Bradley Beal impresses in Phoenix Suns' win over Los Angeles Lakers: 'Pure masterclass'
There's no arguing that that Phoenix Suns have underachieved this season, with the team just 20-18, in eighth place in the NBA's Western Conference.
But they haven't had a healthy Bradley Beal for a lot of those games.
And a healthy Bradley Beal gives this team another dimension, one that was on display in Phoenix's 127-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.
Beal scored 37 points on 14-for-21 shooting in the Suns' win at Crytpo.com Arena, playing 32 minutes. He was 8-for-10 from 3-point range and the team was +25 with him in the game.
He made his only free throw attempt.
What we learned: Phoenix Suns Big 3 of Booker, Durant, Beal too much for L.A. Lakers
Social media raved about Bradley's Beal's performance for the Suns after the game:
Bradley Beal's breakout game for the Suns was a sight to see ⭐
37 points (new season-high)
6 rebounds
4 assists
2 steals
14-of-21 FG
8-of-10 3PT pic.twitter.com/MnRIx14XC9— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 12, 2024
Bradley Beal dancing with Austin Reaves!
37 PTS (20 in 3rd) | 8 3PT | 67% FG pic.twitter.com/GELWJ1MtIJ— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 12, 2024
Bradley Beal put on a SHOW in the Suns' 127-109 win in L.A. 🤩
🔥 37 PTS (season high)
🔥 8/10 3PM (season high)
🔥 6 REB
🔥 4 AST pic.twitter.com/IQx1Atj49o— NBA (@NBA) January 12, 2024
Ladies & Gentlemen... Bradley Beal. pic.twitter.com/wzAAAsl6ch
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 12, 2024
Bradley Beal:
37 points
8-for-10 3PT
6 rebounds
4 assists
TORCHED the Lakers tonight. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/rFd0CY8olo— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 12, 2024
Bradley Beal is a bucket. He's still so strong and explosive coming downhill you have to bite on the handle...but he can rise up at anytime. Jumper always been sharp. pic.twitter.com/6Ku3lsril1
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) January 12, 2024
Bradley Beal outscored Bron, AD and Reaves combined in the win vs. the Lakers 😯 pic.twitter.com/M1Yr2NGiSQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2024
The Headband’s Player of the Night for 1/11 games: Bradley Beal
37 Points
6 Rebounds
4 Assists
8/10 3PM
Pure masterclass from Beal. His best game this season. Refreshing to see a performance like this after dealing with injuries all season pic.twitter.com/xMBJd2KSDi— The Hoodie and The Headband (@TheHandHShow) January 12, 2024
4 in-and-out dribbles in one combo?
Bradley Beal is a BAD MAN 💯pic.twitter.com/ttgmyt421U— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 12, 2024
20 points for Bradley Beal in the 3rd quarter.
No, they should not bring him off the bench.— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 12, 2024
Bradley Beal exploding for 37 points last night is a prime example of why you make that trade 10 times out of 10.
Especially given the context of the situation financially and what was given up. Adding someone with that kind of firepower is a game-changer in the postseason.— Zona (@AZSportsZone) January 12, 2024
Bradley Beal's not just a 'good player'.
Bradley Beal's not just an 'all star'.
Bradley Beal's not just a 'top 20 player'.
Bradley Beal is a SUPERSTAR! pic.twitter.com/ZeYbNnQPgs— Suns Run The West (@DubSuns) January 12, 2024
Bradley Beal's 3P% this season:
Before tonight- 30.2%
After tonight- 39.6%— Cody Hunt (@co_dhunt) January 12, 2024
I don't think Bradley Beal should be traded. That's just me.
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) January 12, 2024
More: Phoenix Suns trade speculation, rumors include T.J. McConnell, Tyus Jones, Monte Morris
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Bradley Beal impresses in Phoenix Suns' win over Los Angeles Lakers