Some games, there really isn’t a lot to say. The Lakers 4th and final game on their road trip, in Phoenix, is one such game. Yes, they won 100-93. And, honestly, saying more than that really isn’t needed. Or, at least, I don’t want to say more. Not when the game was disjointed and sloppy, lacking a good flow or rhythm.
I actually think our guy Pete Zayas said it best:
I can't remember the last game the Lakers won where they played like crap. That's a sign of progress in and of itself.
— Laker Film Room (@LakerFilmRoom) November 14, 2017
Or, you know, you can have my recap (thanks for the 280 characters, twitter):
I for real do not want to recap this game. The Lakers won. Jordan Clarkson scored. Corey Brewer defended. Devin Booker got mad. The end.
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) November 14, 2017
This was, for real, it. Okay, you want more…here:
The Lakers started this game down 9-0 and it looked like it might be a repeat of the other games on this road trip where they came out flat and then had to scrap back for the entire game, only to fall short at the end. They battled back much earlier in this one, though, actually ending the first quarter with a lead and then going into halftime only down a single point.
For the Suns, Devin Booker and TJ Warren were the stars, getting buckets from deep and mid-range, respectively. Both showed why they’re their team’s leading scorers, getting to their spots on the floor and getting up makable looks in their comfort zones. If the Lakers would have let this continue, they probably lose, Instead, though, they tightened up their defense and cobbled together enough points to take control.
And this is where you credit Jordan Clarkson. JC had his offense going all night, keeping the Lakers in the game early with his shot making and giving them a cushion down the stretch. Clarkson got buckets from all over the floor, hitting 3 of his 7 three pointers and 11 of his 19 shots overall for a game high 25 points. He found his way to the rim for nifty finishes and used his jumper to offset defenders who gave him space to avoid getting beat off the bounce. Just a really good game from the 4th year guards.
Beyond Clarkson, Brook Lopez (6 for 9 — nice) and Corey Brewer (5 for 7) were the only other Lakers to shoot over 50% from the field. They both provided a spark in their own way, Lopez getting some key baskets inside while Brewer’s activity as a cutter got him some easy shots at the rim. Add in Brewer’s defense on Booker in the 4th quarter and he deserves a game ball.
But that was about it this game, you guys. There’s not super deep analysis or grand takeaways to be had. The Lakers played bad and won. The Suns played worse and lost. Sometimes, that’s all the story there is to tell and there’s no pointing to what you wrote in the game preview to make yourself look smart or like you knew it would happen.
Enjoy the win for what it is…a notch in the column we all want. Now enjoy a piece of sweet potato pie or something — I know I’m about to. We’ll catch ya’ll tomorrow.