Bright Side Baller: Phoenix returns to form in shellacking of Lakers

We are so back…

Last night in Phoenix, the NBA Cup took center stage, and the Footprint Center was awash in bold hues. The bright orange court, paired with the Suns’ statement edition uniforms, created a striking visual that perfectly set the tone for what was to come. The energy in the arena was electric, and the Suns delivered a performance to match, dismantling the Los Angeles Lakers 127-100.

Phoenix asserted their dominance in the second half, outscoring the Lakers 65-40 in a show of relentless energy and precision. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. After a rocky stretch, the Suns reminded everyone just how dangerous they can be, especially with their Big Three returning to action. The game had the feel of a team rediscovering its identity and rhythm, and doing so in emphatic fashion.

And again, those uniforms. So clean.

It marked the triumphant return of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, and with their presence on the court, the Phoenix Suns seemed to snap back into alignment. Their absence had left the team disjointed, relying too heavily on Devin Booker to shoulder the burden night after night. But now, with all three stars together, the Suns looked whole again, their offense fluid and purposeful.

For Booker, it meant relief. Not just physically, but mentally. He could shift from carrying the team to orchestrating a balanced attack, setting the tone while trusting his teammates to rise alongside him. With Durant and Beal redistributing the workload, the Suns once again resembled the powerhouse they were envisioned to be.

The basketball wasn’t just functional; it was beautiful. Passes zipped with precision, spacing opened up opportunities, and the energy was contagious. It was a symphony of basketball, each player hitting their note, and for Suns fans, it sounded like hope renewed.

Bright Side Baller Season Standings:

Where do we stand thus far this season? Graphic, please.

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So who is nominated for the Bright Side Baller for their efforts against the Lakers on Tuesday night?

Kevin Durant

23 points (9-of-17, 3-of-6 3PT), 2 assists, 6 rebounds, 0 turnovers, +21 +/-

Jusuf Nurkic

12 points (5-of-11, 1-of-4 3PT), 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 0 turnovers, +12 +/-

Devin Booker

26 points (10-of-17), 10 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 turnovers, +29 +/-

Bradley Beal

23 points (10-of-15, 3-of-6 3PT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers, -+23 +/-

Tyus Jones

8 points (4-of-8, 0-of-2 3PT), 1 rebound, 6 assists, 5 steals, 1 turnover, +23 +/-

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All right. You’ve read the stat line. You’ve watched the game. You’ve calculated the calculations in your head. Who are you giving the Bright Side Baller to? Who either renters the graphic above or adds to their season-long total? Vote below and tell us why in the comments.