Dillon Brooks led the Phoenix Suns with 33 points in a 125-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Brooks took satisfaction in getting under LeBron James’ skin during the game, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon: “He likes people that bow down. I don’t bow down. So, that either entices him or it aggravates him — either-or.”
The Suns surged after Devin Booker exited early with a right groin injury, forcing 22 Lakers turnovers and building a 21-point lead by the third quarter. Brooks scored 23 points in the first half, asserting himself offensively while setting the tone for Phoenix.
Point guard Collin Gillespie, who scored a career-high 28 points including eight 3-pointers, praised Brooks’ influence: “That’s Dillon Brooks. It fuels us. Obviously, we love when he gets going.” Brooks has nicknamed Gillespie “Villain Jr.” for his tenacious style.
Brooks also reflected on the energy of playing in Los Angeles: “I love playing in this arena. They show me a lot of love in here, and I reciprocate it back. I’m a competitor, man. I don’t really like the smiling and the giggling and all that, so just letting them know that I’m here. And I’m still rising.”
Royce O’Neale contributed six points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, helping Phoenix share the ball efficiently, while the Suns shot 57 percent from the field and 44 percent from three. Los Angeles managed only 51 percent overall and 39 percent from deep, with Luka Doncic scoring 38 points and Austin Reaves adding 16.
Phoenix’s bench production and timely shooting from Brooks and Gillespie proved decisive, as the team ended a three-game losing streak. The victory improves the Suns to 13-9, while the Lakers fall to 15-5, halting a seven-game winning streak.
The Suns will visit Houston on Friday, and the Lakers travel to Toronto on Thursday for their next matchup, with Brooks’ competitive edge expected to remain a key factor in Phoenix’s momentum.
