The Phoenix Suns have been a model of consistency throughout the season. They’ve been the most dependable squad, winning despite the fact that their players were occasionally injured or unwell.
The only time this team seemed to be “off its game” was at the start of the season, when Phoenix stumbled to a 1-3 start. That is, until earlier this week, when the Suns fell to the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder in consecutive games.
However, with LeBron James sitting out tonight, the Suns would not allow history to be denied them any longer.
The Phoenix Suns Defeat the Los Angeles Lakers to Set a Season Win Record
The Suns entered tonight’s game looking rather disorganised in the aftermath of their two consecutive losses. Initially, those games appeared to be straightforward dubs for the good side, but they were anything but.
The Grizzlies took the court without their star player, Ja Morant, but still won by a final score of 122-114. A few days later, an incredibly young Thunder team stunned Phoenix with a barrage of three-pointers, winning 117-96.
With only one more game remaining to break their franchise’s win record, Phoenix fans, and likely players, grew increasingly hungry for that coveted dub. As a result, when the Los Angeles Lakers arrived in town tonight, everyone was salivating.
With the Suns having struggled to defeat the Grizzlies and Thunder previously, many were unsure what to expect heading into tonight’s contest. However, after some early back-and-forth action, any concern that win No. 63 would slip away quickly vanished as the Suns marched to a 121-110 victory.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 32 points on 6-of-9 shooting from outside the arc. Deandre Ayton scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Chris Paul contributed six points and 12 assists. The Suns officially clinched their 63rd victory, breaking the previous franchise record of 62 victories held by the 1992-93 and 2004-05 Suns.
Three games remain between Phoenix and the playoffs, giving them further room to improve their record if they so want. This should be an enjoyable assignment this week, with all the record-based pressure lifted and each game now as meaningful as a scrimmage.
Regardless, Phoenix’s primary target is a gold-painted sign with the name “Larry O’Brien” further down the line. However, supporters would be wise to savour this moment for the time being. If anything, it solidifies this season as one of Phoenix’s best and provides the club with further momentum as they prepare to pursue their ultimate objective of winning a title.