On this day in Phoenix Suns history, December 8, 2004. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 113-110. That was the third win a row for the Suns who improved to 16-3 while the Lakers fell to 10-8.
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The starters for the Phoenix Suns were Steve Nash, Quentin Richardson, Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion, and Amar’e Stoudemire. The Lakers starting line-up included Kobe Bryant, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Chucky Atkins, and Chris Mihm.
NBA coaches are much more thoughtful today when it comes to the minutes their stars play. In that game, each starter for the Suns played at least 39 minutes. Bryant played 45 minutes for the Lakers.
Players of the Game
The leading scorer in this game was Joe Johnson. Johnson had 25 points on 10/19 shooting from the floor. He was also 5/7 from behind the three point line. The second leading scorer was Amar’e Stoudemire with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Steve Nash had 12 points and 10 assists.
Kobe Bryant had a triple double for the Lakers with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Caron Butler and Lamar Odom each had double doubles. Butler finished the game with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Odom also had 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
After The Game
The Suns would continue to win and eventually win 11 games in a row. They finished the season with a record of 62-20. Phoenix would make a deep playoff run, losing to the eventual NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in the western conference finals.
The Lakers would not stay over .500 for much longer and missed the playoffs that season with a record of 34-48.
