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00:00Here's your host, Ahmed Fareed.
00:03Game 2 of our Peacock NBA doubleheader, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns slowing down just a bit.
00:09Did have that fast start.
00:11Find themselves on the road tonight at Crypto.com Arena facing the Lakers.
00:15LeBron is back.
00:16Luka, a little rivalry between him and Devin Booker, dating back to that 2022 playoffs where Luka got to the finals.
00:23Devin did not.
00:23Hello, everyone.
00:24Glad you're with us on this NBA Monday.
00:26Ahmed Fareed, Tracy McGrady, and Brian Scalabrini, super pumped for this one.
00:30The Lakers find themselves right now 15-4, winners of seven straight.
00:35They are rolling right now.
00:36It's always at this point in the year you try to figure out what we thought they were going to be at the beginning of the year.
00:41Has that changed at all, seeing them now with LeBron back?
00:44I think it has for me.
00:46I was wondering about this team.
00:47Do they have enough shooting?
00:48Are they tough enough?
00:49Are they too old?
00:50Can they guard?
00:51And a lot of things have been answered.
00:53The shooting has improved since LeBron has got there.
00:56I think J.J. Redick does a really good job of organizing his team defensively, so they're overachieving on that way.
01:03And then who would have ever thought that Luka, I mean, as good as he was, you know, he sheds all the weight.
01:08He's back this season.
01:09He's playing at probably the best of his career.
01:12Defensively?
01:14Yeah, I'll give him that, but definitely offensively.
01:16I think he's bought in defensively.
01:18I mean, he's given more effort.
01:19That's because he's in better shape, right?
01:21I mean, we're not surprised by that.
01:22But for me, I think it's how they look pre-LeBron in terms of shooting, right?
01:29I think their shooting was abysmal, right?
01:33They didn't get the quality shots that they wanted on the perimeter.
01:36But having LeBron in this lineup kind of free up, you know, the other guys.
01:40They free up Austin Reeves so he doesn't have to utilize, you know, off-the-dribble three-point shooting.
01:46And now they're getting great quality shots because he can play off the ball.
01:49And LeBron, being on the weak side off the ball, pulls so much gravity with, you know, Luka running, pick and roll.
01:55Austin Reeves standing on the perimeter.
01:56That's how they're getting these quality shots and their three-point percentages going up.
01:59Well, let's get into it because before LeBron came back, they were 23rd in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage.
02:05Since he's come back, they're up to six scale wide.
02:08Yeah, they're ten points better.
02:10I mean, it's not just LeBron, but I just want to pinpoint.
02:12He's the guy that came back.
02:13Look at these kind of plays that they run off-ball action.
02:16All eyes on LeBron James.
02:18He's still LeBron James.
02:19He's set a pin down for a Luka Doncic, and he knocks it down.
02:22Keep your eye again.
02:24LeBron sees the situation.
02:26Watch how he will back up and get the defense to go.
02:30This is the gravity that Tracy McGrady was talking about.
02:32A pullover, Austin Reeves wide open.
02:36Austin Reeves has been a guy that has to do it off the dribble.
02:39Now that LeBron is back, he'll get more catch-and-shoot opportunities.
02:43And this is just simple plays.
02:44LeBron has been doing this forever.
02:46Moving the basketball, finding open guys.
02:49Elite decision maker, especially in the open court.
02:52So, I think their catch-and-shoot has improved.
02:54I really like this action right here.
02:57Luka Doncic looking at Aiden and reading the defense.
03:01Cooper flag pulls in too far.
03:03Rui Hachimura wide open in the half-court set.
03:05Great quality shot.
03:06So, those are amazing.
03:07And then we can't ignore this.
03:09Luka's playing at an all-time level.
03:11They're shooting 43% as a team from three, and Luka is just making shots like that.
03:15The step-backs and everything, and he's playing at a great level.
03:18So, across the board, at 43%, and I don't think they're going to maintain that for the rest of the season,
03:24but if they're up there in the 40 percentile, they're a completely different team.
03:28Yeah.
03:28To, you know, play this team, you can't play a sole place, right?
03:32Because they're so good in the half-court offense.
03:35They're so efficient.
03:36You've got to get these guys out and running.
03:38You've got a 41-year-old LeBron James, right?
03:40Luka doesn't want to play fast at all like that.
03:43Reeves, he wants to play fast, but when you put some size on him,
03:47you kind of neutralize him a little bit, size and athleticism,
03:50Phoenix is going to have to get out and run, right?
03:52If they want any chance, kind of control the tempo a little bit.
03:56Transition, they've got to get quality shots.
03:58But defensively, they're going to be scrambling because Luka, pick and roll,
04:03is going to have you all over the court.
04:05LeBron James, they're going to have you scrambling on defense,
04:08and can you be disciplined enough on your rotations, even on the back end,
04:12to get these rotations and closeout to shooters?
04:14So, I want to know.
04:15I'm curious.
04:16Are you more curious to see how the Lakers' offense continues to run through LeBron
04:20and if the shooting continues, or this is the first time since LeBron has come back
04:24that they have played a team with a winning record?
04:26Is it on the other side of the court, defensively, how they match up?
04:30I'm with it defensively.
04:31Offensively, these guys, they're fine, right?
04:34Defensively, I want to see if they can get back in transition,
04:37if Phoenix is pushing that pace, and how they control Phoenix in the transition.
04:40Yeah, the Lakers call it point of attack defense, right?
04:43It's a point of attack.
04:44Devin Booker has the ball at the top of the key.
04:46How are they stopping that action?
04:48Because they're going to pinpoint, they're going to go pigeon hunting,
04:50they call it in the NBA, find the weakest defender, go at him.
04:53Because that's what the playoffs are all about.
04:55And Dylan Brooks is having a great year.
04:57Devin Booker, obviously, having a great year.
04:59So, for me to make the decision on the Lakers, are you a championship-level team?
05:03Well, how are you guarding Devin Booker on those pick and rolls?
05:06How are you guarding these guys on pin downs?
05:08I think J.J. Reddick has done a good job of organizing his defense to guard those guys,
05:13but you've still got to do it.
05:14And you've still got to stop these talented guys.
05:15I think Phoenix, to have success against the Lakers, Lakers played last night,
05:19LeBron didn't play in that game, but Lakers played last night, control the pace, right?
05:23Make these guys have patience on the offensive end, make the ball rotate from side to side,
05:28make the defense moves, and kind of wear these guys out a little bit in the half court.
05:31But transition, you've got to get out and run.
05:34Get some stops and get these guys moving.
05:36One thing about Phoenix, they're a desperate team right now.
05:38They are in a tough stretch right now with Denver and Houston, L.A. and Minnesota coming up.
05:43So, I think that they see what Tracy just brought up.
05:46Lakers on a back-to-back.
05:47They can get these guys.
05:48They're going to be on edge.
05:49They've got to get back to their identity, though, and that's defensively, right?
05:52They kind of got away from that.
05:54They started off 1-4.
05:55They were turning the ball over and giving up, you know, points off of turnovers.
05:59They kind of dialed that back, right?
06:01They're doing a great job of transition now.
06:03They're doing a great job offensively, defensively, being efficient.
06:06But you can't turn the ball over against the Lakers, or they're going to kill you.
06:10Grayson Allen not going to play in this game.
06:12He had been out with a quad injury, did come back out with an illness.
06:14So, we just found that out.
06:16That will make things a little more difficult for the Suns here.
06:19Devin Booker, clearly his team at this point.
06:22He has put a little pressure on himself.
06:23His shooting hasn't been what he wants it to be the last few games.
06:26Is he trying to do too much?
06:28I mean, he has to do too much.
06:30I think when Jalen Green comes back, you'll see the best version of Devin Booker.
06:33But right now, like, everything, he has the ball in his hands.
06:36They're trapping him at half court.
06:38They're trapping him on pick and roll.
06:40They're trapping him on the post-up.
06:42So, it is hard to continue to put up big numbers when you're getting double teamed.
06:45Tracy?
06:47To open that up for D. Book, I mean, his guy's got to knock down outside shots.
06:54So, he'll go one-on-one and get inside that paint.
06:56Yeah.
06:56Yeah.
