Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers (10-6) take on the Phoenix Suns (9-7) tonight in their third game of the NBA Cup group stage. Los Angeles looks to remain undefeated in cup play, dating back to last season.
It will be no small task, however, as Phoenix has been a great team this season when healthy. They happen to be fully healthy tonight, as both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are set to return from injury. I know… The superstars are returning from injury against the Lakers. Who would have thought?
Suns’ Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal plan to return to the lineup against the Los Angeles Lakers in Tuesday’s NBA Cup game in Phoenix, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/wH2GUhJTvo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 25, 2024
In the last matchup, LA almost stole one down the stretch, with Austin Reaves barely coming up short on a beautifully drawn-up play. The Lakers look to complete the theft this time. If LA wants to walk in and walk out with the safe, they’ll have to focus on these keys.
Lakers Need LeBron Engaged
As silly as this might sound, it is a necessity. The last time these two teams met, we witnessed one of the worst games of LeBron James’ career. James went 3/14 from the field and almost sullied his streak of games with 10+ points (11).
This can not happen again, or frankly ever, against a high-caliber team like Phoenix. Many of LeBron’s missed shots came at the rim due to Phoenix’s ability to protect the paint with multiple defenders. Phoenix tallied up 11 total blocks in that game, but don’t expect that to continue, as they typically only average five per game.
You can never put an entire loss on one player, but this was about as close as it gets. As much as his M.O. has been taking over late in games this season, it would behoove Los Angeles to get James heavily involved early.
Lakers Must Ride the Waves
These two teams have already given us some fantastic games this season. In both matchups, the team that has jumped out to a 20-point first-half lead has lost the game. In the previous matchup down in the valley, there were six ties and 14 lead changes throughout the game.
These are two very good teams. There is a high likelihood that Phoenix will take a big lead at some point tonight. There is an equally high likelihood that the Lakers do the same thing. The key will be remaining composed during both.
It will be imperative tonight that JJ Redick treats this game almost like a playoff warmup. It is a Cup game, after all, and there is a good chance we may actually see this team in the playoffs, so why not?
Timely timeouts, mindful adjustments, and positive messaging through Suns runs will be vital in fending off the opposition.
Continued Anthony Davis Dominance
Anthony Davis has been a man among boys this season, much to the delight of the Lakers’ faithful. Tonight, he will have an opportunity to continue his dominance.
So far through this season, the Phoenix Suns give up the 3rd most points to centers in the entire league. Phoenix’s defensive anchor being Jusuf Nurkic, certainly helps make that statistic make sense. AD has dominated in both matchups this season, scoring 35 in the first matchup and 29 more recently.
Last time Anthony Davis played the suns in a tournament game:
-27 Points
-15 Rebounds
-2 Blocks#EmiratesNBACup pic.twitter.com/3bxQPyxLEr— ᴾ¹³ᶜᴱ🥇💎 (@TR3YP13CE) November 26, 2024
In Davis’ career, he has had his way in matchups against Nurkic. In the 23 times they’ve shared the court, AD averages 25/11/3 and a staggering 2.7 BPG. If Nurkic is looking to squabble up, he might want to pick someone else.
