PHOENIX – Halftime in the Valley feels heavier than usual on Thursday night, as the Phoenix Suns have had a back-and-forth battle with Los Angeles but have found an edge in the second quarter and are tied with the Lakers 49-49 in Downtown Phoenix.
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Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns opened like a team with a script with sharp ball movement, quick-trigger threes, and paint touches collapsing the defense. Then the temperature flipped. The Los Angeles Lakers detonated late in the first quarter, ripping off a run fueled by pace. Half-court patience turned into downhill violence. It wasn’t just shot-making; it was a whole different shift in energy. Luka Doncic was a huge part of the Lakers’ offense and led them in scoring in the first half with 18 points.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles forward LeBron James (23) against the Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That’s where this game has lived so far, in counters. Phoenix responded in the second quarter by spacing the floor with intention. Grayson Allen’s relocation threes punished overhelp. Collin Gillespie steadied possessions, navigating pick-and-rolls with poise. The Suns re-established tempo, not faster, but smarter. When Phoenix keeps turnovers under control and generates corner threes, their offensive rating jumps. It’s been a total team effort on the scoreboard without their two stars, Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, and the Suns need to continue to find consistency on the offense with their depth and second unit.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward Rasheer Fleming (20) dunks the ball against the Lakers in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If this is LeBron James’ final run through Phoenix, fans aren’t just watching a box score, they’re cataloging a chapter. History feels close enough to touch. Second-half adjustments will decide the game, and Phoenix will need to keep up its offensive momentum to contend with the starpower of LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
