PHOENIX – In what could have been a season-saving win for the Phoenix Suns, Royce O’Neale delivered the big shot and hit a game-winning three-pointer to defeat LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Lakers by a score of 113-110.
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Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward O’Neale (00) celebrates with guard Collin Gillespie (12) against the Lakers in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns’ Royce O’Neale hits game winning shot to defeat Lakers:
ROYCE O’NEALE GAME-WINNER 🎯🎯🎯 pic.twitter.com/QuSN37cUg1
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 27, 2026
Rivalries aren’t always decided by the loudest résumé. Sometimes they’re decided by the calmest release. On a night when Luka Dončić authored 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, it was O’Neale who wrote the final line. His game-winning three over the Lakers didn’t just punctuate a comeback; it exposed a late defensive unraveling by the Lakers and elevated the Phoenix Suns’ evolving identity.
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
Thursday night was a tug-of-war. The Lakers toggled between drop and blitz schemes, doing just enough to keep Phoenix from finding rhythm. Then the script flipped. Over the final stretch, Phoenix spaced the floor with surgical patience. The Suns generated consistent offence and forced miscommunications in Los Angeles’ weak-side rotations. O’Neale’s winner mattered because it wasn’t improvised chaos. It was a process. Drive, kick, extra pass, feet set. Release.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward Ryan Dunn (0) celebrates against the Lakers in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For fans in the Valley, it’s a reminder that championship teams need connective tissue players who embrace the biggest shot without demanding it. Nationally, it’s a warning that depth and decision-making can neutralize even a 41-point masterpiece. Superstars shape nights. Structure wins them. In a rivalry already rich with chapters, this one belongs to the guy who didn’t blink, and Royce O’Neale delivered another storied moment between these two NBA franchises.
Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers tied at halftime in close matchup
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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
