Phoenix Suns Beat Lakers Despite Missing 45 Points Per Game from Injured Stars
Phoenix, 27 February 2026
Phoenix secured a dramatic 113-110 victory over Los Angeles on Thursday night, with Royce O’Neale’s three-pointer sealing the win with just 0.9 seconds remaining. The most remarkable aspect was how the Suns managed this triumph whilst missing their top two scorers - Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks - who together average 45 points per game. Grayson Allen led the charge with 28 points off the bench, whilst Luka Dončić’s 41-point performance wasn’t enough for the Lakers. The victory marked Phoenix’s first time exceeding 100 points in regulation over their last five games, demonstrating remarkable resilience in adversity.
The Decisive Final Moments
The game’s climactic finish unfolded with surgical precision in the final 23 seconds. After LeBron James tied the contest at 110 with a tip-in with 22.7 seconds remaining [1], Phoenix orchestrated a textbook final possession. Grayson Allen drove into the lane before finding Collin Gillespie in the corner, who quickly swung the ball to an open Royce O’Neale [1][2]. O’Neale’s three-pointer with 0.9 seconds left proved decisive when Austin Reaves missed an open corner three-pointer at the buzzer [1][2].
Comeback Kings: Lakers’ Late Rally Falls Short
The Lakers demonstrated remarkable resilience, mounting a furious comeback from a 12-point deficit with 6:28 remaining in the fourth quarter [1][2]. Austin Reaves tied the game at 108 with a three-pointer with one minute remaining, completing what appeared to be a stunning turnaround [1][2]. However, O’Neale responded immediately with a layup after an offensive rebound to restore Phoenix’s lead to 110-108 [1][2]. Despite Luka Dončić’s outstanding 41-point, eight-rebound, eight-assist performance [1][2], the Lakers’ third consecutive loss highlighted their ongoing road struggles [GPT].
Three-Point Barrage Powers Undermanned Suns
Phoenix’s victory was built on exceptional perimeter shooting, converting 22 of 50 three-point attempts for a 44% success rate [1][2]. Collin Gillespie emerged as an unlikely hero, making four three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone and finishing with 21 points [1][2]. Grayson Allen’s 28-point performance included 16 points in the third quarter, during which he connected on four three-pointers to help Phoenix overcome a 13-point deficit [1][2]. The Suns’ three-point prowess proved crucial in offsetting the absence of their top two scorers, Devin Booker (hip strain) and Dillon Brooks (fractured hand), who together average approximately 45 points per game [1][2].
Statistical Breakdown and Season Context
The victory improved Phoenix’s post-All-Star break record to 2-3 [1][2], whilst representing their first regulation game exceeding 100 points in their previous five contests [1][2]. The Lakers shot 50.667% from the field and 37.931% from three-point range, compared to Phoenix’s 45.977% field goal percentage [3]. The Suns demonstrated superior ball movement with 22 assists compared to the Lakers’ 20, whilst both teams committed 12 turnovers each [3]. Looking ahead, the Lakers face Golden State on Saturday night whilst Phoenix travels to Sacramento on Tuesday [1][2].