Lakers’ 2nd-half struggles continue in NBA Cup loss to Suns

PHOENIX — In its brief two-season history, NBA Cup games have typically been when the Lakers are at their best.

Their collective focus is dialed up, understanding the stakes for the In-Season Tournament – including a $500,000-plus cash prize for each player on the Cup-winning team.

This typically was most evident defensively, with the Lakers, a team that has generally struggled on that end of the court over the last couple of seasons, raising their energy and physicality multiple levels above their norm.

That wasn’t the case in the Lakers’ 127-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, their first defeat in an NBA Cup matchup and their third consecutive loss overall to drop them to 10-7.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 25 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, while LeBron James had 18 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.

But their impact was negated by the Lakers’ subpar defensive performance, allowing the Suns to shoot 51.5% (51 for 99), including 40.5% from 3-point range (17 for 42).

Coach JJ Redick said before the game that he was confident his team would have a “great response” after the Lakers were outscored by the Denver Nuggets 70-39 in the second half of Saturday night’s home loss.

That response only lasted for one half, with Tuesday’s unfolding in similar fashion.

The Lakers were competitive with the Suns in the first half, trailing only 62-60 at the intermission.

But just like the Nuggets, the Suns blitzed the Lakers as soon as the second half started, going on a 15-2 run midway through the third quarter to open a 91-74 lead that grew to 98-78 by the time the quarter ended.

The Suns outscored the Lakers 36-18 in the third, similar to the 37-15 advantage the Nuggets had against the Lakers in that period on Saturday.

The Suns (10-7), who were led by Devin Booker’s 26 point, 10-assist double-double, didn’t need to continue their offensive onslaught in the fourth, taking a 115-88 lead with 4:25 remaining before both teams pulled their starters.

Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, both of whom returned to the floor after missing multiple games because of strained calves, each scored 23 points for Phoenix, which snapped a five-game losing streak.

The Lakers had gone 9-0 in NBA Cup games before Tuesday. They beat the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 15 and the Utah Jazz on Nov. 19 in Group Play games after going 7-0 in tournament play last season to win the inaugural event.

The Lakers will play the Spurs again on Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back for both teams.

More to come on this story.