PHOENIX SUNS

Suns fall at Lakers as Kaman goes off: By The Numbers

Mar 31, 2014, 4:07 AM | Updated: 4:07 am

For the first time in a long time, the Phoenix Suns got a bit of help in the playoff race.

The Golden State Warriors fell to the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Portland Trail Blazers — giving the Suns a chance to close to within a half-game of Golden State and extend their lead to 1.5 games over Memphis, which currently sits a half-game out of the playoff picture.

But, for the first time in a long time, the Suns laid an egg on the road, falling 115-99 to the lowly Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday and failing to make any headway in the playoff race.

Here’s a closer look at the disappointing loss, by the numbers:

9

It’s been nine years since the Suns last completed a season sweep of the Lakers — something they had a chance to do Sunday — by winning every contest against them in the 2004-05 season.

11

Former Suns guard Kendall Marshall dished out 11 assists for the Lakers to go along with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

22

Phoenix guard Gerald Green scored a team-high 22 points, including 11 straight during a white-hot run that saw the Suns take a 37-36 lead in the second quarter.

28

Los Angeles center Chris Kaman went off for 28 points and 12 rebounds on 13-of-19 shooting — well above his season average of 9.8 points per game.

36

The Suns put up a ridiculous 36 3-pointers on Sunday, connecting on just eight of them. Phoenix has averaged 9.5 makes on 25.2 attempts from long range this season.

38.5

The Suns shot 38.5 percent against a bad defensive Lakers team — often settling for jumpshots, though many of them were decent looks that didn’t fall.

Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant...

Nick Borgia

Team USA’s Grant Hill delivers Olympics jerseys to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant

Suns stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant officially accepted the invitation to compete on USA's 12-man squad for the Paris Olympics.

11 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Is overconfidence the biggest concern with the Suns in their playoff series with the Timberwolves?

Having not lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves all season, Wolf & Luke wonder if the Phoenix Suns might be a little overconfident heading into their first round playoff series with them.

15 hours ago

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Bradley Beal #3...

Kellan Olson

Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic must maintain footing for Suns playoffs series vs. T-Wolves

Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic must step up to help the Phoenix Suns' first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves.

18 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Can Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have a ‘Golden Summer’

Dan Bickley askes if Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can wins a gold medal and an NBA championship in the same summer during his Bickley Blast.

18 hours ago

Victor Wembanyama defends Bradley Beal...

Kevin Zimmerman

James Jones touts Bradley Beal’s balance as Suns’ playoffs begin

Bradley Beal found a groove late in the regular season. James Jones spoke on him settling into his role before the playoffs.

2 days ago

Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban for sports betting...

Arizona Sports

NBA gives Jontay Porter lifetime ban for sports betting

The NBA levied a lifetime ban on Jontay Portay after an investigation found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors.

2 days ago

Suns fall at Lakers as Kaman goes off: By The Numbers