A defensive battle can be expected from the Phoenix Suns (19-51) and the visiting Los Angeles Lakers (15-55) when two of the league’s top scoring defenses battle it out at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 10:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 23 and will air on TWC and FAZ.
The Suns lost to the Grizzlies 103-97 on Monday. P.J. Tucker was the best player for the Suns, finishing with 15 points, four steals, and four rebounds. The Lakers, meanwhile, are coming off a 107-100 win over that same Grizzlies squad on Tuesday. Julius Randle had a good game and claimed his 30th double-double of the season, accumulating 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The Suns have won two out of three against the Lakers this season, including a 95-90 victory in their last matchup. Lou Williams scored a game-high 30 points.
Notes
When giving up fewer than 100 points, the Phoenix Suns have an 8-7 record. When they don’t reach the century mark, the Los Angeles Lakers have an underachieving record of 5-38.
When Phoenix allows at least 100 points, it has a subpar 11-44 record this season. Los Angeles also has a losing record when it hits the century mark (10-17).
The Lakers have a defensive rating of 109.7 (ranked 30th). The Suns rank 29th for their offensive rating of 99.9.
The Phoenix Suns average 100.3 possessions per game and .999 points per possession, while the Los Angeles Lakers earn fewer possessions (97.8) but more points per possession (1.000).
The Phoenix Suns average an effective field goal percentage of 48.7% this season. The Los Angeles Lakers have a subpar record of 6-43 when opponents have an EFF% of 48.7% or greater.
The Suns average 20.4 assists per game (ranked 25th), while the Lakers rank last in the league with just 18.3.
The Phoenix Suns average 3.9 blocks per game for a rank of 27th. The Los Angeles Lakers rank higher (24th), earning 4.2 blocks each contest.
Phoenix is ranked eighth in offensive rebounding. Los Angeles ranks 23rd in defensive rebounds.
On average, Phoenix makes 7.7 steals per game. Los Angeles is a subpar 8-32 when it gives up at least 7 steals.
