Suns find alternate ways to score when 3s don’t fall in win vs. Lakers

The Phoenix Suns overcame dismal three-point shooting in the first half to defeat to Los Angeles Lakers on the road 108-90.

They went into halftime 3-for-22 from beyond the arc, yet the Suns had the lead 54-52.

Phoenix unloaded the bag as far as other ways to score, including alternate means to finish possessions with three points.

Point guard Chris Paul got the upper hand on his old friend Carmelo Anthony with a hesitation move and the finish through contact.

💪 so strong down there, @CP3 💪 pic.twitter.com/N7dljGVToJ

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 22, 2021

He, of course, hit multiple mid-range jumpers as well.

Forward Mikal Bridges later hit a reverse layup while getting hit in the head by Lakers center DeAndre Jordan.

Fake it till you make it. pic.twitter.com/TAQiYoSQyL

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 22, 2021

The Lakers entered Tuesday having allowed the sixth-most points in the paint in the league this season, and the Suns found success there.

Center Deandre Ayton was a perfect 6-for-6 in the first half for 13 points. He made his first eight shots before finally missing at the rim.

The Suns have scored at all three levels throughout the season. Just 30.6% of their points came from threes entering this game, 27th-highest in the league. Phoenix had the sixth-most points in the paint per game before Tuesday night.

The shots Phoenix took from beyond the arc in the first half were not bad looks. Shots just did not fall.

The Suns eventually found their stroke with five threes in the third period.

Guard Devin Booker hit multiple, including this quick-trigger bank shot.

D Book and the Suns come out of halftime HOT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Q59y50OApx

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 22, 2021

Booker finished the night with 24 points to lead the way for Phoenix. He also collected his 2,000th career assist.

LeBron James scored a game-high 34 points.

Phoenix ran away with the game in the fourth quarter, taking a 20-point lead with just over five minutes remaining.

The Suns improve to 25-5 and will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in Phoenix.

You can listen to that game on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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