Without their “Big Three”, the Lakers are corrected by the Suns

Orphan of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker and Russell Westbrook, this poster basically boils down to between Sons and the Lakers clearly never had the same taste, on paper. The impression was confirmed on the field, as there was no match between the two teams, phoenix crushing Los Angeles end to end (130-104).

It will at least allow Chris Paul (28 points, 8 assists), Deandre Ayton (21 points, 11 rebounds), Mikal’s Bridges (20 points) or Dennis Schröder (30 points) to stand. It was the third win in a row for Monty Williams’ men, while Darvin Ham’s men were halted after two successive victories.

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

— A one-sided game. It took the Suns five minutes, then a run 18-1 in their favor, for them to take the measure of the Lakers and put a punch in the back of their skull. After the quarter (38-24), the suspense was gone and, as the first period progressed, the gap grew even more, up to +26 at one point. Despite being slightly proud after the break (91-77), the “Purple & Gold” did not show anything good and Phoenix dominated them in all areas of the game, very good, present on the rebound, clean on the ball and powerful in the paint.

— Phoenix’s major trio shined. Without Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton had a mission to carry most of the Suns’ hopes tonight and they didn’t fail to answer. The authors of more than half of their team’s points, alternating outside victories and baskets close to the circle or half, they just don’t have to force their talent, facing a Lakers defense without subscriber. Perfect for their expectations trip with six games coming up, in the West and then in the East, starting this weekend.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ The Phoenix Collective. In addition to the trio of Chris Paul – Mikal Bridges – Deandre Ayton, previously discussed, the Suns also relied on strong performances from Torrey Craig (17 points, 9 rebounds), Damion Lee (15 points, 6 rebounds ), Landry Shamet (13 points) or Ish Wainright (8 points, 5 rebounds) to crush the Lakers. Proof that nothing could happen to them that night, as they were loaded with players capable of having a positive influence on this game.

✅ Dennis Schröder. With the absences of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, the German can expect to inherit the status of the Lakers’ number one offensive option and this has been confirmed. The only player from California to survive this collective collapse, perhaps along with Thomas Bryant (16 points, 5 rebounds) or Kendrick Nunn (17 points), the leader did what he knows how to do best, that is. is, carrying the ball, attacking the defense and accelerating when he wants, sometimes punishing from distance. His best outing of the season, from a strictly individual point of view.

⛔ Max Christie. Some of them were torn on the side of the Lakers last night, or in any case did not weigh, but the Californian rookie – certainly full of desire and good will – is perhaps the most difficult suffering on each side of the field. Unable to find his offensive rhythm (2 points in 27 minutes, 1/9 on shots and 0/3 on 3-pts…), he also took the soup on defense, especially when Chris Paul gives him one-on-one attention. . A fight to forget, but one that will surely serve him well for the future.

THE FOLLOWING

Phoenix (19-12) : back to back against Washington, on the night of Tuesday through Wednesday (03:00).

Los Angeles (13-17) : travel to Sacramento, in the evening from Wednesday to Thursday (04:00).