Thursday night witnessed Anthony Davis contributing 30 points and securing 13 rebounds, with LeBron James adding 10 of his 21 points in the final quarter, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-95 victory over the undermanned Phoenix Suns.
In the closing minutes of the game, LeBron James made a crucial layup with 1:11 remaining, ensuring the Lakers’ win. They managed to overcome a 12-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, marking their first victory of the new season and celebrating their home opener for LeBron’s 21st NBA season.
Despite a remarkable performance by Kevin Durant, who delivered 39 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Suns, the team played without their injured stars, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Although the Suns held an 84-72 lead entering the fourth quarter, they encountered difficulties, missing 13 of their next 14 shots and committing 10 turnovers in the following 10 minutes.
Kevin Durant attempted to tie the game at 91 with 1:28 left to play, but LeBron James responded with consecutive layups, interspersed with a missed 3-pointer by Durant. In the final seconds, Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis secured the victory with successful free throws.
It’s noteworthy that Durant and James hadn’t faced each other on an NBA court since Christmas 2018 due to various factors, including injuries, load management, and health and safety protocols.
Eric Gordon contributed 15 points, and this game marked Suns coach Frank Vogel’s return to face the Lakers, the team that parted ways with him 18 months ago after three seasons and one NBA championship.
Despite the Lakers’ plan to limit LeBron James’ playing time for health reasons this season, he remained on the court for the entire fourth quarter during this game. However, Los Angeles faced challenges in the first half when James wasn’t on the court.
LeBron James comes through the clutch yet again as the Lakers outlast a Suns side playing minus stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. #NBA https://t.co/z64UVTjRmY
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) October 27, 2023
The Lakers paid tribute to Frank Vogel with a video during the first timeout, recognizing his role in leading the team to their 17th championship three years ago. Nevertheless, the Lakers released Vogel 18 months later after his injury-plagued team missed the playoffs.
Devin Booker was absent from the game due to left foot soreness following an injury during his 28-point performance against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Additionally, Bradley Beal had yet to make his debut for the Suns due to lower back tightness.
The Lakers were without Jarred Vanderbilt, who was dealing with left heel bursitis. When he returns to full health, Vanderbilt is expected to replace Taurean Prince in the Lakers’ starting lineup. Prince played for 18 minutes but didn’t score.
In the upcoming games, the Suns are set to host the Utah Jazz on Saturday, while the Lakers will be on the road to face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
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