The Phoenix Suns were looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since Jan. 27 when they visited the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. However, Phoenix had no answer for star guard Luka Doncic, who dominated once again, leading LA to a 107-96 victory with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.
After missing the Lakers' loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday due to an ankle injury, Doncic wasted no time getting back into rhythm. He scored 17 points in the first half alone-matching the combined total of the Suns' big three: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Without LeBron James, Doncic carried the Lakers to their third win over Phoenix this season, finishing with a game-high +16 plus/minus.
After the game, Devin Booker, who had 19 points and 11 assists but struggled with his shooting, acknowledged Doncic's ability to navigate the Suns' defense.
"I think we were trying to blitz him early, but it wasn't a full blitz," Booker explained. "He was able to still read the backside of the defense and make plays."
"I think we were trying to blitz him early, but it wasn't a full blitz. He was able to still read the backside of the defense and make plays."
Devin Booker on defending Luka Doncic, who posted 33 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists in Lakers win over Suns. ##Suns#LakeShowhttps://t.co/fkOewTiU8D
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 16, 2025
Doncic has consistently tormented Phoenix throughout his career. In 22 regular-season matchups against the Suns, he has averaged an impressive 29.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists (via StatMuse).
Since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic has been a game-changer for the Lakers, averaging 26.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.6 assists despite some early struggles in LA.
With the win, the Lakers (41-25) continue their push for a top playoff seed with 16 games left in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Suns (11th in the West) will need a strong finish to sneak into the play-in tournament.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 11:49 AM.