06:57I was going to say we should just do it right now.
06:58See if he can handle double to that.
07:01He's faced triple team.
07:02He's seen it.
07:02He's seen it all.
07:03He's seen it all already.
07:04That's the easy two.
07:05All right.
07:05So, what do you think?
07:07I mean, we're counting down to tip off here.
07:08What do you think?
07:09The first quarter, what are you looking for the most?
07:12Yeah.
07:12I go with, I just want to see how LeBron continues to fit in.
07:15Right from the get-go.
07:16Yeah.
07:16I'm always interested because this is, like, unprecedented territory.
07:19We've never seen LeBron as a third option before.
07:21And I think that's a killer thing.
07:23Like, when you get LeBron getting certain guys on him, he can manipulate defenses.
07:26How about looking on one side, it's Luka and Reeves.
07:29And he don't have to worry about those two guys.
07:31He can go to work on the other side and make those guys.
07:33It's just, like, seeing him as a third option, to me, is the most interesting thing.
07:36And you think he will stay that way?
07:38He will not take away from what we have seen from Reeves and what we have seen from Luka so far?
07:41No, LeBron is a sabant.
07:43Like, he understands, you know, how these guys are playing.
07:46He understands how this team has functioned, how they functioned without him.
07:50He's just coming in to add in.
07:52Yeah, yeah.
07:52And Reeves, specifically, you talk about an undrafted guy.
07:56Can this continue?
07:57Are we seeing the beginning of an all-star year for Austin Reeves?
08:01I think so.
08:01I mean, like, what he's doing, getting to his spots, knocking down shots, a lot of attention on Luka.
08:06Reeves is still going to be able to do his thing.
08:07It's an up-and-down pace, man.
08:08Like, it's wide open for him to do whatever he wants on the offensive end.
08:12We got a fun one in L.A.
08:13Let's check in with the race to 15 from DraftKings Sportsbook.
08:17The Lakers favored to get to 15 points first.
08:19Maybe no surprise there.
08:20Averaging over 31 points per game in the first quarter so far this year.
08:26The first of four meetings this year between the Suns and the Lakers.
08:31We got Noah Eagle.
08:33We got Robbie Hummel.
08:34We got Derek Fisher on the call in L.A.
08:37Lakers trying to keep streaking.
08:3915-4 on the year.
08:40Can they add another win?
08:41We'll find out.
08:43On this Peacock NBA Monday, it is the surging Los Angeles Lakers at 15-4,
08:51second in the West, taking on a Pacific Division foe in the 12-9 Phoenix Suns.
08:57Glad you could join us here tonight.
08:58Welcome courtside, everybody.
08:59Noah Eagle for another edition of On the Bench.
09:02We're going to have analysts on either side, one on the Lakers bench,
09:05one on the Phoenix side.
09:06And for Phoenix, it'll be Robbie Hummel.
09:07Got to see this team last week.
09:09He has got an in-depth look at what the Suns are doing well,
09:12what they need to continue to improve on.
09:14On the Lakers side, it's only fair that we went and got a Laker legend
09:17to break down what the Lakeshore are doing.
09:19So, Derek Fisher, give us a sense of what we're going to see tonight from L.A.
09:22Yes, the surging Los Angeles Lakers, star power all around.
09:26The return of LeBron James to the lineup.
09:28Luka Doncic, MVP-level play.
09:30Austin Reeves, all-star-level play.
09:31But it's the man in the middle, DeAndre Ayton, number five.
09:3420 points and 20 rebounds.
09:36The last time he faced his Phoenix Suns team, the first time facing him as a Laker.
09:41And there's no question for the Phoenix Suns.
09:43This is the toughest part of their schedule.
09:45It's truly the gauntlet.
09:46To their offense, they've turned the ball over a little bit too much.
09:49They certainly have not shot the ball from three the way we saw early on.
09:53But the biggest thing has been that Devin Booker just hasn't been as efficient
09:56as what we have seen him capable of.
09:5824% from three in the month of November.
10:01They need him to be better to get through this stretch.
10:03They think he can.
10:04Devin Booker certainly has the ability to do just that.
10:07We have seen him single-handedly win games for this team in his career,
10:11averaging 26 points per game.
10:12He will be at the point guard spot.
10:14No Grayson Allen in this game, out with an illness.
10:16So Colin Gillespie will get the start.
10:18Dylan Brooks, Royce O'Neal, and Mark Williams will round out the starting unit.
10:22Luka Dodgian, Austin Reeves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and DeAndre Ayton,
10:27the usual suspect for the Lakers.
10:29Just the fifth game back for LeBron after missing the first month of the season
10:33with the sciatica injury.
10:35And LeBron and the Lake Show look like they are playing at a high level right now.
10:39Seven consecutive wins, including last night,
10:42in the front end of the back-to-back 133-121 over the New Orleans Pelicans.
10:47Phoenix controls the opening tip.
10:48Josh Tiven, Ray Acosta, Brett Nansel are three officials here tonight.
10:55Royce O'Neal on the outside.
10:57They were hoping to have Grayson Allen back for the second straight game,
11:00but the illness keeps him out and an early turnover for Phoenix.
11:03Well, Derek, Austin Reeves totally takes that play and blows it up
11:06just by chucking that cutter on that back screen.
11:10You're right, Robbie.
11:11You talk about the Lakers and their communication defensively
11:14in effect on their first defensive possession.
11:17Doncic scores the contact and scores.
11:19The leading scorer in the first quarter this season,
11:22and the NBA gets the first two on the board.
11:25Dylan Brooks will fire.
11:27Comes up short, and Doncic collects the rebound.
11:29Oh, what a pass-down floor.
11:31Hachimura saved it.
11:32Now it's a five-on-four the other way for Phoenix.
11:34Phoenix is going to have to be aware.
11:35Doncic is as good as anybody in the NBA
11:37at looking up the floor and throwing ahead.
11:39Colin Gillespie has been lethal from downtown.
11:42In nine straight games, Noah, for him in double figures,
11:46averaging almost 17 a game, shooting 48% from three.
11:50What a story he is, and what a player he's made himself into.
11:5449.1% from three.
11:56As Reeves lopped it up, and Aiden couldn't finish
11:58in the last seven games for Gillespie.
12:01Phoenix looking to add to this early lead now.
12:03Coming off back-to-back losses to Oklahoma City and Denver,
12:06and the real difficult part of their schedule
12:08as Booker gets his first look to go down.
12:10What a nasty crossover that was,
12:12and how about the space he creates right there, Noah?
12:15That's a great sign for Phoenix,
12:17seeing Devin Booker get an easy look early on in this game.
12:21Doncic, another one.
12:22You see Luka Doncic with the high pickup,
12:26kind of the one-legged push shot,
12:28looking to create foul angles defensively for his opponents.
12:32Phoenix is going to want to try to slow him down.
12:34Easier said than done,
12:35but he has been unbelievable in first quarters.
12:39Brooks dancing on Hachimura, six to shoot.
12:42The fade, can't put it in.
12:45It's kind of become his go-to move.
12:46He loves to get that little jump stop,
12:49gets your turnaround jumper,
12:50uses that physicality to free himself up.
12:53Doncic, heavily contested by Gillespie,
12:56knocked out of bounds,
12:57and it will go the other way.
13:00Well, you're number two for J.J. Redick.
13:02Now a 65-36 record.
13:04You can feel the comfort and confidence,
13:06and Jordan Hachimura's trying to get to that point now
13:08in his first season as a head coach in the NBA.
13:10After a number of stops in the league,
13:12started his pseudo-coaching career
13:15while he's getting his master's at Michigan State
13:17under Tom Izzo,
13:17learning a lot from the legendary coach in East Lansing.
13:22James, feed, Aiton short hop goes down.
13:26Good, quick decision there by LeBron.
13:28Anytime he's in transition,
13:29early, mid, post opportunities,
13:31Aiton finding the open space.
13:33Phoenix is going to have to kind of just load up
13:35on that weak side.
13:36The play you want to force
13:37is to skip across the floor,
13:39and then you close out.
13:41Brooks fills in on the relocate.
13:44It's Gillespie in and out.
13:45Brooks couldn't tip it back.
13:46Aiton claims.
