The Phoenix Suns opened their preseason campaign with a hard-fought 118-114 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Acrisure Arena. In a game that featured star power on both sides, the Suns managed to claw their way back from a double-digit halftime deficit to secure a win in their first outing of the 2024 preseason.
Both teams treated fans to a glimpse of their biggest stars during the first half, as future Hall of Famers and emerging talents took the court. As expected, it was the Lakers’ cornerstone, LeBron James, who set the tone early on. James, even in preseason form, delivered a stellar performance, putting up 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in just two-quarters of play. His fellow star, Anthony Davis, wasn’t far behind, contributing 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in the first half.
On the Suns’ side, the trio of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant played limited minutes but still had an impact. Booker led the way for Phoenix with 12 points, though he struggled from the field, hitting just 4 of 12 shots. Bradley Beal added 11 points, and Durant chipped in with six points, with each star logging just 14 minutes on the floor.
One of the most anticipated debuts came in the form of Bronny James, LeBron’s son, who saw 13 minutes of action for the Lakers. Though the young guard didn’t score, missing his only shot attempt, his presence on the court was a significant moment as he began his NBA journey al alongside his father.
Lakers Dominate Early
The game started slowly for both teams, with the score knotted at 18-18 midway through the first quarter. The Suns appeared sluggish out of the gate, struggling to find their rhythm on both ends of the court. Meanwhile, the Lakers started to assert themselves, particularly in the paint, where they dominated throughout the first half.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the charge for Los Angeles, and their play in the paint was particularly impactful. By halftime, the Lakers had outscored the Suns 44-13 in points in the paint, thanks in large part to their size advantage and aggressive play around the basket. The Lakers were also dominant on the boards, pulling down 29 rebounds to Phoenix’s 22, which helped them build a 69-57 lead at the break.
Los Angeles shot an impressive 55.8% from the field in the first half, with sharp ball movement and strong interior play keeping the Suns’ defense on its heels. Phoenix, on the other hand, struggled to get into a rhythm offensively, with poor shooting and a lack of interior presence allowing the Lakers to take control.
Suns Mount a Comeback
The second half saw a shift in momentum, as the Suns began to claw their way back into the game. While most of the Suns’ starting lineup sat after the first half, Tyus Jones was the lone starter who continued to play into the third quarter. His presence helped spark a Phoenix comeback, as the Suns tightened up defensively and began to chip away at the Lakers’ lead.
For the Lakers, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura took on larger roles in the second half, with both players seeing extended minutes. Despite their efforts, the Lakers’ shooting cooled off considerably in the third quarter, allowing the Suns to cut into their lead.
By the end of the third, Phoenix had narrowed the deficit to just seven points, trailing 92-85 heading into the final quarter.
Suns Take Control in the Fourth
The fourth quarter saw the Suns complete their comeback, as the team’s second unit began to find its groove. Midway through the final period, Phoenix took its first lead since the early stages of the game, thanks to a powerful dunk from Josh Okogie that put the Suns up 97-96.
From that point on, the game became a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets in the closing minutes. Despite the Lakers’ best efforts to hold onto their lead, Phoenix’s defense clamped down, and their offense found its rhythm just in time.
Okogie’s dunk energized the Suns, and they continued to press the Lakers, eventually building a small lead as the game entered its final moments. With the score tight and the clock winding down, the Suns managed to hold off the Lakers’ late surge, securing a 118-114 victory as the final buzzer sounded.
Looking Ahead: Preseason Continues
The Suns’ victory was a positive start to their preseason campaign, giving the team some momentum as they continue to build chemistry with their new-look roster. For Phoenix, the preseason will serve as an opportunity to fine-tune their rotations and integrate new additions like Bradley Beal into their offensive system. With Booker, Durant, and Beal all playing limited minutes, the team will likely look to ramp up their playing time as they prepare for the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, despite the loss, showed plenty of promise in the first half, particularly with the play of James and Davis. With LeBron entering his 21st season, the Lakers are focused on managing his minutes throughout the preseason while also getting a closer look at their younger players, including Bronny James, who will look to make a name for himself as he adjusts to the professional level.
The Suns will next travel to Michigan on Tuesday to take on the Detroit Pistons as their preseason schedule continues. Phoenix will also host the Lakers again on Thursday, October 17, for their preseason finale, offering both teams another opportunity to fine-tune their strategies before the regular season begins.
For now, Phoenix walks away from Acrisure Arena with a hard-fought victory, while the Lakers will look to regroup and continue building momentum in the coming weeks.
