LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 106-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, securing the final semifinal spot in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament. James scored 31 points, including 15 of the Lakers' first 19 points in the fourth quarter. He also had 11 assists, eight rebounds and five steals.
Anthony Davis added 27 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who will face the New Orleans Pelicans in the tournament semifinals on Thursday in Las Vegas. The winner of the tournament will be crowned the NBA Cup champion on Saturday.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 31 points, but he missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer. Devin Booker and Grayson Allen each scored 21 points for Phoenix, which committed 22 turnovers in the game.
The Lakers took control of the game in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Suns 32-18. James was the catalyst for the Lakers' run, scoring 15 of his 31 points in the final period.
The Suns had won eight of their previous 10 games before losing to the Lakers for the third time this season. They will now head into the offseason looking to regroup and make a deep playoff run next season.
Key takeaways:
- LeBron James led the Lakers to victory with 31 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals.
- Anthony Davis added 27 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers.
- Kevin Durant led the Suns with 31 points, but he missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer.
- The Lakers will face the New Orleans Pelicans in the tournament semifinals on Thursday in Las Vegas.
- The winner of the tournament will be crowned the NBA Cup champion on Saturday.