13:48Get it up the floor quickly with Doncic.
13:50Likes the matchup with Gillespie initially.
13:52Double comes.
13:53LeBron around.
13:55Reeves for three.
13:58Up the floor quickly.
13:59Brooks, right on Reeves.
14:01Oh, James was going to block it.
14:03What an angle from Dylan Brooks.
14:05How about the pass from Devin Booker
14:07and Dylan Brooks just getting to the body of Reeves.
14:10I don't know how LeBron didn't put that to the board,
14:12but what a finish from Brooks.
14:17Reeves, another one for Aiton,
14:19comes up short this time.
14:22Thank you, all.
14:23Well, I think Phoenix is going to look
14:26to certainly find some opportunities in the open floor.
14:29That's a heck of a finish from Dylan Brooks,
14:31but the Lakers getting something going for themselves there, Derek.
14:34Yeah, LeBron early transition, mid-post opportunity.
14:38As soon as D.A. finds that open gap,
14:40he drops it off to him right away.
14:42He's open corner triple by Nylon,
14:44and the Lakers push back in front.
14:46Phoenix wants to run.
14:51They know that the Lakers are on the second of a back-to-back,
14:53trying to use that to their advantage,
14:55but Brooks can't hit again,
14:56and Doncic corrals another board.
14:59Doncic.
15:00Transition opportunity slows down now on the half court.
15:03Off the screen.
15:05They have gotten so much more comfortable,
15:07Doncic and Aiton, with one another.
15:09Two of the top picks in the 2018 draft playing together.
15:12Six to shoot.
15:13Reeves cross.
15:15Trying to draw the foul on Gillespie.
15:16Didn't get the call.
15:17Now he's looking for it,
15:19as Booker streaks down the floor.
15:21Gillespie, pump, drive, swing.
15:24Brooks, money, a three.
15:27I love the pace that Phoenix is playing with right now,
15:30and they're able to do it
15:31because they're getting stopped with their defense.
15:33It looks like Gillespie could have maybe fouled Austin Reeves.
15:36Does a great job of avoiding that contact,
15:38and then Phoenix getting out.
15:39They're getting out and going.
15:41Knocked out of bounds by Gillespie.
15:43It'll stay here.
15:44Playing with tempo here.
15:47You get a dribble drive.
15:48You skip it across the floor.
15:50Honestly, Dylan Brooks, good thing he kept that heel up
15:52because that was really close to that sideline.
15:57Sean Elliott says hello.
16:00Memorial Day miracle.
16:02Already five lead changes in the first four and a half minutes.
16:05There is the Austin Reeves development.
16:08We have seen that offensive arsenal on full display.
16:11The Phoenix Suns trying to really load up on Austin Reeves and Luka Doncic's pick-and-roll.
16:16High presentation from strong side for the defenders.
16:20Booker is going to draw the contact,
16:22and he'll get two free throws the entire Phoenix bench on their feet to help him up.
16:25See here how many guys are loaded up.
16:29Devin Booker trying to keep that pick-and-roll on the strong side,
16:32but Austin Crafty left-to-right crossover through the contact strong finish.
16:37He's looking for that whistle, though.
16:38He's getting a little frustrated.
16:39He hasn't gotten one thus far.
16:41But, Derek, how about the physicality?
16:42I mean, he's knocking Mark Williams at 7'1", 240, a good two feet back right there,
16:48and that's certainly been an improvement in his game.
16:51Yeah, talking to Coach J.J. Reddick pregame, Robbie, that conversation,
16:55he talked a lot about the whole team obviously getting into championship-level shape,
16:59but Austin specifically physically stronger, bigger, better able to handle the contact,
17:05and all of the responsibilities come with his increased rate.
17:08There were two key points that J.J. Reddick said to Austin Reeves before the season started.
17:14He said, your leadership has to be elite, and your shape has to be elite,
17:18and he has come and brought both things at the highest possible level to start this season,
17:23averaging 28.8 points per game, seven assists, and six rebounds a night.
17:28Here's Doncic in that short corner.
17:31Brooks accepts the assignment.
17:33Doncic says, I don't care.
17:34Give me two.
17:35How do you guard that?
17:38That is just high level.
17:41Cross-screen action, too.
17:43The Lakers, what really makes them special is their ability to screen,
17:48and LeBron and Luka are not easy guys to switch on to.
17:51Luka Doncic going into takeover mode for usual.
17:55Six early points as the Lakers lead by one.
17:58Scoring change.
18:02Dylan Brooks initially thought that he had that open corner three.
18:07Upon review, it looked like it might have been out of bounds instead.
18:11So his foot was on that sideline.
18:14He will take the three points off the board,
18:16and Robbie Hummel's joke completely goes in the garbage.
18:19Boy, I thought he kept his heel up.
18:21I really thought it lied.
18:23It looked like it.
18:25The eye in the sky does not lie there, Noah.
18:27Well, look, I wear glasses for a reason.
18:29Maybe you should maybe get my eyesight checked.
18:31Check on your own.
18:33See what you need.
18:34Booker.
18:35Tough shot.
18:36Great defense there by Luka.
18:39It's elite-level communication, too, from the coaches down here.
18:43Calling out the Iverson action.
18:45Calling out the red in kick-and-roll defense.
18:51James, face-up on Dunn.
18:53Spin.
18:54James.
18:55Tough.
18:55Flutter.
18:58You know this guy's coming out of that timeout,
19:00and a consistent thing with the Lakers.
19:02Three-player action that involves Luka, Austin, and LeBron.
19:05They are on the floor together.
19:08Brooks gets the roll.
19:09Didn't look like Williams touched it on the cylinder.
19:12He was close, but that Dylan Brooks turnaround
19:14was an absolute missile into the rim and somehow fell forward.
19:20Doncic got his tips by and couldn't find Aiden.
19:24Help defense.
19:25Phoenix really cracking down on DeAndre Aiden.
19:28Booker in transition.
19:30Outside.
19:31O'Neal.
19:31No.
19:32Rebound.
19:33Dunn.
19:33Booker.
19:34Second chance.
19:35Doesn't go.
19:37Didn't get anything there, but Ryan Dunn,
19:39just with some effort and hustle plays,
19:40that'll go a long way here.
19:42They've been missing a little bit of that with his wrist injury.
19:46Reload.
19:46Doncic.
19:49Got a whistle.
19:50Maybe a clock issue.
19:51It looked like the shot clock never began.
19:53Here is that Dylan Brooks look.
20:00Let's take one more view.
20:02I don't even know if it was the heel necessarily.
20:04It looked like maybe the side of his foot was even on that line.
20:06And then out of that timeout, Derek, you mentioned that the action, eventually LeBron gets a tough bucket.
20:14Yeah, when you can involve Luka, Austin, and LeBron in actions, normally you cannot switch with either Luka or LeBron.
20:21It puts the defense in a really difficult position.
20:25Here is Luka.
20:26Step back.
20:27Three ball.
20:29That's another positive play there from Ryan Dunn.
20:32Obviously, coming into the draft two years ago, high-level defender, but he's done the part so far.
20:43Missed by O'Neal will allow the Ravia to check in for the first time, and LeBron will go to the bench.
20:47So, the early spurt for LeBron is six minutes and change, or just about six minutes here.
20:54One for one, just the two points, two assists.
20:56Again, still working himself back into shape after missing a month.
20:59As he said, that first game back was the first game in essentially seven months.
21:04A legitimate NBA game.
21:05No real team-up as Donchitz will go to the free-throw line as Brooks just got a little too close leaning forward.
21:11Picks up his first.
21:14Again, the Lakers running good action.
21:17Brought Luka off the wide pin down from DeAndre Ayton.
21:20And then he just attacks to his left, which he loves to do throughout the course of the game.
21:26And Dylan Brooks had the left arm wrapped around Luka, and he just went up into a shot, got the foul call.
21:32But that's the first one they've given up.
21:34Phoenix has done a good job defending without fouling so far.
21:39They can.
21:40They will.
21:41They might.
21:42Don't miss NBC's new comedy, a comeback story of cheerleading's biggest underdog.
21:46Stumble, new Friday on NBC and Peacock.
21:49Well, we were looking at this.
