NBA Game Summary - Phoenix at LA Lakers

04.12.2005

Los Angeles, CA (Basketball News) - With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Pat Riley among the former Lakers looking on, the playoff-bound Phoenix Suns handed Los Angeles another loss on Monday.

Joe Johnson scored 26 points and Steve Nash added 15 with 16 assists, as the Suns beat LA, 108-97, at Staples Center. Johnson was 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, while Shawn Marion added 24 points and 13 rebounds for Phoenix, which has won seven of its last nine games.

Jim Jackson scored 25 points, finishing 7-of-11 from three-point range, as the Suns set an NBA record for three-pointers made in a season. Phoenix, which shot 19-of-37 from beyond for a new single game franchise record, has made 742 three-pointers to break the NBA season record previously held by the 1995-96 Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks made 735 that season.

The Suns lead idle San Antonio by a full game in their bid to finish atop the Western Conference.

"I don’t think we played well at all," said Phoenix coach Mike D’Antoni. "(But) we scored 108 points and set an NBA record for most threes, so I guess it’s not all that bad."

Jackson made two key threes during a late surge to help the Suns escape with the win. The game was close throughout and the Lakers had a 93-89 advantage midway through the final frame. Phoenix, however, closed with a 19-4 run.

A trey by Jackson gave the Suns a 95-93 lead with 4 1/2 minutes remaining. LA pulled within 99-97 with 2:21 to go on a basket by Caron Butler, but the Lakers would not score again. Jackson hit again from beyond the arc with 1:57 to play for a 102-97 edge, as Phoenix scored the game’s final nine points.

"When we come out and shoot the ball well from the outside, we are almost guaranteed a win," said Suns forward Amare Stoudemire, who had 10 points. "Guys like Jim Jackson and Joe (Johnson) are incredible for behind the arc."

Kobe Bryant scored 20 points to lead the Lakers, who have lost 15 of their last 17 games. Bryant also had 10 assists and Butler finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

It was just last Monday that the Suns hit a then-franchise-record 17 three- pointers against the Lakers...The Suns completed their first season sweep of the Lakers since 1992-93. Phoenix won a franchise-best 62 games that season...Phoenix forward Quentin Richardson left the game with a sprained left ankle in the first quarter...The Lakers were celebrating their 1984-85 world championship. Riley coached the team and West was the general manager. Also in attendance were Michael Cooper, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, Bob McAdoo, Mike McGee, Larry Spriggs, Mitch Kupchak, Kurt Rambis, Ronnie Lester, Chuck Nevitt and Byron Scott.

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