The Los Angeles Lakers won their initial road game of the season, spoiling the season opener in Phoenix by beating the Suns 114-106, at US Airways Center. The Lakers were able to get open shots at will against the Suns' defense, and particularly did damage from the outside. Los Angeles, who hit seven of their final nine three-point attempts in their season opening win Wednesday, made 12-of-27 three pointers tonight. Matt Barnes hit three of those three-pointers in 18 minutes off the bench.
The Suns had won eight straight regular season home games before tonight, a streak that started after a Laker win in Phoenix last March 12. The Lakers also defeated the Suns in Game 6 of the 2010 Western Conference Finals to close out the series.
Pau Gasol poured in 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Lakers, and Lamar Odom had 18 points and 17 rebounds, but perhaps even more importantly the two big men set the tone on offense by dishing out 14 of the 21 total team assists. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 25 points.
Center Robin Lopez had 18 points and 14 rebounds, including seven offensive boards, for the Suns. Grant Hill led Phoenix with 21 points.
The Lakers host Golden State on Sunday night at Staples Center
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