Royce O’Neale hits game-winner to lift Suns over Lakers 113-110

Show summary Hide summary

• 🔥 Quick Facts
• O’Neale’s Clutch Shot Sends Shockwaves Through the Arena
• Grayson Allen’s Bench Explosion Fuels Phoenix’s Firepower
• Lakers Face Growing Crisis as Western Conference Race Intensifies
• Phoenix’s Three-Point Barrage Proves Too Much for Los Angeles
• What Does This Devastating Loss Mean for the Lakers’ Playoff Push?
  • Sources

Royce O’Neale delivered clutch heroics as the Phoenix Suns stunned the Los Angeles Lakers with a stunning 113-110 victory last night. With just 0.9 seconds remaining, O’Neale drilled a three-pointer that left LeBron James and the Lakers devastated and handed LA their third straight loss.

O’Neale’s Clutch Shot Sends Shockwaves Through the Arena

Phoenix controlled the clock brilliantly down the stretch, running nearly the entire shot clock before O’Neale found his moment. The Suns guard stepped back and released a perfectly timed three-pointer that swished through the net with 0.9 seconds on the clock. LeBron James had no answer.

The Lakers got James the ball for one final attempt, but his attempted game-winner fell far short. Phoenix erupted in celebration as the Suns improved their playoff positioning with a crucial road victory.

Grayson Allen’s Bench Explosion Fuels Phoenix’s Firepower

Grayson Allen was absolutely unstoppable for Phoenix, pouring in 28 points off the bench. Allen knocked down multiple three-pointers and created spacing that opened driving lanes for the Suns offense. His scoring punch proved decisive.

Phoenix capitalized on hot shooting from beyond the arc throughout the game. Allen and O’Neale combined brilliance to overcome LeBron and Luka Doncic‘s efforts for Los Angeles. The Lakers simply couldn’t match the Suns‘ perimeter firepower.

Lakers Face Growing Crisis as Western Conference Race Intensifies

Team	Score
Phoenix Suns	113
Los Angeles Lakers	110

This loss marks LA‘s third straight defeat, creating serious concerns heading into the final stretch. The Lakers have been competitive but are now facing mounting pressure in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. Doncic and James gave their best efforts, but clutch execution proved elusive.

Phoenix’s victory showcases their resilience and ability to win close games when it matters. The Suns demonstrated championship-caliber shotmaking down the stretch that LA simply could not match.

“O’Neale knocked down a clutch triple that put Phoenix up by three with 0.9 seconds. The Lakers had a chance to tie it as a great out of bounds play attempt fell just short.”

— Silver Screen and Roll, Lakers Coverage

Phoenix’s Three-Point Barrage Proves Too Much for Los Angeles

Phoenix dominated the three-point battle, launching and making shots with precision that LA couldn’t replicate. Grayson Allen‘s six three-pointers and O’Neale’s clutch shooting created a perfect storm for Los Angeles to weather. The Suns showed championship-level shotmaking.

The Lakers struggled to find their rhythm from distance despite the efforts of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Phoenix’s balanced attack and superior bench depth ultimately made the difference in this heart-breaking loss.

What Does This Devastating Loss Mean for the Lakers’ Playoff Push?

With three consecutive losses, the Lakers face critical questions about their ability to execute in clutch moments. Los Angeles has the talent with James and Doncic, but timing and depth have become issues. Can LA bounce back before the stretch run?

The Suns have now positioned themselves as serious contenders heading into the final weeks. Phoenix’s statement victory over Los Angeles signals they can win tight games against quality opponents. The Western Conference race just got far more interesting.

Sources

• ESPN – Live game coverage and box score statistics from Lakers-Suns matchup
• NBA.com – Official NBA box scores and game highlights from February 26, 2026
• Silver Screen and Roll – Lakers postgame recap with play-by-play analysis and quotes