Los Angeles, California – In a thrilling and controversial game, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-103 to secure the last semifinal spot in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament. The game was tied at 103 with 1.5 seconds left on the clock when Lakers guard Austin Reaves inbounded the ball from under the Suns’ basket. Reaves then appeared to call a timeout, but the referees did not grant it. The Suns’ Devin Booker then stole the ball and attempted a layup, but Reaves fouled him with 0.6 seconds left. Booker made one of his two free throws to give the Suns a 104-103 lead.
However, the referees then reviewed the play and determined that Reaves had called the timeout before Booker stole the ball. This gave the Lakers the ball with 0.6 seconds left. Reaves then inbounded the ball to James, who made a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Lakers the win.
The Suns were furious about the call, claiming that Reaves had not called the timeout before Booker stole the ball. However, the referees upheld their call, and the Lakers advanced to the semifinals.
The Lakers’ victory was a controversial one, but there is no doubt that they deserved to win the game. They were the better team for most of the night, and they made the plays down the stretch to win.
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Key Points: Suns v/s Lakers
- The Lakers defeated the Suns 106-103 to secure the last semifinal spot in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament.
- The game was tied at 103 with 1.5 seconds left on the clock when Lakers guard Austin Reaves inbounded the ball from under the Suns’ basket.
- Reaves then appeared to call a timeout, but the referees did not grant it.
- The Suns’ Devin Booker then stole the ball and attempted a layup, but Reaves fouled him with 0.6 seconds left.
- Booker made one of his two free throws to give the Suns a 104-103 lead.
- However, the referees then reviewed the play and determined that Reaves had called the timeout before Booker stole the ball.
- This gave the Lakers the ball with 0.6 seconds left.
- Reaves then inbounded the ball to James, who made a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Lakers the win.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Full Game Highlights | December 5, 2023 | FreeDawkins
Analysis
The Lakers’ victory was a controversial one, but there is no doubt that they deserved to win the game. They were the better team for most of the night, and they made the plays down the stretch to win.
The Lakers were led by LeBron James, who scored 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Anthony Davis also had a big game for the Lakers, scoring 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
The Suns were led by Devin Booker, who scored 30 points. However, Booker struggled down the stretch, making just one of his final five shots.
The Lakers will now face the Milwaukee Bucks in the semifinals. The series is scheduled to begin on Friday night.
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