In this recap, we discuss 3 highs and 3 lows from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 122-120 win over the Phoenix Suns.
The Highs
Zubac’s Minutes: After picking up straight DNP-CDs, Zubac finally got some minutes he could feast during. In just over 16 minutes of action, Zubac scored 14 points on 13 shots, his second most of the season. If Zubac started getting 25-plus minutes a game, he would easily become a double-double monster.
D’Angelo’s 3-Point Stroke: On Thursday night, Russell shot a fantastic 6-for-9 from beyond the arc. Prior to Thursday’s game. Russell had only made 6 or more 3-pointers three times this season. Once D’Angelo develops a consistent 3-point shot he should become the go-to scorer for the Lakers. If he becomes that, it will seriously force the Lakers hand on who to draft this summer.
Low Turnovers: Staying in the single digits in the turnover column is not something that has not come easy for the Lakers this year. This will be only the fifth time all season that they have accomplished such a mighty feat. That may be the only thing hindering this team from being a serious competitor.
The Lows
Free Throw Struggles: The Lakers have been in the bottom ten in free throw percentage almost for the entire season, and those fortunes won’t change overnight. The team shot 67 percent in this contest, which wouldn’t be bad if you were, say, Andre Drummond or DeAndre Jordan, but for an entire team, that is not going to fly every game.
Ennis DNP: For the past couple of games, Tyler Ennis has been a serviceable backup point guard, playing limited and even leading the team in Real Box Plus/Minus for a game. Given the team won, this game not much can be said about the DNP, but hopefully, we see more of him in the coming weeks.
Tank Race 2017: Yes, the Lakers won a game. After losing eight straight it is a beautiful sight to see. At this point in the season, however, every loss matters for the Lakers in terms of keeping their 2017 draft pick. Beating the team that they are currently in a battle with for second-worst record in the NBA only hurts the Lakers.
Next: Who will be the Lakers' next go-to guy?
But what do you guys think? Did the Lakers screw up by losing a key game in the tank race? Was it nice to see the team get a win? Let us know in the comments below.