The Lakers defeated the Suns (121-107) to earn a crucial win which kept their in the fight for a direct playoff spot. Even though Phoenix rested Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton, it wasn’t an easy game for the Purple and Gold.
The Suns led by one point at the half time but the Lakers were able to switch to an upper gear and controlled the game from then on.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham admitted that he and his coaching staff are tired, saying that it is even worse for the players. That is why it took time for his team to get going in this game.
“I think guys just got their wind and got their legs up under them,” Ham said when asked how his team managed to turn things around in the second half. “Technically, this a backside of 3 or 4 nights with the travel and getting in at weird hours. It’s that time of the year.
“I know if I’m feeling tired and coaching staff, I can only imagine how they feel. Just got to figure out a way to power through. That was the message at half time pretty much.
“We’re able to put it together as the game wore on. We got a little bit stronger, started to be see the ball going more, started to see some stops, holding them to one possession. It’s that time of the year.
“Phoenix is a prideful ball club even though with those guys being out. That’s why they are considered a championship-caliber team because of their roster and depth. They got a lot of guys that play hard non-stop. They’re going to push you to the limit to make you earn that W. I’m just happy we came out on the right side of it.”
