Lakers (17–7) vs. Suns (14–11) | Game 24 of 82
Where to Watch and What Time
📅 Date: Sunday, Dec. 13
⏰ Tip-off: 5:00 p.m. PST
📍 Location: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
📺 TV: Spectrum SportsNet
📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA Cup in the quarterfinals by the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, facing the Suns next in Phoenix, who also got bounced in the opening Cup round by the world of their own Thunder.
This game will count toward the schedule and will be the second matchup between the two and the first one this season in Phoenix.
After winning seven straight games, the Lakers have lost three of their last five games with a 17-7 record for fourth in the West. In their 132-117 loss to the Spurs, the speed of San Antonio’s backcourt was L.A.’s Achilles heel, a trait that has been their kryptonite all season. Speed and quickness.
Austin Reaves had his second straight game with under 16 points, which he hadn’t done all season, in what has been an all-star year for him as the No. 9 scorer in the NBA.
Turned out, Reaves had been dealing with a calf strain injury before playing the Spurs, which can explain his output. The injury is minor and coach JJ Redick expects Reaves to be back in a week in the starting lineup.
The Suns, who hold a 14-11 record (seventh in the West), got the best of the Lakers in their first matchup behind a 33-point night from Dillon Brooks. Phoenix has also lost three of its last five games, but have had to deal with Devin Booker out of the rotation for the majority of that span.
A groin strain has kept Booker out of the last three, but he could be making his return against the Lakers on Sunday, because of course.
The Opponent and their Top Dogs
Booker and Brooks have led Phoenix to its solid start, despite most having them near the bottom of the West before the season with Kevin Durant’s exit. Their onset has been bolstered by a career-high 21.7 points a game from Brooks and a 25-point (6.7 assists) average from Booker.
Collin Gillespie gave the Lakers fits in their previous matchup, notching a career-high 28 points on eight made 3s. He’s averaged 13 points in 25 games this season.
Notable Opponent Ranks Among the NBA
The Suns have been in the middle of the pack this season with the 17th-rated offense and the 16th-rated defense in the NBA. Here are some notable (good and meh) rankings of where they sit among the league.
No. 1 team in steals per contest at 10.8 a game
3rd in the NBA in points off turnovers per contest (21.8)
6th in 3s made per contest (14.4)
9th in 3s attempted per contest (39)
11th in 3P% (36.6%)
2nd lowest in opponent’s points off turnovers allowed (21.5)
3rd lowest in FTA per contest (21.2)
The Lakers will rock their white threads on the road, while the Suns will wear their new black Association unis.
It will be four days till the Lakers’ next game, traveling on the road to Utah to face the Jazz for the third time this season.