Doncic takes blame after Lakers defeat: 9 key turnovers against Suns

Lakers Suffer Defeat Against Suns: Doncic Takes Responsibility for the Losses

The Los Angeles Lakers had their seven-game winning streak snapped on Monday, losing to the Phoenix Suns with a score of 125-108. Luka Doncic, a key figure for the Lakers, attributed the loss to their nine turnovers. That was my fault. I can’t have nine turnovers in a game. Doncic had a promising start, scoring 20 points in the first quarter. However, the game changed drastically in the second quarter, when he committed four turnovers, as did Austin Reaves, who also had four turnovers. The Suns’ defense, according to Doncic, was a key factor that made the Lakers’ game difficult.

I feel like it was definitely a different defense than other teams. Trying to let me score instead of creating for others. It was a little confusing, but like I said, it just can’t happen.
Luka Doncic

Doncic’s nine turnovers tied his personal record. These turnovers resulted in steals for the Suns, which represented the most turnovers in a game this season. Lakers coach JJ Redick highlighted the work of Suns center Mark Williams as key to Phoenix’s defense. Williams, with his wingspan, made it difficult for the Lakers to play in the paint.

Williams did a great job simply by being big. He has the second-highest wingspan in the NBA. Whether in the post, off the ball, or in the pick-and-roll, he was in the middle of the paint all the time.
JJ Redick

Doncic finished the game with 38 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Reaves contributed 16 points. LeBron James scored 10 points, with three assists and three turnovers.

Turnovers, transition points. And obviously on our court and against a defense as disruptive as that, you can’t turn the ball over so much. And it was practically all pick-sixes. Not only did they steal the ball from us, but they were able to convert.
LeBron James

Phoenix, led by Dillon Brooks (33 points) and Collin Gillespie (28 points), outscored Los Angeles 28-2 in fast break points. The Lakers, with a 15-5 record, face a challenging schedule, with games against teams with records above .500, including three games in four nights in Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia.