The Phoenix Suns went head-to-head with the Los Angeles Lakers on March 16, 2025, in what became a critical game for both teams. For the Lakers, the game represented an opportunity to get back into the win column after a disappointing stretch of road losses. For the Suns, it was another setback in what has been a tumultuous season. In the end, the Lakers managed to secure a 107-96 victory, with notable performances from their key players. In this article, we break down the Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats, providing a comprehensive analysis of every player’s performance in this significant matchup.
Lakers Secure Crucial Win: Phoenix Suns vs Lakers Match Recap
The Los Angeles Lakers were coming off a tough series of games, with several losses on their road trip. Despite the challenges, the Lakers managed to dominate the Phoenix Suns in their first game back home. This victory was essential for the Lakers to stay competitive in the tightly contested Western Conference.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns entered this matchup struggling to find consistency. The Suns’ season has been riddled with difficulties, especially as the organization contemplates its future. Against a strong Lakers team, Phoenix couldn’t get much going, and despite some individual performances, they fell short in the end.
In the following sections, we will take a deep dive into the Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats and analyze each player’s contribution in detail, including some standout performances and areas where improvements can be made.
Phoenix Suns vs Lakers: Player Grading and Stats Breakdown
Let’s look at the individual performances of the players from the Los Angeles Lakers, grading their contributions and highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. This grading is based on their overall impact, considering their scoring, defense, playmaking, and consistency throughout the game.
Jordan Goodwin: Defensive Contributions and Efficiency
Stats: 28 minutes, 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1-5 FG, 0-3 3PT, -3
Jordan Goodwin’s performance in this game may not have been impressive in terms of scoring, but his defensive effort was crucial. Goodwin started the game and was tasked with guarding Devin Booker, one of the Suns’ most dangerous players. While Goodwin didn’t score much himself, his defense against Booker was a game-changer. Booker finished the game shooting just 35% from the field (6-17), and Goodwin’s defensive presence played a significant role in limiting his effectiveness.
Offensively, Goodwin didn’t contribute much, shooting poorly from the field and from three-point range. However, his defensive work against Booker was a key factor in the Lakers’ win, and his energy on both ends of the floor was valuable.
Grade: B+
Dorian Finney-Smith: Key Plays in Critical Moments
Stats: 36 minutes, 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3-7 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-4 FT, +16
Dorian Finney-Smith had an up-and-down game, with moments of struggle followed by key plays in clutch situations. For much of the game, Finney-Smith’s shot wasn’t falling, and he was a non-factor offensively. However, he made two crucial plays late in the game that helped seal the Lakers’ victory. A timely three-pointer and a game-sealing tip-in in the final moments were the highlights of his performance.
Despite struggling for most of the game, Finney-Smith’s defense and rebounding were solid, and his +16 plus-minus rating showed that his overall impact was positive when he was on the floor. His ability to stay engaged in the game, even when not scoring, is a testament to his versatility.
Grade: B
Jaxson Hayes: Dominant Inside Performance
Stats: 29 minutes, 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 8-10 FG, 3-7 FT, +7
Jaxson Hayes was one of the standout performers for the Lakers in this game. His efficiency around the basket was exceptional, as he finished with 19 points on 8-10 shooting. Hayes was a constant threat in pick-and-roll situations, with the Suns struggling to contain him as he powered his way to the rim. His 6 rebounds and 3 assists show his all-around game, and his defensive presence in the paint was a major factor in the Lakers’ success.
The Suns had no answer for Hayes, and he made an immediate impact when he was on the floor. His performance was a reminder of how valuable he can be to the Lakers’ rotation, especially when he plays with this level of energy.
Grade: A+
Austin Reaves: A Rising Star in the Making
Stats: 39 minutes, 28 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 10-21 FG, 4-10 3PT, 4-5 FT, +14
Austin Reaves continues to impress with his growth and development as a key player for the Lakers. In this game, he dropped 28 points, shooting 47.6% from the field, including 4-10 from three-point range. Reaves was also a major contributor in other areas, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists, and providing solid defense with 2 steals and 1 block.
