Dillon Brooks Explodes for 25 as Suns Torch Luka-Less Lakers in Holiday Rout
PHOENIX — In a game that was billed as a heavyweight clash between Pacific Division rivals, the Phoenix Suns turned Tuesday night into a one-sided clinic. Behind a season-high 25 points from Dillon Brooks and a masterclass in efficiency from Devin Booker, the Suns dismantled a depleted Los Angeles Lakers squad 132-108 at the Footprint Centre.
The victory, coming just before the Christmas break, highlighted a burgeoning identity for the Suns: a team that refuses to rely on a single superstar, instead overwhelming opponents with a balanced, relentless offensive system. For the Lakers, the night was a grim reminder of their fragility without their engine, as five-time All-Star Luka Doncic watched from the sidelines with a lower leg contusion.
The “Dillon the Villain” Show
Since arriving in Phoenix via a high-profile trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston, Dillon Brooks has been a polarizing figure. However, on Tuesday night, his impact was undeniable. Brooks didn’t just score; he dictated the emotional tempo of the game.
Coming into the contest averaging a career-high 21.7 points per game, Brooks surpassed that mark with a lethal display of shot-making. He finished 10-of-15 from the field, including a clinical 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. His most significant contribution came during a third-quarter blitz where he poured in 12 points, effectively extinguishing any hopes of a Lakers comeback.
“He’s found a rhythm here that fits his edge,” Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer said post-game. “We know about the defense, but his ability to floor-space and punish teams when they over-rotate on Devin [Booker] has been the X-factor for us all December.”
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a competitive, if slightly sloppy, affair. Phoenix took a 67-57 lead into the locker room, largely fueled by 60% shooting as a team. LeBron James kept the Lakers within striking distance early, scoring 18 of his team-high 23 points in the first two frames.
However, the third quarter belonged entirely to the home team. The Suns’ offense operated with surgical precision, scoring 45 points in the period on an incredible 16-of-22 (72.7%) shooting. They utilized a 32-15 run midway through the quarter to push a 10-point lead to a 27-point chasm (99-72).
By the time the fourth quarter began, the Suns held a 112-86 advantage, allowing their starters to rest for the final six minutes of the game.
Suns Box Score Highlights
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Key Stat |
| Dillon Brooks | 25 | 4 | 2 | 10/15 FG |
| Devin Booker | 21 | 3 | 11 | Double-Double |
| Mark Williams | 18 | 9 | 1 | 8/10 FG |
| Collin Gillespie | 16 | 2 | 5 | +18 Plus/Minus |
| Grayson Allen | 12 | 4 | 2 | 2 Steals |
The Luka-Sized Hole in Los Angeles
The Lakers’ offensive struggles were predictable given the absence of Doncic. The Slovenian superstar, who had been averaging nearly a triple-double on the season, was ruled out after suffering a calf contusion in the team’s previous loss to the Clippers.
