The atmosphere will be electric at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday for the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals clash between the Los Angeles Lakers (12-9) and Phoenix Suns (12-8). After being deprived of a LeBron James-vs.-Kevin Durant matchup for nearly six years, we’ll be getting our third of the fall.
With a league-best +74 point differential and a perfect 4-0 record, the Lakers utterly dominated West Group A. After winning three of their four group stage games, the Suns qualified for the Knockout Round as a wild card. Phoenix is 2-5 against teams that are above.500 and 7-3 on the road. When playing against teams that have winning records, the Lakers are 8-2 at Crypto 4-8.
Each team is playing well right now. In their last 13 games, the Lakers have won nine, and the Suns have won eight.
Devin Booker, who will be in the starting lineup on Tuesday, was not in either of Los Angeles’ two previous meetings, which they won by a combined eight points. (There is doubt about Eric Gordon). As usual, LeBron James is rated as questionable, but he is anticipated to participate. For the first time this season, the Lakers will have 13 players available with Rui Hachimura expected to return.
The Lakers have made no secret of their desire to go to Vegas and take home the $500,000 prize.
Speaking about the quarterfinal at Lakers practice on Monday, Darvin Ham stated, “Obviously, there is a lot riding on it for the In-Season tourney.” “To be honest, I’m incredibly excited to coach it. I go out there and try to have fun all the time. However, the fact that it’s the In-Season Tournament gives it a little extra vigor.
Rui Hachimura on the Lakers’ In-Season Tournament quarterfinal against the Suns on Tuesday: “We gotta go get this one tomorrow, and then go to Vegas and get the whole bag.” 💰 pic.twitter.com/2T3ueJaPT7
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvo_) December 4, 2023
Despite the relatively weak opposition, the Lakers have, for whatever reason, played their best basketball in the tournament. Around the quarterfinals of the season, the knockout stage, starting with KD and Book, provides Ham’s team with a valuable gauge in the form of a high-stakes setting against elite opposition.
It’s not your typical, everyday game, Ham remarked. “Due to the matchup alone, it will undoubtedly be a high-level game even without the added elements of the In-Season Tournament. There is more pressure because there is more on the line with the addition of the In-Season Tournament. Thus, at this stage of the season, playing that way is the closest thing you can get to the playoffs.
