UPDATE: The Phoenix Suns stunned the Los Angeles Lakers with a last-second three-pointer from Royce O’Neale, sealing a dramatic 113-110 victory just as the clock expired. This crushing defeat marks the Lakers’ third consecutive loss after they fell short against the Orlando Magic just days earlier.
With only 0.9 seconds left on the clock, O’Neale’s clutch shot not only delivered a shocking blow to the Lakers but also highlighted the Suns’ resilience despite missing key players like All-Star guard Devin Booker due to a right hip strain. The Lakers, now 34-24 in the season, faced a tough battle against a Suns team that had struggled recently, losing six of their last eight games.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with the fourth quarter featuring intense back-and-forth action. The Lakers initially took a lead, but a strong 12-0 run by the Suns shifted momentum. Lakers guard Austin Reaves managed to tie the game with a three-pointer late in the quarter, only for O’Neale to respond with the decisive basket.
As the final seconds ticked away, the Lakers set up a play for Reaves, who was unable to convert a three-point attempt as time expired.
“We had a great practice and meeting after the Boston game, and you don’t need to belabor every single loss,”
said Lakers coach JJ Redick following the game. His team now faces increasing pressure as they struggle to find form.
In the absence of key players, the Suns displayed remarkable teamwork, with Grayson Allen scoring 16 points in the third quarter alone. Despite the Lakers initially holding a 13-point lead at one point, they could not maintain control as the Suns rallied back.
Lakers’ star LeBron James finished with 15 points, while Reaves and Marcus Smart chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively. The team’s inability to close out games has now become a pressing concern as they prepare to move forward from this heartbreaking defeat.
Looking ahead, the Lakers need to regroup quickly as they approach the next game, needing to bounce back to avoid further slipping in the standings. The Suns, rejuvenated by this victory, will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches. How the Lakers respond will be critical as they navigate this challenging stretch in the season.
The emotional toll of another close loss weighs heavily on the players and fans alike, raising questions about their playoff potential. Fans will be eager to see if the Lakers can break this losing streak and reclaim their footing in the competitive landscape of the NBA.