Phoenix Suns: 2 Keys to Victory Over the Los Angeles Lakers

Phoenix Suns Keys to Victory Over Lakers: Get back to playing disciplined offense

Only three other teams turned the ball over fewer times per game than the Suns last year, so it came as a true shock when they gave up the rock 18 times during their season opener two nights ago.

With players who specialize at fast break offense like Westbrook and James on the Lakers, and with turnovers more often than not igniting those fast breaks, the Suns might be in for a nightmare evening if they fail to clean up their act, feeding Lakers easy points like buffet workers.

But even aside from how it might set Los Angeles up, Phoenix’s turnovers naturally derail their offense as well. Based around a pick-and-roll oriented system, the Suns run their offense as team, rather than working through one or two players. With that, everyone needs to stay locked in, as one player’s mistake poises to influence an entire possession—and possibly future ones if it leads to decreased trust.

Paul represents the most responsible ball handler across the entire league right now, and he committed three turnovers during Phoenix’s prior matchup. Although not as well-known for his clean play, Cameron Payne also uncharacteristically gave up possessions during Phoenix’s home opener. Despite averaging only one turnover per game last year, he committed three against Denver.

During this matchup, watch for those to lead the charge in this turnover purge, and consequently put the Suns in position to walk away victorious.