21:50Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, an elite scoring tandem in the NBA, have 12 points.
21:58Doncic's second free throw makes it 13, and the Suns have 11.
22:01They've outscored them by themselves.
22:07Just past the midway point of this opening quarter.
22:11Phoenix 4 for 13 and 1 for 6 from 3.
22:15Booker leaves it.
22:16Williams doesn't get the roll.
22:18And again, Ryan Dunn is in there, just couldn't squeeze it.
22:21And they're going to say it's off of La Ravia, out of bounds.
22:24He's come in this game and had a massive impact solely with his effort and his defense.
22:30Certainly, you can use a guy like that regardless of what your team is.
22:35Brooks finds the open space for two.
22:38You love that just little up screen.
22:40Let Dylan Brooks operate there, some physicality off of it.
22:43And using the glass, all done to get Dylan Brooks an easy shot.
22:48Reeves rejects the screen, looking for an outlet.
22:52It's La Ravia, who's had some really sparkling moments this year.
22:55Spins, can't score.
22:56Williams with the seal.
22:58Devin Booker hung in there on that spin.
23:00La Ravia loves to get back to that right hand.
23:02Booker, fend off.
23:07Got it.
23:08This is the mid-range game.
23:10We talked about it last week.
23:12For anybody that loves mid-range basketball, Devin Booker, a guy that's still doing it,
23:16now taking 137 off-the-bounce twos on the year.
23:20Dodgich just hung in the air that extra second to put it through.
23:26Look at this Lakers lineup with Luka running screen-rolled, playmaking and shooting surrounding him.
23:33Luka, Mark Williams, back and drop coverage.
23:36It's going to be a foul on the floor as Booker thought he was getting into his motion,
23:40trying to point back to the other end.
23:43So you see here in screen-rolled, Mark Williams back and drop coverage.
23:46The Suns really try not to give up too many catch-and-shooting threes to the Lakers.
23:50We know they haven't shot it well.
23:51But Luka just gets to a spot where he knows he can pull up and make the shot.
23:56Also, continuing to look for those opportunities to create fouls.
23:59Suns remaining disciplined.
24:00It'll be interesting to see how much the Suns mix and match their pick-and-roll coverage.
24:05Certainly, you'll see some switching, especially with this lineup with Iguodara on the court.
24:10Will they get aggressive and blitz at times?
24:12They'll be in a lot of drafts.
24:13Speaking of aggression, Devin Booker hangs and hits.
24:16Go right at the shot blocker, get right to his chest.
24:19Well done by Devin Booker.
24:22Reeds in transition.
24:24That's tough.
24:25Slow start for Austin Reeds after another 30-point game last night.
24:2833 points and 8 assists on 4 of 7 shooting.
24:31Ended up playing about 40 minutes in the win over New Orleans.
24:35A win that the Lakers led by nearly 30 earlier in the game as Dylan Brooks continues to show off his full arsenal.
24:41Phoenix is just going right at Jackson Hayes.
24:43But they're using their physicality to knock him back.
24:46That's back-to-back times of going at the big fella.
24:48Doncic just got another call.
24:50This one's going to be on the floor.
24:52Doncic can't believe it.
24:53But Brooks is going to pick up a second.
24:54It's not like Dylan Brooks can afford to give up some of these fouls with the foul trouble he's been in.
25:00Here's Devin Booker.
25:02That's quite the take of taking on 7-foot Jackson Hayes.
25:06And, Derek, here's Luka Doncic doing his thing.
25:09Yeah, we talked about this pregame.
25:11Like, it is really difficult and frustrating for opponents to try and defend Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves throughout the course of the game.
25:19Phoenix has done a good job so far.
25:20But the fouls will start to mount up.
25:22You've seen Dylan Brooks pick up, too.
25:25Now Ryan Dunn's going to have the challenge.
25:26Doncic gets to his spot.
25:28Another fade.
25:29Another bucket.
25:32Tip your cap if you're Ryan Dunn.
25:33I mean, you pretty much did everything you can.
25:36Stay in there, contest.
25:38Just better offense from one of the best players in the world.
25:41Michael Hayes Davis on the floor for Phoenix.
25:44Skip it.
25:45It's a three ball for Goodwin.
25:47Oh!
25:48Ryan Dunn detonates at the rim.
25:51He has had an awesome first quarter.
25:54And that might, what does he have, four points?
25:57He's got two points.
25:58Two points.
25:59He's been so active.
26:00Now the rebound, though, to add to his toe.
26:03So three boards, an emphatic two points on his only field goal attempt.
26:07And now Phoenix looking to reclaim the lead, approaching three minutes to play in the first.
26:11That's the hazards of the on-the-bench.
26:13You don't have the stat monitor down here.
26:14You're feeding him.
26:16You don't have to lie to the people.
26:17It's okay.
26:20Booker, bounce it.
26:22Goodwin, step away.
26:24Oh, he's got it.
26:26Maybe that gets his jumper going.
26:28Six of his last 21 from three.
26:30They're the mid-range.
26:31Tough shot.
26:34Phoenix getting some contributions from just about everybody right here in this first quarter.
26:38Donchett step away.
26:40His response.
26:41He buries the triple.
26:46Luca so far not really able to get loose from three, but over the course of the game,
26:51you see Devin Booker come right back with his own pull-up three.
26:55For Devin Booker, it was just a matter of time, right?
26:59He is going to snap out of this funk.
27:0124% from three in the month of November.
27:03Too good of a player to stay in that for long.
27:06Again, Luca Doncic has money.
27:09Yeah, man, the best players in this league are like great quarterbacks, man.
27:18They start to see different coverages.
27:22Offensive foul go the other way.
27:24It all started with the energy.
27:26Ryan Dunn rising above.
27:28But now it's Luca Magic.
27:3018 points in this first quarter.
27:32Cool five to play in this opening quarter.
27:38Oh, yeah, there's Derek Fisher, the Laker legend.
27:40You see he's right there on the end of the Lakers bench.
27:42And Derek, Luca's putting on a show early in this one.
27:45Yes, he is.
27:46He is putting on a show.
27:48Starting to read the Phoenix Suns' defensive pressure, where it's coming from.
27:52Got into his mid-range, looking for foul creation.
27:55But once he got his rhythm, now he's starting to get into his bag.
28:01Able to get his step back three, going to the left.
28:03It's going to be a long night for the Phoenix Suns.
28:06But Luca continues to produce at this rate.
28:0818 points, seven out of nine from the field.
28:11That is our player's spotlight, brought to you by Chime.
28:15Well, Jordan Aughton, that timeout, it was all about how can you slow down Luca Doncic.
28:20And honestly, the vibe was very positive of going over screen.
28:24You have to be up on him, but keep making him make tough shots.
28:27And then you've got to load up on that weak side.
28:29You know, take away the roll, make the Lakers skip the basketball.
28:32It all sounds very good, but it's so much easier said than done.
28:36Because right when you start loading up on the guy, he does this.
28:41Bullet feed.
28:42Jackson Hayes got fouled, and he'll shoot two free throws here.
28:46Hayes has played in now 17 of the 20 games, including tonight.
28:50Take a look at the DraftKings live spread.
28:54As the Lakers favored coming in, that will continue as the second-rated team in the Western Conference based on record.
29:02DraftKings, the number one sportsbook for live betting.
29:04To get in on the action, download the app and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
29:09So, Phoenix will go with Hayes-Davis, Goodwin, Iguodaro, Dunn, and Gillespie.
29:15Iguodaro, bounce, Dunn couldn't handle it out of bounds.
29:18Right idea, though.
29:19With Iguodaro, he's such a good passer, and even off the bounce, he's so effective in that five-out.
29:24Good cut by Ryan Dunn.
29:26Just a little bit better execution.
29:29Le'Ron James back on the floor with Doncic, Moravia, Hayes, and Vincent.
29:33And what a luxury it is to have two of James, Doncic, and Reeves on the floor at all times.
29:39Doncic, bully ball.
29:41He's got 20.
29:42That is the most points allowed in any quarter by the Suns this year.
29:46Anthony Edwards had 19 in their earlier matchup.
29:49That was the weight room there on Colin Gillespie.
29:51And he responds with a triple.
