PHOENIX (AP) — LeBron James looked like an aging veteran for a few seconds Friday night, limping off the baseline and grabbing his left hand after being fouled in the first quarter. calf.
The moment is fleeting.
James scored 32 points, D’Angelo Russell added 19 and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 122-119 in the first game of the NBA in-season tournament, ending a three-game losing streak.
“It’s nice to finally get over it so early in the season,” James said. “We were behind in a lot of games and weren’t able to take the lead. That felt good.”
The 38-year-old once again delivered a classic performance that defied his age in his 21st season, shooting 11-for-17 from the field, including 3-for-4 from three-point range. He added 11 rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes.
Kevin Durant of the Suns scored 38 points and Bradley Beal scored 24 points, including 20 points in the first half. Devin Booker missed his fourth straight game with a strained right calf.
Austin Reeves’ layup with 9:25 left capped a 14-0 run that gave the Lakers their first lead of the second half, 97-96. Reeves hit a couple of mid-range jumpers in the fourth quarter to help Los Angeles stay ahead.
Cam Reddish scored 17 points, including a corner 3 off a James pass, giving the Lakers a 118-113 lead with 1:10 left. Los Angeles grabbed three offensive rebounds before Reddish’s shot.
Lakers head coach Davin Hamm made adjustments to the starting lineup, with Reddish starting and Reeves coming on the bench. Both had big games, and Reeves remained a vital part of the rotation, playing 35 minutes and finishing the game.
“It was a great team win,” Hamm said. “A lot of what we saw in the second half, has to be our signature.
James was fouled in the first quarter and limped to his left calf. The 19-time All-Star said he injured his knee and received some treatment on the bench before returning at the start of the second quarter.
He looked good all night and helped orchestrate the comeback. Los Angeles shot 9 of 17 (53%) from 3-point range in the second half.
Durant scored 15 points in the third quarter and the Suns took a single-digit lead. Reddish hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, and the Suns narrowed their advantage to 96-89 in the fourth quarter.
“They controlled the game from there,” Durant said. “When they started shooting 3-pointers, the momentum turned in their favor.”
Los Angeles’ Anthony Davis returned after missing one game with a hip injury and scored 18 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
Beal’s layup at the halftime buzzer in the Suns’ home debut gave the Suns a 14-point lead, 63-55. James scored 19 points in the half.
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Lakers: Host Portland on Sunday night.
Suns: Host Oklahoma City on Sunday night.
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