Royce O'Neale's Clutch Three-Poeter Secures Suns Victory Over Lakers in Nail-Biting Finish
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered another heartbreaking defeat, falling 113-110 to the Phoenix Suns in a National Basketball Association (NBA) game on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Phoenix, Arizona arena. This loss marks the Lakers' second consecutive game decided by a last-second shot, following a similar outcome against the Orlando Magic earlier in the week.
Dramatic Game-Winning Moment
Suns forward Royce O'Neale delivered the decisive blow, sinking a dagger three-pointer with just 0.9 seconds remaining on the clock. This clutch play sealed the victory for Phoenix, highlighting O'Neale's composure under pressure. The Lakers had previously lost 109-110 to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, also on a game-winning shot, underscoring a pattern of late-game struggles for the team.
Key Performances and Absences
Despite missing their top two scorers, the Suns managed to pull off the win. All-Star guard Devin Booker was sidelined with a hip strain, and forward Dillon Brooks was out due to a fractured hand. In their absence, Grayson Allen stepped up, leading the Suns with 28 points to keep the team competitive.
On the Lakers' side, superstar Luka Doncic put on a dominant performance, scoring 41 points along with eight rebounds and eight assists. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Suns' resilience, as Phoenix's defense held firm in the critical final moments.
Implications for Both Teams
This victory boosts the Suns' morale, demonstrating their ability to win without key players and in high-pressure situations. For the Lakers, the back-to-back losses on buzzer-beaters raise concerns about their late-game execution and mental toughness. As the NBA season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience, with the Suns aiming to maintain momentum and the Lakers seeking to address their closing-game vulnerabilities.
