Los Angeles Lakers (52-29) beat Phoenix Suns (44-37) 101-73 at home on Friday, April 10. The final margin was 28 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Lakers had the better start, winning the first 33-24 to lead by 9 after one. The teams matched each other with 24 points apiece in the second quarter; the Lakers still led by 9 at halftime.
The Lakers won the third 24-16 to create some separation, taking a 17-point lead into the fourth. The Lakers took the fourth 20-9; the Lakers finished the job for a 101-73 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Lakers took better care of the ball, turning it over on 12.3% of possessions compared with 25.2% for the Suns. The Lakers got more from their shots, finishing at 56.5% effective field-goal shooting compared with 38.3% for the Suns. Those extra possessions were crucial.
The Suns did win one battle, second chances: ORB% of 36.7% against 12.1%. The Lakers made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 90 possessions per team, the Lakers produced 111.9 points per 100 possessions to 80.9 for the Suns.
The Suns' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 42-29.
Who stood out
LeBron James was the game's biggest individual force for LAL: 28 pts, 6 reb, 12 ast, 4 stl on 10-16 shooting. His Game Score of 31.4 led everyone. His team was +27 with him on the floor.
Royce O'Neale led the Suns with 11 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl on 4-10 shooting, good for a 10.6 Game Score.
LeBron James (28 pts, 6 reb, 12 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Lakers about a 73% chance.
Across the last 8 meetings in our records, Phoenix Suns lead 5-3.
The Lakers are now 52-29, and the Suns are 44-37. The Lakers last five before this game: W-L-L-L-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.