The Phoenix Suns fell to the Los Angeles Lakers 107-96 on Friday night, and Devin Booker didn’t hold back in his postgame comments. The All-Star guard expressed frustration over the team’s inconsistency, particularly their poor starts.
“We’ve had some terrible starts, and it’s frustrating,” Booker said, per Duane Rankin. “We showed we can do the right thing sometimes, and then, sometimes we don’t.”
Phoenix (31-37) struggled offensively, shooting 39.3% from the field and 22% from three-point range. Kevin Durant led the team with 21 points, while Booker finished with 19, but the Suns’ star trio, including Bradley Beal, combined for just two made three-pointers on 12 attempts.
The Lakers (41-25) capitalized on the Suns’ slow start, jumping to a 31-15 first-quarter lead. Luka Doncic dominated with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while Austin Reaves added 28 points.
Booker highlighted the team’s lack of energy and defensive lapses, particularly when shots aren’t falling. “That’s what makes it even more frustrating,” he said. “We have a game like last game, and then we come in and miss a few shots, and that affects our defense.”
The Suns made a late push, trimming the deficit to 100-92 with under two minutes left, but Dorian Finney-Smith’s clutch three-pointer sealed the Lakers’ victory. The loss left Phoenix 1.5 games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in spot.
Booker also questioned the team’s overall effort, saying, “If you’re playing with energy and effort, you can sleep well at night regardless, and I don’t think we’re doing that right now.”
With just 14 games remaining, the Suns will need to find consistency quickly to avoid missing the postseason.
