LOS ANGELES — In an exciting matchup, Anthony Davis delivered a standout performance with 35 points, while Austin Reaves contributed 26 as the Los Angeles Lakers came from behind to defeat the Phoenix Suns 123-116 on Friday evening. This victory marks the Lakers’ first 2-0 start to a season since 2010-11.
LeBron James played a crucial role, scoring 17 of his total 21 points during the second half. Despite facing a daunting 22-point deficit in the second quarter, the Lakers displayed remarkable resilience.
On the opposing side, Kevin Durant spearheaded the Suns (1-1) with 30 points, and Devin Booker supported with 23 points of his own. At halftime, the Lakers found themselves trailing 61-52 but made a significant comeback by outscoring Phoenix 35-24 in the third quarter, with Davis and James each adding 11 points in that period.
The Lakers extended their lead to 12 points in the fourth quarter, maintaining control as the game progressed.
**Game Insights**
For the Suns, their initial shooting was impressive as they converted 21 of their first 30 attempts, including an impressive stretch of nine consecutive three-pointers. However, their performance took a downturn later, finishing the game with a shooting percentage of 21 of 52 after the first quarter. The team was particularly strong in the first half, hitting 24 of 39 shots, but struggled with only 9 of 27 in the third quarter. They held a significant 38-23 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In terms of coaching milestones, J.J. Reddick’s victory marks him as the first Los Angeles coach to win his first two games since Phil Jackson in 1999.
**Defining Moments**
A pivotal moment came when the Lakers were down 81-74 with three minutes left in the third quarter. They soon scored nine consecutive points, reclaiming the lead. This scoring streak was part of a larger 20-6 run that spanned nearly five minutes, shifting the game’s momentum.
**Statistics to Note**
The Lakers excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 14 of their 27 three-point attempts. Austin Reaves stood out by making 5 of 7 attempts from this distance, while LeBron James, Dalton Knecht, and Rui Hachimura each contributed with two three-pointers.
**Looking Ahead**
Both teams are set to play at home on Saturday night, with the Suns taking on the Dallas Mavericks, and the Lakers facing off against the Sacramento Kings.
