The Los Angeles Lakers defense collects 13 steals in a 131-113 win against the Phoenix Suns.
Los Angeles Lakers fans can take a deep breath, LeBron James got his first win as a member of the purple and gold. After coming out the gate 0-3, the Lakers sauntered into Arizona and got their first win of the season against the Phoenix Suns.
The offense looked as good, if not better than it has up to this point in the season. What got the Lakers their first win of the season was a concerted effort on the defensive end, it was evident from the start that LeBron and company were on a mission this game.
In the previous three games, the Lakers were having trouble communicating, which led to poor rotations and blown coverage. This time around was much different, as Los Angeles did a great job running the Phoenix shooters off the three-point line, but closing out on players who were less of a threat. The Lakers held Phoenix to 32.3 percent from downtown, which is below their season average, as teams were shooting 41.3 percent against Los Angeles before tonight.
Up until now, the Lakers were averaging 7.7 steals per game, against Phoenix they were able to collect 13 steals, with the Sun’s committed 19 turnovers overall. The Lakers were able to turn those steals into easy baskets time after time, allowing LeBron and Lonzo Ball to showcase their playmaking ability in the open court.
There were several instances where Devin Booker and Trevor Ariza were forced to take the ball off the dribble, instead of getting a clean look at the basket. Josh Jackson, for example, would get different treatment, as the Lakers would close out knowing Jackson would rather attack the rim than take a three-pointer.
LeBron’s defensive effort was also much improved, even if he wasn’t the one making a play, he was always engaged with what was happening Even off-ball, LeBron was continually talking to his teammates, pointing things out and hustling to the correct rotation spots. This set the tone for the Lakers defense, while the rest of the players matched his effort.
JaVale McGee was also a considerable part of the defensive improvement, tallying four blocks total, and altered several other attempts at the basket. Even when McGee was not blocking shots, his presence was known, as there were times the Sun’s players would kick the ball out before getting close enough for their shot blocked.
All and all Los Angeles should be pleased with the effort, even though Phoenix is not a championship contender by any stretch of the imagination, a win is a win. The Lakers were able to eclipse their season average of 125 points per game by dropping 131, while at the same time holding Phoenix to 113. Still a long road ahead, but there was finally a glimpse of what this team can become when the defensive effort is there.