Suns Stage Dramatic Comeback Against Lakers in Thrilling Win

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-110 in a tightly contested game on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at PHX Arena. Despite missing key players Devin Booker (hip strain) and Dillon Brooks (fractured hand), the Suns erased a 12-point deficit in the final minutes. Royce O’Neale’s game-winning 3-point shot with 0.9 seconds remaining completed a dramatic comeback, as Phoenix trailed by 12 points with 6:28 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Suns, who entered as underdogs (-184 moneyline odds), showed remarkable resilience despite the absence of Booker and Brooks, who averaged 45 points combined per game. Grayson Allen led the team with 28 points, 6 assists, and 6 three-pointers, while Collin Gillespie added 21 points and 6 three-pointers. Phoenix’s success in offensive rebounding, including O’Neale’s critical layup following an offensive rebound, proved pivotal.

The Lakers, favored by 5.5 points (-223 moneyline odds), faced challenges maintaining their early lead. Luka Doncic dominated with 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, while LeBron James contributed key plays, including a tip-in to tie the game at 110 with 22.7 seconds left. However, Austin Reaves’ missed corner 3 at the buzzer sealed the Suns’ victory. The Lakers’ struggles to convert critical opportunities in the final minutes underscored their difficulties with close-game execution.

The matchup aligned with broader betting trends. The Suns had a 116% return on investment at home on the money line, and their 222.5-point total was projected to be over, a trend that materialized. The Lakers, ranked 18th in defense (115.9 PPG allowed), faced a Suns offense ranked 26th in scoring (112.1 PPG). Despite the Lakers’ 115.6 PPG average, their 34-23 record contrasted with Phoenix’s 33-26 record, adding depth to the contest.

The Suns’ depth was evident, with players like Jalen Green (20.5 PPG) and Mark Williams (10.5 PPG) contributing to a balanced attack. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ reliance on Doncic and James to carry the load became apparent, as their supporting cast struggled to generate consistent scoring. The Suns’ composure under pressure, particularly in the final minutes, highlighted their playoff readiness.

This was the fourth matchup between the teams in 2026, with the Suns now holding a slight edge in the season series. The result affected their standings: the Suns improved to 34-26, while the Lakers remained at 34-24. The game’s outcome is expected to influence future betting lines, especially given the Suns’ ability to defy odds in high-stakes scenarios.

The Suns’ victory over the favored Lakers illustrated the unpredictability of NBA basketball. Despite missing key players, Phoenix’s execution and clutch play secured a hard-fought win, while the Lakers’ struggles with late-game management highlighted areas for improvement. As the season progresses, this matchup will be remembered as a testament to the Suns’ resilience and the Lakers’ need to address their close-game vulnerabilities.