The Phoenix Suns were up by as much as 22 points and were manhandling the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half, but they saw that lead disappear late before the Lakers stormed back to win 123-116 on Friday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Coming out blazing, the Suns were shooting 12-for-18 (%) from deep with 37 of their 61 first-half points coming from Devin Booker (14), Kevin Durant (13) and Bradley Beal (10). The Lakers bounced back before the buzzer by drawing within nine, 61-52.
Los Angeles’ momentum continued into the second half by outscoring Phoenix 71-55. Locking down on defense, the Los Angeles held the Suns to going 5-for-19 (26.3%) from three in the final two quarters. Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent collected three steals each.
A major difference in the game was the free throw discrepancy, with the Lakers receiving 39 and the Suns having 17. Phoenix turned the ball over 17 times and gave up 26 points as a result.
The game was a story of two halves and the Lakers came out victorious, the second time fighting back and coming back to beat the Suns after they did it in preseason 128-122 in overtime on Oct. 17.
Anthony Davis scored 35 points, Reaves finished with 26 and LeBron James added 21 for the Lakers. Durant led the Suns with 30 and Booker pitched in with 23.
Here is how some of the Suns fans vented and others responded on social media after the defeat:
Almost identical to last seasons 1st game vs the Lakers. Big lead given away after the officials slowed it down with fouls called 1-way.
With that said, gotta do better & make em after starting on fire! Can't use those officals as an excuse, gotta overcome!#SunsUp https://t.co/KAtJCz0S9E
— Snoop Scotty Scott (@KubiakSP) October 26, 2024
What are we doing #SunsUp
— Arizona Sports Fan (@James0620549530) October 26, 2024
I’m not worried about the Suns all considered, but when you’re up as big as we were, you gotta find that win.#SunsUp
— ZacC (@ZacC520) October 26, 2024
Tough loss considering we started so good, but on to the next one!
Our focus now shifts back home for our home opener, vs Dallas. Let’s bring the energy and support our @Suns! #SunsUp https://t.co/gQICHprLfg— Siro (@KenyanSuns_Fan) October 26, 2024
This is crazy… #SunsUp
— Fins x Suns (@JuanSotoisHim) October 26, 2024
Oso and Bol Bol should be playing more #SunsUp
— Mr. Bucketlist (@khiry_alvin) October 26, 2024
Hey Coach Bud, you know you have a guy named Bol Bol on your team right??? #SunsUp
— AZ Sports Zone (@AZSportsZoneIE) October 26, 2024
The first 18 minutes of the game was a blast. We had that at least. #SunsUp
— Ghostface (@Desertcanuck) October 26, 2024
How do you go from 20+ to 9 and now 1? I’m annoyed rn #SunsUp
— Bee ???????? (@thatgirlbee_) October 26, 2024
Nurkic is a -18 tonight and it feels worse than that #SunsUp
— Daniel (@HiiAmDaniel) October 26, 2024
No excuse to go this cold, even if the Lakers are in a new system with a new coach & still getting the officials treatment. Gotta get past 1-sided officials, just part of being in the NBA.
Wake up Suns! #SunsUp #LakersVSSuns
— Snoop Scotty Scott (@KubiakSP) October 26, 2024
Unacceptable loss #sunsup
— Heathen Hammer (@HeathenHammer5) October 26, 2024
Well, If I Learned Anything About This Game It's That You Don't Celebrate An Early Lead If You Can't Finish. #SunsUp
— Diana Rose Sweets. (@Dirtysweets) October 26, 2024
Suns new point guard shines, broke franchise record in debut vs. Clippers
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