29:53He has been incredible.
29:55And the consistency, I mean, seven straight games coming into this with three threes or more.
30:00He's having an incredible season.
30:03James driving kick, swing, find the open man.
30:06Vincent, fake, can't finish.
30:09And not contested board to Dunn.
30:10I love the effort to run Gabe Vincent off the three-point line and make him take a mid-range.
30:15But Derek, Gabe Vincent still really could be an X-factor for this Laker team this year.
30:19Obviously, it dealt with the injuries the last couple of the seasons.
30:22They feel like his leadership, his veteran presence, his experience from Miami could pay dividends.
30:26But Derek, no question about it, and his ability to shoot the three and defend well on the perimeter.
30:34It is going to be important for the Lakers to have the success they hope to have.
30:39Miscommunication there.
30:42This is just too strong.
30:44Luca, that's the other part of his game as Gillespie responded on the other side.
30:48But Derek, you think about how strong Luca is.
30:51It's easy to forget because of all the skill set stuff that we see, the handle and the step back.
30:55He is a legitimate 230, 240 pounds of pure strength.
31:01Lean strength this season as well, Noah.
31:04Gluten-free, low-sugar diet in the offseason.
31:07Had a great summer in Eurobasket.
31:09He is an MVP candidate 20 games through this season.
31:14Nobody can debate that conversation.
31:16Gluten-free and low-sugar, that's a no for me.
31:19I need full gluten, I need full sugar.
31:23Shot clock off.
31:24Phoenix can hold for one here.
31:25Five seconds to work with.
31:27Gillespie will be fouled by James.
31:29Foul to give for the Lakers.
31:32Now, normally, I don't think if LeBron was playing his normal rotation minutes,
31:37that he would maybe take a foul in that situation.
31:39Like, he'd be too valuable for the group.
31:41But I think with the understanding they're managing his minutes differently,
31:45he's able to take that risk and burn up a foul.
31:47It also allows Phoenix to get a couple more shooters on the floor.
31:51Brooks back out there.
31:53O'Neal will inbound.
31:55And Goodwin as well.
31:57In for Godaro.
31:59Three seconds left.
31:59Around Goodwin.
32:00Double clutch.
32:01It's short.
32:03And that's how this first quarter will come to a close.
32:06Lots of lead changes.
32:08A seesaw back and forth here in downtown Los Angeles.
32:11We are all even after one.
32:13The stars are shining bright just outside of Hollywood.
32:18Coach, offensively, that ball is moving around.
32:20What would you like about the way you guys played there in the first quarter?
32:23Yeah, I love our pace.
32:24I love our shot profile.
32:26We're doing a great job.
32:27And we're doing a pretty good job of not fouling defensively.
32:31That's the big key for us tonight.
32:33Luka went to the foul line once.
32:35You know, they're going to score.
32:37You just don't want to give them free throws.
32:39Luka Doncic so aggressive in that first quarter.
32:41What's important about maybe showing him bodies?
32:44Yeah, we got to make it difficult.
32:45But we understand that he's going to have a night.
32:48But it's team defense, and it's taking them off the free throw line
32:52and taking them off the three-point line.
32:54Nice, Coach.
32:55Thank you very much.
32:56Huge shout-out to Jesse for those frames, by the way, Robbie.
32:59Those were elite.
33:00Yeah, he's got it going there.
33:02His swagger is on point.
33:04No question.
33:04Right now the Lakers feel they have gotten their full dose of swagger
33:09from Luka Doncic.
33:0920 points in that first quarter.
33:11Once again, regains control of the leading first quarter point score
33:15in the NBA from James Harden.
33:16Now three points ahead in total.
33:18And D. Fish just looked comfortable, set the tone, played the entire first.
33:22But again, a luxury to have guys like LeBron James and Austin Reeves
33:25who can get out there on the floor when Luka sits.
33:29We talk about it just as comfort level
33:30and having a full offseason to digest his experience last season.
33:36A full training camp with his teammates and rostered.
33:40J.J. Reddick's coaching style, leadership style.
33:42And Luka is as balanced in terms of where he is personally, emotionally,
33:47and his game is balanced as well as you see LeBron with the turnaround at the baseline.
33:53Maybe nobody more balanced in the history of the NBA
33:55and what they can do on the floor.
33:57Then LeBron James adds two more to his grand total.
34:00This corner of three from Dunn.
34:02Rebound snared by Aiden.
34:05It'll be Reeves, Aiden, James, Vincent, and connect for the Lakers.
34:09There's Gillespie, Dunn, Iguodaro, Goodwin, and Hayes Davis for the Suns.
34:13On the outside, Vincent can't hit.
34:16And the rebound knocked out of bounds will stay here.
34:20Yeah, LeBron again in this mid-post logo post-up.
34:24Right shoulder is where he likes to go when he's on that side of the floor.
34:28Match-up, size, makes it look easy.
34:32Ryan Dunn has played some really good defense on LeBron and Luka Doncic,
34:36and he has not had much to show for it.
34:38Those guys have made tough shots over him.
34:41Reeves finds the angle, bounce, Aiden couldn't claim it.
34:46And Goodwin does, and then he's fouled.
34:48What hustle there from Jordan Goodwin of being in to take away the roller
34:52and then getting out to that loose ball.
34:54Really good 50-50 ball play right there,
34:57and that's what Jordan Goodwin is out there to do.
35:03Goodwin.
35:04The Suns have some really good rebounding guards,
35:06whether it's Gillespie, Dunn, Goodwin.
35:09Those guys just fly in there.
35:11They all have pretty good size.
35:13Here's Goodwin on the outside.
35:15Can't hit the three, and the rebound collected by Connect.
35:18When you think about Dunn, 7'1", wingspan.
35:20Goodwin, 6'10", wingspan, legit length at their respective positions.
35:25That one's going to be ricocheted out of bounds and goes back to the Suns.
35:32The Lakers so far just don't look as settled, you know, knowing Robbie.
35:35They offensively, they normally are just composed of poised,
35:39but you've got to give the Phoenix Suns a lot of credit so far.
35:42Their physicality without fouling impacting the Lakers.
35:45And that's, Derek, the fine line that they have to kind of walk in this game, right,
35:49of being disruptive and being physical but not overdoing it with two of the guys in the NBA
35:53they're as good as anybody at getting to the line.
35:56Gillespie, Hustle, Vincent, claims second chance for the Lakers.
36:00Reeves splits.
36:02Gets inside and finishes.
36:04Now they're going to wave it off on a travel.
36:05One, two, three, three.
36:15Yes, that's a travel.
36:17So another turnover for the Lakers.
36:22They're now up to five turnovers, but Phoenix hasn't really capitalized off of them
36:26with a ton of points, only three points off of turnover so far.
36:29And again, you can't convert here.
36:31The Suns are fifth in the NBA in points off turnovers.
36:34There's 21 a game coming in to tonight.
36:38James, bounce, Aiden, Reeves, alone for three.
36:45What a read right there from DeAndre Aiden to see that, all right,
36:49they're clogging that pain.
36:51The look is behind me.
36:52That was a terrific pass from the big fella.
36:54DeGarro, leave it for Gillespie, working on LeBron James.
37:03Kick it, good win.
37:05Try to hook it around.
37:07That was a lot of contact and an offensive foul.
37:12Talk about the Lakers in pick-and-roll situations,
37:14and any time again, LeBron and Luka and Austin Arbaugh, two on the ball.
37:19DeAndre Aiden sees a purple jersey, and then he looks to scan the floor,
37:23two-on-one situation.
37:24Passes out to Austin Reeves for the top of the key three.
37:27We've got a timeout here.
37:28The question is whether or not there was a challenge on the Phoenix side of things.
37:339.35 to go in the second quarter.
37:35Phoenix does challenge more than anybody in the NBA this season.
37:40So we'll see whether or not that green light pops on
37:42and return here to downtown L.A.
37:46Xfinity, well, the Phoenix Suns did challenge that last call.
37:49They lost the challenge.
37:50They are now 13-11 with a league-leading 24 attempt.
37:54Robby, did you hear anything on that side?
37:56Well, it was just staying positive about some of the shots that have gone down,
38:00whether that's been LeBron, that's been Luka Doncic.
