could be the game that turns things around for Reddish and the Lakers would certainly be hoping for that to be the case.
As for Reaves, he hit some big shots as well, ending the night with 15 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists, and 1 steal. It will be interesting to see if the Lakers persist with this new lineup going forward. They’ll be taking on the Portland Trail Blazers next on Sunday, which will commence a three-game homestand.