Lakers Crush Suns

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 132-106, their 48th win of the season. LA finished shooting .574 with a season-high 38 assists, and scored 31 points off turnovers. Every Laker played in the game for at least 5 minutes, including DJ Mbenga, Shannon Brown, and Adam Morrison. Lamar Odom scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead LA, with Kobe Bryant adding 22 points. Pau Gasol finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Mbenga had 8 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 2 blocked shots. The Suns were without Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash, and relied on 18 points from Leandro Barbosa and 12 points from Shaquille O'Neal.

Suns Kick Randolph, Clippers Out of Phoenix

The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Phoenix Suns 140-100, the first game of Phoenix's new coach, Alvin Gentry. Zach Randolph was ejected from the game in the first quarter after throwing a punch at Louis Amundson. Randolph will be suspended for 2 games with a $400,000 fine. The Suns shot .622 from the field, despite committing 22 turnovers. LA turned the ball over 21 times, which resulting in 30 Phoenix points off turnovers. Eric Gordon scored 24 points to lead the Clips, and Marcus Camby was unavailable due to an inner ear infection. Leandro Barbosa scored 24 points to lead the Suns, and Amare Stoudemire had 23 points.