LeBron James scored 32 points, and D’Angelo Russell scored 19, as the Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 122-119 on Friday night at the NBA at-Season Tournament. This victory put an end to the Suns’ three-game losing streak.
James, 21, shot 11 of 17 from the field, including 3 of 4 from three-point range, defying his age. In just 36 minutes, he recorded 11 rebounds and six assists.
In the first half, Beal scored 20 points and Durant 38, leading the Suns. Devin Booker’s right calf tightness caused him to miss his fourth straight game.
Austin Reaves’ shot with 9:25 remaining sparked a 14-0 run that gave the Lakers their first lead at the half, 97-96. In the fourth, Reaves made two more mid-range jumpers to keep Los Angeles ahead.
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With 1:10 remaining, Cam Reddish scored 17 points, including a corner three with James’ help, to give the Lakers a 118-113 lead. Prior to Reddish’s shot, Los Angeles had three offensive rebounds.
James, who had fouled in the first quarter, clenched his lower left leg. Following medical attention, the 38-year-old legend made a comeback to the game in the second quarter.
He helped the Lakers heal while maintaining his shape.
With 15 points in the third quarter, Durant gave the Suns a narrow edge. With Reddish’s game-winning three-pointer, Phoenix’s lead in the fourth quarter was trimmed to 96-89.
After recovering from a hip ailment, Anthony Davis finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists.
At halftime of his Suns debut, Beal made a traffic shot to give the team a 63-55 lead. They once held a 14-point lead. James finished the half with 19 points.
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