The Lakers’ fairy tale run in the NBA Cup hit a major roadblock Tuesday night against the Suns, and it was a doozy.
Lakers Stumble in the Desert
So, the Lakers, who were riding high after clinching the NBA Cup last season, finally hit a bump. After cruising through the competition with an 8-0 streak, they got smacked down by the Suns in Phoenix. This loss wasn’t just any loss; it was a blowout that put them in a tricky three-way tie in West Group B with the Suns and Spurs, all sitting at 2-1. LeBron and crew now face a tough challenge against the Thunder next. And letโs be real, that 35-point differential is like a boulder on their backs.
Redick Matches Ham’s Record… But Is It Enough?
JJ Redick, the new guy calling the shots, has been steering the Lakers to a 10-7 record so far. Funny enough, that’s exactly where Darvin Ham left them last season after 17 games. Coincidence? Maybe. But I think Redick’s got a different vibe going. The Lakers have been solid against teams with losing records, going 7-1, but when it comes to the big dogs, they’re struggling at 3-6. It’s like theyโre acing the easy classes but flunking the finals. Check out this tweet for some perspective:
Lakers against teams with winning records:
3-6Lakers against teams with losing records:
7-1— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA)
Suns Shine Bright with Their Big Three Back
Meanwhile, over in Phoenix, the Suns were celebrating like it was Christmas morning. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal made their comebacks from calf injuries, and boy, did they deliver. Alongside Devin Booker, who dropped 26 points and dished out ten assists, the trio racked up 72 points together. Thatโs some serious firepower! With KD back, the Suns are 9-1, and if they can keep their stars healthy, they might just be the team to beat in the West. In my opinion, they’re looking like a well-oiled machine right now.
So, what’s next for the Lakers? Can they bounce back and make a statement against the Thunder, or will this slump continue? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the NBA Cup drama is just heating up.