38:02Certainly, this is a job that they've done on Austin Reeves early on.
38:06They've tried to contest these shots, and for the most part,
38:09it's about keeping a positivity about you,
38:11that you're just trying to make it tough on them.
38:13And that's sometimes really hard to not let that break your spirit.
38:17I think Jordan Knot felt like that really hurt them in the Denver game.
38:20You know, they just didn't score.
38:22Denver made some tough ones, and it kind of fell apart from there.
38:25So it's about the mental toughness here to stay with this
38:28and keep yourself in the game when you play good defense.
38:30Yeah, and you talk about on the Lakers' side,
38:34the communication during the timeouts has been phenomenal.
38:37It's something J.J. Redick spoke of in the pregame,
38:40wanting his guys to stay connected throughout the course of the game.
38:42You talk about communication and sound.
38:45I'm sitting right next to Jimmy I.V., the genius.
38:49And so you talk about I'm learning some things about sound
38:53and music and communication from him also.
38:55Did he criticize your headset at all?
38:57Did he check to make sure that everything sounds okay in your hair?
39:00Not yet.
39:01The Lakers are still ahead.
39:03You know, J.J. Redick did tell us that something they've really established
39:06this year is giving that first full minute of timeouts for just the players.
39:11It's just player-to-player communication as opposed to the coaches coming in.
39:14Brooks once again fades and puts in two more.
39:17That's the shot right over the top of Kinnett.
39:19And Dylan Brooks felt like he got fouled on that release.
39:24James back for Reeves, picked up by Jamari Bouye,
39:27who's gotten more and more run on a two-way contract here with Phoenix.
39:31Kinnett gets the roll.
39:33That was not an easy shot because LeBron just rifled that at him.
39:37He kind of knocked that down with one hand.
39:39Derek, it's never easy when that pass is outside the shot pocket.
39:43No, it is not.
39:44But Kinnett, the guy that does have the ability
39:46to catch high and shoot it high.
39:49And, you know, he and Mark Williams,
39:51guys that were possibly Mark was going to be on the Lakers.
39:55Dalton Kinnett wasn't going to be on the Lakers.
39:57And here we are tonight, the two guys matching up on the Bosa team.
40:01What a pass.
40:02And then a kickout, Kinnett.
40:04Can't hit back-to-back.
40:05Vincent fighting for the rebound and a second chance for the Lake show.
40:09Nine to shoot.
40:12Reeves, weaves, kicks.
40:14LeBron James.
40:15No.
40:19Up ahead, Bouye running the floor.
40:21Oh, he felt the footsteps of LeBron James.
40:24The last thing he needed was a buck by James.
40:26Dylan Brooks just going right at Dalton Kinnett.
40:32And we'll see, is there some contact?
40:34Yeah, looks like maybe kind of high-fived him there.
40:38Brooks wanted the foul, but it's a play on.
40:41So James and Vincent sit.
40:43Doncic unwraps his entire mummified body and checks back into the game.
40:4820 first-quarter points for Luka Doncic after he had 20 first-quarter points yesterday
40:53in the win over New Orleans.
40:56Lakers put up 46 points in the first quarter against New Orleans yesterday.
41:02Laravia has the rebound here.
41:06See if they can get Jake Laravia a little bit more involved in the offense.
41:090 for 2 so far, but a turnover from Austin Reeds.
41:12Booyer stays out there for Phoenix with Goodwin, Williams, O'Neal, and Brooks.
41:23Ten minutes played for Devin Booker.
41:2411 first-quarter points.
41:26And a foul is going to be called on Kinnett fighting over the Williams screen.
41:32Is this the first time that it's been multiple times
41:35that guys who got traded for each other
41:37and then rescinded the trade are playing against each other?
41:40It's got to be right.
41:41Can we look that up?
41:42Is that a team?
41:43Yeah, right.
41:47You have to think with this lineup for Phoenix,
41:49Dylan Brooks is going to be really aggressive looking for his own.
41:52Right on cue.
41:53It's just he's going to have to be the primary playmaker.
41:57He is so effective and has become so good at getting his turnaround jumper.
42:01Robbie, it is remarkable to think the type of player that he has turned himself into.
42:05Without question.
42:06Even just think about what he was at Oregon.
42:08He was excellent, but he has just risen leaps and bounds on both sides.
42:12And a lot of it is kind of the persona that he's built, right?
42:14Like he's made him into one of the tough guys of the NBA.
42:17He's made an all-defensive team, but now the offense coming along with it.
42:20There is no questioning that Dylan Brooks works his tail off on his game.
42:25O'Neal drives.
42:26Had it knocked away by Larabia.
42:27O'Neal reclaims it.
42:28Attack, kick, Goodwin, three.
42:31Got it.
42:32That's a huge shot right there for the confidence of Jordan Goodwin.
42:35Six of his last 21 from three coming in.
42:38And another 50-50 play goes the way of the Suns and leads to that open three.
42:43Donchich fast to slow, but he couldn't finish.
42:48Brooks points to streaking Williams.
42:51Fast break perfection and a 7-0 run to take a one-point lead.
42:55Right now, Phoenix is just playing harder than the Lakers.
42:58They are looking.
42:59They're getting stops.
43:00They're getting out in transition.
43:02And this is just off the board.
43:03Everybody from Phoenix looking ahead.
43:06Dylan Brooks dropping a dime.
43:07And Mark Williams, he's out here hanging on rims.
43:11I've got to imagine, Robbie Hummel, that the vibes are a little bit better.
43:14Yeah, spirit's definitely high in that Phoenix huddle there.
43:17Jordan Knott loves their pace.
43:18Loves the way they're playing.
43:19Loves the way they're getting stops and looking to be opportunistic.
43:22And just praised Mark Williams.
43:24It said win the race every time.
43:26Get out there, beat your man down the floor every time.
43:29But right now, Phoenix playing with some tempo and off these stops.
43:32They've been able to run.
43:34Are you sitting next to Austin Butler?
43:36This is going to show my age.
43:39The guy who played Elvis is sitting directly to your left.
43:43That's a yes.
43:44Oh, he's been great.
43:45I saw Andy Murphy across the floor.
43:49Yes.
43:50Yeah.
43:51Yes.
43:51You know, I just, I've been slacking on some of my movies lately.
43:55So, I've got to get back up.
43:55Hey, Derek, we'll get him right by the end of the game.
43:58We'll get him right.
43:58We've still got another two and a half quarters.
44:00Thanks for asking me during the game and not in the break.
44:02That would have been good.
44:03That's what we're here for.
44:04That's a good teammate right there.
44:05Yeah, that's what we're here for.
44:07Derek, what's going on on the Lakers side?
44:08Anything of note?
44:09On the Lakers side, just continuing to stay poised and composed.
44:13You know, the Suns made the run.
44:16What you can tell, the Lakers are balanced.
44:19They're not getting emotional about how this game is going so far.
44:23They respect the Phoenix Suns.
44:24JJ Reddick told us that before the game.
44:26So, physical team, they're going to be disruptive.
44:28The Lakers only four free throw attempts going into that timeout.
44:32That's where the Suns are really making a difference in this game.
44:35One of the kind of scary things about this for Phoenix, though,
44:37is it feels like the Lakers have not played well.
44:40And it feels like a lot has gone right for the Suns.
44:42It's just Phoenix is actually trailing.
44:45It's a one-point deficit.
44:47Lucas 0 for 3 to start the second quarter.
44:50Bouye.
44:50Bouye.
44:52A shot by him right here.
44:54Jamari Bouye.
44:56We're getting five points a game, but shooting 54% from three.
44:59Two-way guys, so when he's had his number called,
45:02he's been efficient and productive.
45:04Now he's going to have a real challenge.
45:06He's trying to stay in front, and that's what's going to happen.
45:09A chance for three as Luka Doncic says,
45:12I'm too big.
45:15Yeah, we've talked about this already, you know, a few times,
45:21but Austin Reed's pick-and-roll,
45:23which then forces Bouye to switch on to Luka,
45:27and then Luka just plays bully ball from there.
45:29And it's the difficult part about defending the Lakers
45:33when it's Luka and LeBron involved with Austin Reeves as a third player.
