Dillon Brooks dominates Lakers in one-sided defeat

The Phoenix Suns took advantage of a lackluster performance by the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, cruising to a commanding 125-108 victory and ending LAs seven-game winning streak.

After a competitive first quarter, the Suns pulled away in the second, then relied on scorching shooting from Dillon Brooks, who scored 33 points, and Collin Gillespie, who added 28, to extend their lead in the second half. The Lakers struggled with 21 turnovers, which Phoenix converted into 32 points, and were outpaced 28-2 in fastbreak scoring.

Devin Booker played only in the opening quarter due to a right groin injury, leaving the Suns without one of their stars, yet the team still managed a decisive win.

First Quarter Back-and-Forth

The game started as a scoring duel. Luka Doni led Los Angeles with six points, while Brooks had five for Phoenix. The Suns went on a 12-4 run to cut a six-point Lakers lead, with both Luka and Booker trading three-pointers. The quarter ended tied, with LA committing only two turnovers versus four for Phoenix. Doni scored 20 points in the first quarter on 8-of-11 shooting, showcasing why hes one of the leagues top scorers in opening periods.

Suns Pull Away

LeBron James opened the second quarter with a fadeaway jumper, but Phoenix struggled initially, missing their first four shots. Austin Reaves hit his second three-pointer, and Dalton Knecht contributed a triple. Despite a Lakers lead early on, Phoenix went on an 11-2 run, with Brooks reaching double digits at 18 points, and LAs turnovers continued to mount. The Suns closed the half on a 19-4 run to lead 66-52, the largest deficit the Lakers had faced in recent games.

Second Half Collapse

The Lakers began the third quarter with a 24-second shot clock violation. Ayton scored four points, while former Laker Jordan Goodwin hit a three-pointer. Brooks, now with 26 points, continued to dominate, and the Lakers turnovers climbed to 17, while Phoenix committed only eight. By the end of the third, the Suns led by 19 points, highlighted by 24 fastbreak points to none for LA.

Closing Stretch

Los Angeles started the fourth quarter with a brief four-point surge, countered by a five-point run from Phoenix. Gabe Vincent made a crucial three-pointer, but the Lakers struggled to defend Gillespie, who finished 7-of-11 from deep. By 5:44 remaining, Los Angeles emptied its bench, effectively conceding the game.

Key Performances

• Luka Doni: 38 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists (20 points in the first quarter alone)
• Austin Reaves: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
• LeBron James: 10 points, 3 assists
• Deandre Ayton: 12 points, 9 rebounds

The Lakers will face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday at 4:30 PM PT.

Author: Benjamin Carter