The Los Angeles Lakers are taking on the Phoenix Suns in their first game of a tough seven-game road trip after falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-118 at home last night. The Suns are currently on a three-game losing streak, but have a 12-5 home record. With a win tonight, the Lakers can snap their current five-game losing streak, as well as avoid losing three straight games to the Suns.
First Quarter
Suns up 6-0 on the Lakers early in the first. Really have to limit that FG kicker from here out.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 16, 2014
The starting lineup change results in the Lakers’ first basket – a Pau to Jordan Hill alley-oop in the lane for a lay-up
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 16, 2014
An and-1 bucket from Wesley Johnson in transition capped a mini 5-0 run, w/Gasol’s first bucket starting it. PHX up 10-7, 5 minutes in.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 16, 2014
#SwaggyP finds Johnson from halfcourt for the alley-oop! Suns lead 22-18 w/3:20 left in the 1st.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 16, 2014
#Lakers lead Suns 27-26 after first quarter. Wes Johnson has 7 points, Chris Kaman with 6.
— TWC SportsNet (@TWCSportsNet) January 16, 2014
Second Quarter
Chris Kaman stays hot, hitting his 4th straight shot to put the Lakers up 29-26. He has 8 points in 4 minutes.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 16, 2014
Kendall Marshall thread the needle with a beautiful pass to Nick Young for the fast-break dunk
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 16, 2014
Ryan Kelly’s been very active since Young went out, with a 3 on one end and a block on the other. He has 7 rebounds already, LAL up 43-39.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 16, 2014
Lakers completely botched that last possession. Marshall took a poor shot too soon. Lakers head into the half up 58-54
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 16, 2014
Third Quarter
Nice move from Gasol in the post. Lakers hanging in so far. Tied up 68-68 halfway through the quarter.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 16, 2014
It’s all tied up at 72 midway through the 3rd. @paugasol is the third starter in double figures w/11 pts after his latest hoop in the paint.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 16, 2014
Once again, LAL struggles in the 3rd Q as they’re outscored 34-24 and trail 88-82 headed into the final frame.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 16, 2014
Fourth Quarter
Phoenix has 48 points in the paint tonight (via Billy Mac). Just no stopping them in the post from the Laker defense.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 16, 2014
Wesley Johnson three ties game at 91 in 4th
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) January 16, 2014
Pau Gasol (toe) has consecutive buckets to reach 17 points with his 7 boards and 4 assists, but he’s struggled to move his feet on D.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 16, 2014
The road trip starts off on the wrong foot, as the Lakers fall 121-114 at Phoenix. Up next: at Boston on Friday. Tip is at 4:30pm.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 16, 2014