45:38Well, that's got to be a steal there for Jordan Goodman.
45:41He's coming down, and he's got every opportunity to take that thing with two hands
45:45and just whiffs on the play.
45:47L.B. L.B. L.B. L.B. L.B. L.B. L.B. L.B.
45:54Chips 23 first-half points for Luka Doncic.
45:58Derek, you mentioned the physicality that J.J. Redick talked to us about
46:01that they knew Phoenix was going to come with.
46:03You played in an incredibly physical era of the NBA.
46:06When you knew you had a specifically physical team in front of you
46:09as Brooks continues to get to his spot in the mid-range,
46:12what was the mentality going into a game like that?
46:15Well, you had to embrace it
46:17and understand that was going to be part of the experience.
46:20You knew things would be harder to get to.
46:23Offensively, the points wouldn't come as easy.
46:25You wouldn't have as much space to shoot your shot.
46:28The shot challenge and shot contest were going to be more assertive and more aggressive.
46:32And so it's like playoff games.
46:35And this Phoenix Suns team is playing that way.
46:38Every game and every possession,
46:41they are maxing themselves out on the defensive end.
46:43And those are fun games to play in.
46:45Right now, Luka Doncic is going right at Jamari Bouye.
46:48Back-to-back fouls drawn.
46:50We'll take a look at the upcoming national TV schedule tomorrow night on NBC and Peacock.
46:54Coast-to-coast Tuesday starts in Boston with the Knicks and the Celtics,
46:58followed by the Thunder and the Warriors,
46:59then NBA TV on Wednesday, Miami at Dallas,
47:02followed on Thursday on NBA TV, Warriors and Sixers.
47:06For more on these games, please go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
47:11The Lakers are going to keep going right back to that same pick and roll.
47:14Jamari Bouye is going to see it every time as long as he's out there.
47:20In and out there, and a good seal by Hayes.
47:23So, Hayes back on the floor.
47:26Here it comes.
47:27Here we go.
47:28Doncic wants to go back to work.
47:30Had it knocked away.
47:31Gets it back.
47:32Lob it inside.
47:33Oh, great recovery by Williams.
47:34Mark Williams going up to show bodies,
47:36but still the ability with that length to get back and disrupt the pass.
47:40Now on the post-up, it's Williams.
47:42Can't finish.
47:43Oh, Bouye on the hustle.
47:45Second chance.
47:46Bounce.
47:46Williams takes flight.
47:48What an effort play there by Bouye.
47:51Boy, that's a pass up the floor, and Jackson Hayes,
47:54he wasn't looking for it at all.
47:56He'll just bounce it out.
47:57Vincent, no.
47:59Anytime you play with Doncic,
48:01you are always a potential target up the floor.
48:04You have got to be aware if you're Jackson Hayes.
48:07O'Neal got caught.
48:08Brooks.
48:09Brooks again.
48:11Dylan, the villain, living up to his name on the road.
48:15His numbers are pretty incredible.
48:18Six of the last nine games, 20 points or more.
48:21His productivity offensively has been through the roof.
48:25Intercepted.
48:26Bouye.
48:27Numbers.
48:27Brooks running.
48:28Brooks to the rim.
48:29Up and under.
48:30Goes down.
48:31Eight straight makes for Dylan Brooks.
48:33Taking over the game in downtown L.A.
48:36Well, how about Bouye, though, getting picked on,
48:38and then off the ball, making a couple plays.
48:41Here's another one.
48:42Oh, whoa.
48:43The late foul called,
48:45and Dylan Brooks got to be careful as he tries to contest.
48:48This is the first one.
48:49This is the hustle play.
48:50Luka Doncic eyes up the floor.
48:52Bouye with other ideas.
48:53He drops it off for Mark Williams,
48:55who goes up and hammers it.
48:56But defense leading to offense,
48:59and the Phoenix Suns playing with tempo and pace,
49:02and it's giving the Lakers problems.
49:07So, J.J. Redick will make some changes,
49:09and now he'll get his entire trio on the floor.
49:12LeBron James, Austin Reeves,
49:13and Luka Doncic out there with Hachimor and Aiton,
49:16so it'll be the starting five for the Lake Show.
49:20Yeah, again, the Phoenix Suns,
49:21defensive physicality,
49:23the way they're defending the pick-and-roll,
49:25they're showing a crowd,
49:27active hands, deflections.
49:29That's a shot they're willing to give up.
49:31DeAndre Aiton in the pocket,
49:33off pick-and-roll,
49:34to try not to collapse as much off the weak side
49:36and give up catch-and-shoot threes.
49:38But, Derek, that's where he's most comfortable
49:39on that short roll for D.A.
49:42The lob and slam!
49:44Mark Williams has a vendetta against the rim.
49:47You think about just how hard it is to be a tag guy
49:50when Phoenix has shooters all over the floor.
49:52That clears the way for Williams on the roll.
49:55Doncic finds his spot.
49:57Got to get out of the paint.
49:59And he turns it over again.
50:00Scooped up by O'Neal.
50:02Numbers running around him.
50:03Gillespie sets the feet.
50:05And drills the three!
50:06Who wants a layup when you can run to the arc
50:09and get a three?
50:10They were looking for that the whole way.
50:12Phoenix playing with tempo.
50:14They're getting out on the road here.
50:15They're running.
50:16Two Phoenix run,
50:18and they're getting it done in every way.
50:20First, the lob.
50:21Mark Williams, always a threat.
50:23And then in transition,
50:24just find the open shooter.
50:26Colin Gillespie has been shooting the lights out
50:29nearly 50% from three in the last seven.
50:31And Robbie Hummel,
50:32this team's playing with legit energy at this point.
50:35Well, they totally are.
50:36And physicality as well.
50:37Their defense has created offensive opportunity.
50:40But the big development from that huddle
50:42is that Devin Booker,
50:43he's got some sort of groin injury,
50:45and he will not return tonight.
50:46So certainly,
50:47that's a big development for the Phoenix Suns.
50:50What was already going to be an uphill battle
50:52has gotten even more challenging.
50:54We'll see if they can keep this energy up
50:56without their franchise cornerstone.
50:58A great rebound by O'Neal.
50:59By the whole team.
51:01And now another run out.
51:03Gillespie, sidestamp.
51:05In and out.
51:06Second leg of a back-to-back for the Lakers,
51:08and Phoenix is totally taking advantage of that.
51:11They are looking to run these guys.
51:15James, mismatch.
51:17Donchich, bounce.
51:20Reeves in the corner.
51:23Can't hit the three.
51:24Rebound poked around,
51:25and claimed by Gillespie.
51:27Phoenix's collective effort rebounding
51:29with their guards has been terrific tonight.
51:31It's been all five guys on the floor.
51:36Brooks.
51:38Bottom!
51:40A three for Dylan Brooks!
51:42DeAndre Aiden just a little bit late on that switch,
51:45and Dylan Brooks is just walking right in
51:47and lining that thing up.
51:4921 first-half points.
51:51The seal by Aiden just clears the space for Luka.
51:55It'll be interesting to see, too, Robbie,
51:57if the Lakers make the adjustment.
51:59Dylan Brooks obviously will become their featured guy.
52:03As you see Royce O'Neal knocking down the three
52:06off the chase action,
52:07but Dylan Brooks in pick and roll,
52:09they'll be more aggressive.
52:10Yeah.
52:10And again, Gillespie, whenever he's involved in any action,
52:14he's a right-handed player,
52:15but he likes to shoot it going left.
52:16So it'll be interesting to see if the Lakers
52:18make some of those adjustments at the half.
52:20Donchich looking for the contact, doesn't get it.
52:22Tried to take that two for one.
52:23Now the leak out, and Brooks is all alone!
52:26Dylan Brooks owning Los Angeles!
52:32He will hear it from this crowd.
52:35There is no love lost between Brooks
52:37and the Los Angeles Lakers,
52:39dating back to his time on the Grizzlies.
52:40That's his playoff series.
52:42It got personal here in L.A.
52:44James can't hit.
52:46Rebound.
52:47And now Phoenix can hold for one
52:49with their largest lead currently at 14.
52:54That was nearly back four.
