Los Angeles Lakers seemed to be doomed to defeat against the Phoenix Suns in a calamitous fourth quarter, which they led 102-84 with six minutes remaining, but LeBron James rescued the purple and gold and decided the game 114-116 with two free throws with three seconds remaining.
Dillon Brooks hit a crucial three-pointer in LeBron James’ face with 12 seconds left to give the Suns a 114-113 lead. After reviewing the play, in which the always controversial Brooks ended up on the floor and in which the referees saw no foul, the Suns player was penalized with a technical (LeBron missed the free throw) and ejected from the game.
Video shows the striking gap in salaries between LeBron and Bronny James
“We were there competing; we were able to laugh last
In the next play, King James was fouled by Devin Booker while shooting a three-pointer to win the game with 114-113 on the scoreboard, and made two of the three free throws (114-115).
Desperately trying to get the game-winning shot off, the Suns’ attempt was thwarted by a LeBron block.
There is no rhythm. They (the referees) control the rhythm
“We were out there competing; we were able to laugh last,” said LeBron James, who turns 41 on Dec. 30, after the game in clear reference to his feud with Dilo Brooks.
LeBron James finished the game with 26 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, although he spoiled his performance with eight turnovers.
Luka Doncic scored 29 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists in the Lakers’ agonizing victory over the Suns
Luka Doncic (29 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists), the giant Deandre Ayton (20 points and 13 rebounds) and Jaxson Hayes (12 points and 9 rebounds) were other standouts for the Lakers.
Suns’ anger with refereeing in loss to Lakers
The Suns were led by Devin Booker (27 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists), Mark Williams (20 points) and Dillon Brooks (18 points).
Jordan Ott, coach of the Phoenix Suns, complained about the refereeing his team suffered: “There’s no rhythm. They (the referees) control the rhythm.”
