Deandre Ayton delivered the “take over” game Phoenix needed to upset its hated rival Saturday night.
The rookie 7-footer scored 26 points in leading the Suns to a 118-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Hitting 8-of-11 shots from the field, Ayton attempted 14 free throws, making 10. His final two free throws gave Phoenix a five-point lead with under a minute remaining after Los Angeles (30-33) cut what was a 19-point deficit to three.
Devin Booker added 25 points as the Suns (13-51) have won two of their last three since losing a franchise-record 17 straight games.