52:55That's what J.J. Redick is trying to implore.
52:57Two seconds left.
52:58Brooks, that is ridiculous,
53:00and it doesn't go down.
53:01That will end this first half 66-52.
53:0723 points from Dylan Brooks,
53:10dueling with 27 from Donchich,
53:12a 19-4 run by Phoenix to end the half.
53:15As we send it to the studio,
53:17Ahmed Farid, take it away.
53:19Yeah, no, you go back even far.
53:2031-9, so just complete domination
53:23coming up on the American Express
53:24at the half-half-time show.
53:26Team Max Scal and myself
53:27will break down what just happened in L.A.
53:33Rex at the half.
53:36Well, the story of the first quarter,
53:38Luka Donchich in his 20 points.
53:39Story of the second quarter,
53:41Phoenix on the fast break.
53:43Turnovers turn into points.
53:44Dylan Brooks, he's got 23 to lead the Suns.
53:47They got the lead on the road at the break.
53:50Game You Can Trust presented by American Express.
53:52That tells the story.
53:53The fast break points, the turnovers, the assists.
53:57Nine steals to none as we welcome you in studio.
54:00Ahmed Farid here, Tracy McGrady, and Brian Scalabrini.
54:03Say it with me, T-Mac.
54:05Get stops and get out and run.
54:08Get stops and get out and run.
54:11Get stops and get out and run.
54:13This team played last night, right?
54:15This team doesn't want to run.
54:17Phoenix, that's how you're going to win this game.
54:19That's how you're going to get easy baskets.
54:21That's how you're going to stay in this game.
54:22Make these guys run and play and transition.
54:25Get stops on the defensive end, half court.
54:28Get your defense set like this.
54:30Get steals and get out and run.
54:33And they've done a phenomenal job.
54:34Now the question is, can they sustain this in the second half
54:37without getting complacent of how the first half went?
54:40And without Devin Booker.
54:42And without going injury.
54:43What was the run 31 to 9?
54:4431 to 11, I think.
54:4531 to 11.
54:47Amazing job by the Suns.
54:48You called it if they'd guard and they'd just get out and run.
54:51Even if they don't end up scoring the fast break.
54:53You have the Lakers sprinting back.
54:55It does coincide.
54:56When the Phoenix Suns started running, the Lakers started to miss shots.
55:01Yeah.
55:01Exposing a weakness for the Lakers?
55:03Or is this just second game of a back-to-back situation for them?
55:07Or is this a concern?
55:09No.
55:09I think this is a concern.
55:11Because defense is a concern with this Lakers team for me winning a championship.
55:17I think they have to address that.
55:19You agree?
55:19Yeah, I do.
55:20I think so.
55:21If you have a weakness, you're going to get exploited in the playoffs.
55:24Whether it's a matchup you want to pick on or just flat out running.
55:27Or putting guys up against it by running to the corners
55:31and putting the Lakers in transition.
55:33They are old.
55:34Like LeBron is older.
55:36And the playoffs are tough.
55:37If you can steal, right now it's 16-0 fast-break points.
55:41That is insane.
55:42If you play that out, 32-0, you're never winning a game
55:46giving up that many fast-break points.
55:47Yeah, and LeBron does appreciate you saying older and not old for him
55:52because he's not relatively to all of the rest of us here.
55:55Luka Doncic in the first quarter, 20 points.
55:58He goes off like no one else in the NBA in first quarters.
56:01He's going to go to the sandbox where he gets to show you
56:03where he got all of his shots.
56:05That's crazy.
56:05Eight for 12.
56:06He did cool off second half, just seven points there.
56:09But what did you see from him?
56:10And what was he able to do in the first quarter?
56:11Yeah, he got to his spot.
56:12Anywhere he wanted to, the step back, the threes.
56:15He's playing at a big-time confidence level.
56:18And he loves the competition.
56:19Dylan the villain trying to get under his skin.
56:21He had no problem with it.
56:22Yeah, I mean, offensively, there's nothing you can do
56:25to stop this man one-on-one.
56:27You're going to have to bring so much attention to him.
56:29Make him give the ball up.
56:31Get the ball out of his hands.
56:32And make other guys beat you.
56:33But if you allow Luka to just play one-on-one,
56:36he's going to destroy you every single time.
56:38Yeah, there's no way to stop him.
56:39But you can attack him on the defensive end, and you can run.
56:43You can wear him out.
56:44You're just not going to wear him out when he has the ball in his hands.
56:47You can't allow him to just play offense
56:50and allow him to escape on the defensive end
56:53and transition half court.
56:54You've got to make him work.
56:55If you're J.J. Redick, you're telling your guys what right now?
56:58First of all, you can't turn the ball over.
57:00Second of all, you've got to have floor balance.
57:02Maybe don't crash the glass and get back instead.
57:05All right.
57:06Checking in on the live line now from DraftKings Sportsbook.
57:09The Suns underdogs coming in.
57:12Now they are favored by four and a half points.
57:16So we have seen a flip in L.A. after that end of the first half run.
57:20We have gone deep into the archives.
57:22We talked about this.
57:23Scal, you brought it up.
57:24Here it is.
57:24I told you.
57:25He backed it up.
57:26Get him, Mac.
57:26Get him, Mac.
57:27Get him, Mac.
57:28Who you got on the screen?
57:29Yeah.
57:30Bring him.
57:31Get him, Mac.
57:32Get him, Mac.
57:33What am I doing?
57:34Come on.
57:35Yeah.
57:35Were you running to the corner?
57:37That was a go road.
57:38Were you running to the go road?
57:40Oh, man.
57:40I thought they had my back.
57:41Bad defense.
57:42You scored on five guys.
57:44You scored on five guys.
57:46Where's the help?
57:46So he had 48 in that game.
57:48The powerful backing of American Express.
57:50We are back with a coast-to-coast doubleheader tomorrow on NBC and Peacock.
57:58First, the Knicks and Celtics meet in a playoff rematch from last season.
58:01Then the 20-1 Thunder to continue their hot start at Golden State.
58:06Also tomorrow, the latest installment of MJ Insights to Excellence.
58:11How did a special clause in Michael's contract become the driving force that propelled him throughout his career?
58:17You can find out tomorrow night right here on NBA Showtime.
58:22Your halftime leaders on the Peacock scorecard.
58:26Oh, I got you.
58:27Rainy Zone 01, Happy Sofa 23, Glowing Window 41, and watch out for Rapid Jet 43.
58:35How about Comfy Yacht 31?
58:37I like that one.
58:37Yeah, don't sleep on Comfy Yacht 31.
58:39I agree.
58:40You ain't see a little yack.
58:40Check your scores on the Peacock TV or mobile app.
58:43Luka's got 52% of the points, has accounted for that.
58:48Mark Williams, a revenge game.
58:50Revenge game.
58:51They had him for two days.
58:52Yeah, Mark.
58:52Yeah, Mark.
58:53First half, we welcome you back.
58:55On the bench action, Noah Eagle.
58:56Robbie Hummel was on the Phoenix side.
58:58Derek Fisher, Laker legend, on the Lakers side.
59:01And, Robbie, this team is playing incredibly well to end that first half.
59:04Now they've got to find a way to continue it into this third quarter.
59:07Yeah, they won't have Devin Booker for the rest of the game with a groin injury.
59:10Dylan Brooks was phenomenal, though.
59:12Second highest output of his career in a first half with 23 points right there.
59:17Honestly, though, for the Phoenix Suns, it's about their effort on the defensive end.
59:20Can they rebound?
59:21Can they use defense to create offense the way we saw in the first half?
59:24A terrific effort.
59:26I'm sure the entire Phoenix Suns coaching staff thrilled with what they were able to accomplish.
59:30And for the Lakers, there's no way to win basketball games in this league
59:34if you are going to turn the ball over.
59:36The Lakers, 10 turnovers in the second quarter, only 7 assists for the entire game.
59:42Look for the Lakers to be more solid with the basketball
59:44and look to get pressure on the rim to create fouls.
59:48So it'll be Jordan Goodwin who will start this second half in for the injured.
59:53Devin Booker with Brooks, O'Neal Williams, and Gillespie, James Hachimura, Aiton Reeves.
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