The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 125-108 on Monday, snapping the Lakers' seven-game winning streak. Despite an early explosion from Luka Dončić and a groin injury to Devin Booker, Phoenix surged ahead with strong performances from Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie. The win improves the Suns to 13-9 and highlights their recent turnaround.
The Suns faced a challenging matchup at Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers jumped out to an early lead behind Luka Dončić's 20 points in the first 11 minutes. However, Phoenix responded forcefully, outscoring Los Angeles 65-46 in the second and third quarters to secure a decisive 125-108 victory.
Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 33 points, while Collin Gillespie added 28 points, including 8-of-14 from three-point range and 5 assists. The Suns connected on 17 threes at a 43.6% clip, showcasing their improved perimeter shooting. Gillespie, who has four 20-point games in his last seven outings, has been a key factor in Phoenix's resurgence, averaging alongside Brooks' career-high 21.5 points per game this season.
"Working every single day," Brooks said of Gillespie's chemistry. "He’s studying the game, waiting for his opportunity – and he’s taken it."
Dončić finished with 38 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists, marking his seventh straight 30-point game, but the Lakers could not maintain momentum. LeBron James extended his streak of 1,297 consecutive games with 10 or more points. Devin Booker exited early with a groin injury after playing just 10 minutes.
This victory marks the Suns' 12th win in their last 17 games, transforming them from a 1-4 start into a top-10 team in both offense and defense. Under rookie head coach Jordan Ott, Phoenix forces the second-highest turnover rate in the league and ranks sixth in three-point percentage at 37.7%.