Reaves has shown that he can take over games offensively, and his ability to contribute in a variety of ways makes him a valuable asset to the Lakers. His shooting and playmaking ability were on full display in this game, and he continues to be a bright spot for the team as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Grade: A-
Luka Dončić: Suns’ Nemesis Continues to Shine
Stats: 40 minutes, 33 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 8-20 FG, 4-11 3PT, 13-14 FT, +16
Luka Dončić has been a thorn in the Phoenix Suns’ side for years, and this game was no different. He finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, showcasing his all-around brilliance. Dončić was a force from all areas of the floor, hitting timely three-pointers, getting to the basket, and facilitating for his teammates. His free throw shooting was exceptional, hitting 13-14 from the line.
The Suns simply had no answer for Dončić, and his ability to dominate the game offensively was a key factor in the Lakers’ victory. He continues to show why he’s one of the best players in the NBA and is a nightmare matchup for Phoenix.
Grade: A
Gabe Vincent: Steady Performance in Support Role
Stats: 27 minutes, 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3-7 FG, 3-5 3PT, +15
Gabe Vincent didn’t put up flashy numbers, but he played a key role in the Lakers’ victory. Vincent hit some timely three-pointers, including a crucial shot during a third-quarter run when the Suns were attempting to cut into the Lakers’ lead. His defense was solid, and he played an important role in keeping the Suns’ offense in check.
Vincent’s ability to step up in pressure moments will be valuable for the Lakers moving forward, especially as they look to make a playoff push. His 3-5 shooting from beyond the arc helped the Lakers maintain their offensive rhythm.
Grade: B
Christian Koloko: Inconsistent Night for the Rookie
Stats: 15 minutes, 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1-5 FG, 1-2 FT, -1
Christian Koloko’s performance was up and down during his 15 minutes on the floor. He struggled with his shooting, hitting just 1-5 from the field, and missed some key opportunities around the rim. While he grabbed 4 rebounds, his offensive game wasn’t as polished as it needed to be in this matchup.
The Lakers will need more consistency from Koloko, especially with their playoff hopes on the line. He has the potential to contribute, but his performance against the Suns didn’t reflect that.
Grade: D
Jarred Vanderbilt: Quiet Night on Both Ends
Stats: 10 minutes, 3 rebounds, 0-1 FG, -5
Jarred Vanderbilt had a quiet outing in this game. He played just 10 minutes and wasn’t involved much offensively, missing his only shot attempt. Vanderbilt’s defensive presence was also limited, and he didn’t make a significant impact during his time on the floor. With his size and versatility, Vanderbilt can be an asset for the Lakers, but this game wasn’t one of his better performances.
Grade: D+
Dalton Knecht: Struggles in Limited Minutes
Stats: 16 minutes, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1-5 FG, 1-3 3PT, -4
Dalton Knecht had a quieter performance after his strong showing in the Lakers’ previous game against Denver. He struggled with his shooting, hitting just 1-5 from the field and 1-3 from beyond the arc. Knecht’s limited minutes didn’t give him much opportunity to make an impact, and his performance was far from his best.
Grade: C
Conclusion: Lakers Take Control in Phoenix Suns vs Lakers Match
The Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats tell the story of a well-rounded Lakers victory. Standout performances from Luka Dončić, Jaxson Hayes, and Austin Reaves helped the Lakers dominate the Suns from start to finish. Despite some struggles from the bench and role players, the Lakers’ key stars stepped up when needed, ensuring the team maintained control throughout the game.
This victory was a critical one for the Lakers as they look to secure their spot in the playoffs. For the Suns, it was another disappointing loss in what has been a challenging season. As the season progresses, both teams will need to reassess their strategies and improve their consistency to make a push for the postseason.
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