Quick Read
- Dillon Brooks scored 25 points as the Suns beat the Lakers 132-108.
- Brooks notched 12 points in the third quarter; Suns shot 72.7% in that period.
- All five Suns starters finished in double figures, while the Lakers missed Luka Doncic due to injury.
Dillon Brooks’ Breakout Performance Powers Suns Past Lakers
On a brisk December night in Phoenix, the NBA spotlight found Dillon Brooks. The 29-year-old forward delivered a masterclass, scoring 25 points and steering the Phoenix Suns to a decisive 132-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. For Brooks, this wasn’t just another good game; it was a reflection of a season where he’s rewriting his own narrative, averaging a career-high 21.7 points per game.
With the Lakers missing their five-time All-Star Luka Doncic due to a lower leg contusion, the challenge for Phoenix was clear: capitalize on a weakened opponent, but don’t get complacent. Early on, both teams traded baskets, but Brooks and Devin Booker—who added 21 points and 11 assists—kept the Suns’ offense humming. By halftime, Phoenix led 67-57, shooting an impressive 60% from the field. LeBron James, ever the competitor, notched 18 points in the first half, trying to keep Los Angeles within striking distance.
Third Quarter Surge: Where the Game Turned
It was the third quarter, though, where the Suns truly separated themselves. Brooks poured in 12 of his 25 points in this pivotal stretch, while the team collectively shot a scorching 72.7% (16-of-22) and outscored the Lakers 45-29. The Lakers simply couldn’t keep pace, their shooting dipping to 48% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, as Phoenix stretched the lead to 112-86 heading into the fourth.
All five Suns starters finished in double figures—a testament to the team’s offensive balance. Mark Williams contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, Collin Gillespie had 16 points, and Booker orchestrated the attack with his playmaking. The Suns’ ability to share the ball and find the hot hand gave them options beyond their stars, forcing the Lakers’ defense into constant rotation.
Brooks’ Evolution: More Than Just Points
This season marks a turning point for Brooks. Once known primarily for his defensive grit and fiery on-court demeanor, he’s emerging as a reliable scoring threat. Against the Lakers, his efficiency was notable: 10-of-15 shooting overall, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. It’s the kind of performance that speaks to hours spent in the gym, refining his jumper and learning to pick his spots within a talented Suns roster.
«He’s playing with confidence, and that’s contagious,» Suns head coach Monty Williams said postgame. «When Dillon attacks, it opens up the floor for everyone else. Tonight, he was the spark we needed.»
Implications for the Season: Suns Building Momentum
With this win, the Suns improved to 16-13, taking two of three games in their season series against the Lakers. For Los Angeles, it marked a second straight loss—underscoring the impact of Doncic’s absence, even as Austin Reaves returned from injury to score 17 off the bench and LeBron led with 23. The Lakers now face a quick turnaround, hosting Houston on Thursday, while Phoenix sets its sights on a road test in New Orleans.
Looking at the box score, it’s tempting to see this as a routine win, but the story runs deeper. For Brooks, every bucket is a step further from the criticisms that once dogged his career. For the Suns, the victory signals a team finding its rhythm, blending star power with selfless play. And for the Lakers, the loss is a reminder of how thin margins can be in a league where injuries shift the landscape overnight.
- Brooks scored 25 points, including 12 in the third quarter, on 10-of-15 shooting.
- Suns shot 72.7% in the third quarter, outscoring Lakers 45-29.
- All five Suns starters reached double figures; Booker had 21 points and 11 assists.
- Lakers played without Luka Doncic, but welcomed Austin Reaves back from injury.
- Suns improved to 16-13; Lakers dropped their second straight.
Brooks’ performance against the Lakers wasn’t just a statistical high—it was a statement. In a season that’s quickly becoming his best, he’s proving that hard work can reshape reputations and elevate teams. The Suns, for their part, look increasingly like a squad capable of making noise come playoff time, especially if Brooks continues on this upward trajectory. The Lakers, meanwhile, must address their depth and resilience as the grind of the season continues. Sources: SFGate, AP News, TalkBasket.