Investigating the impact of the 45 point third quarter performance by Phoenix in the Lakers vs Suns victory
The Phoenix Suns dominated the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, securing a convincing 132 108 victory at the Footprint Center. Dillon Brooks delivered a standout performance, scoring a team high 25 points to help the Suns capitalize on a short handed Lakers squad. The visitors were without five time All Star and leading scorer Luka Doncic, who was sidelined due to a lower leg contusion sustained in his previous outing. Phoenix took control of the game early and effectively buried the Lakers with an explosive 45 point third quarter, shooting over 72 percent during that stretch to put the contest out of reach before the final period began.
The impact of the game was felt most significantly in the second half as the Suns' offensive depth overwhelmed the Lakers' defense. Brooks, who has been averaging a career high 21.7 points per game this season, scored 12 of his 25 points during the decisive third quarter surge. All five starters for the Suns finished in double figures, including Devin Booker, who contributed 21 points and 11 assists. Mark Williams provided a strong interior presence with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Collin Gillespie added 16 points and eight assists. For the Lakers, the loss marked their second consecutive defeat as they struggled to maintain ball control and offensive rhythm without their primary playmaker.
Reactions to the blowout highlighted the resilience of the Suns and the frustrations of a Lakers team missing its star. LeBron James led Los Angeles with 23 points, while Austin Reaves returned from a three game absence to provide 17 points off the bench. Despite these efforts, the Lakers committed 17 turnovers which the Suns converted into 24 points. Phoenix head coach Jordan Ott praised his team’s intensity, particularly during the third quarter run that saw them extend a 10 point halftime lead to a 26 point advantage. Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged the difficulty of competing without Doncic but noted that the team’s defensive execution and free throw shooting, where they hit just 18 of 29 attempts, were major factors in the loss.
The strategy for Phoenix focused on high pressure defense and rapid ball movement to exploit the Lakers' transition vulnerabilities. The Suns recorded 35 assists on 50 made field goals, showcasing an unselfish style of play that kept the Los Angeles defense off balance. By pressuring the ball and forcing turnovers, Phoenix was able to generate easy scoring opportunities and maintain a high pace throughout the night. Defensively, the Suns prioritized limiting the impact of the Lakers' secondary scorers, ensuring that the return of Reaves did not spark a significant comeback. This victory allows Phoenix to move to 16 13 on the season and reinforces their status as a competitive force in the Western Conference.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for both teams depends on the health of their key stars and their ability to sustain momentum through the holiday season. The Lakers will head home to host the Houston Rockets on Thursday, hoping for a quick recovery for Doncic as they look to snap their losing streak. Meanwhile, the Suns will travel to New Orleans on Friday to face the Pelicans in another important conference matchup. If Brooks continues his career best scoring form and the Suns maintain this level of offensive efficiency, they appear well positioned to climb further up the standings as the 2026 calendar year approaches.