The Los Angeles Lakers ended their four-game skid with a 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night, taking the season series 3-1 against their divisional rivals.
As expected, Luka Doncic delivered another standout performance against Phoenix, finishing with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while Austin Reaves continued his strong form with 28 points, four rebounds, and six assists.
For the Suns, their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal has yet to click, with Beal in particular facing criticisms for his production this season. The three-time All-Star has played 48 games this year, with his 17.3 points per game marking a significant drop from previous years.
His rough season continued Sunday, as he logged just 15 minutes before exiting with a hamstring injury.
Amid growing criticism of Beal's performance this season, Lakers head coach JJ Redick defended the veteran guard before Sunday's game.
"I think Brad has taken a lot of heat," Redick said to reporters. "I'm not sure, from a production standpoint, what more would you ever expect from a third option in the NBA."
"I'm not sure, from a production standpoint, what more would you ever expect from a third option in the NBA."
JJ Redick on Suns guard Bradley Beal. #Sunspic.twitter.com/k1c5UGnjZS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 16, 2025
Despite having one of the NBA's most expensive rosters, the Suns remain in 11th place in the Western Conference with just 15 games left in the regular season. The loss dropped them to 31-37, leaving them two games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in spot.
Phoenix will look to turn things around when they host the Toronto Raptors on Monday, though they may be without Beal for the matchup.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 11:21 AM.