Suns Strokes: Suns snap four-game losing streak with win over Lakers
Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a basketball game. So, we will give you Suns Strokes, providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the Suns’ 99-76 win over the Lakers on March 18.
The Good:
On the night the Miami Heat extended their winning streak to 23 games, the Suns won their 23rd game of the season, ending a four-game losing streak with their fourth straight home win over the Lakers.
The Suns outscored the Lakers by 18 points in the final period, holding L.A. to an opponent season-low 10 fourth-quarter points.
Luis Scola scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, single-handedly outscoring the Lakers, 14-10, and outrebounding them, 8-7, in the quarter. Scola was one of six Suns players in double figures.
Defensively, the Suns — after allowing an opponent season-high tying 127 points at Washington — held the Lakers to an opponent season-low 76 points. L.A. has been held under 90 points just twice in its last 54 games, both by the Suns.
The Bad:
Interim head coach Lindsey Hunter’s decision to re-insert P.J. Tucker into the starting lineup to match-up against Steve Nash failed as Nash scored 10 points (4-of-7 FG) in the first 9:29 of the first quarter. It was the 11th different starting lineup used this season.
The Suns began the night with the NBA’s third-worst record (tied with New Orleans). The Suns end the night with the league’s sixth-worst record.
He Said It:
“My kids always ask me to make a three and I never do,” Luis Scola said after hitting only his second three-pointer of the season (2-of-13). “They weren’t here today but I’m going to make sure I get a tape; and [Tuesday] I’m going to show them. They’re going to be happy.”
Noted:
• Phoenix owns eight victories over the Western Conference’s top eight teams.
• The Suns had four reserves score in double figures for the second time in nine games.
• Goran Dragic recorded his league-leading eighth double-digit assist effort in 15 games since the All-Star break.
Up Next:
The Suns (23-45) continue their four-game homestand with a match-up against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, March 20.
