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PHOENIX — It was scrappy and came down to the final seconds, but an injury-filled Phoenix Suns team overcame the Los Angeles Lakers’ star power for a 113-110 victory — thanks to Royce O’Neale’s heroics.
The Suns were going through a tough stretch entering Thursday’s contest, losing four of their last five games while missing several key contributors, including Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin. With the Lakers featuring a healthy Luka Dončić and LeBron James, it once again appeared to be a tall task for Phoenix.
Yet from the opening tip, the Suns kept pace with the Lakers, exchanging leads and trading pivotal runs in a game that ultimately came down to the final seconds. With the score tied 110-110, it was Phoenix’s moment to shine. This time, it was O’Neale who answered the call, sinking a 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds remaining.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) celebrates the game winning shot against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns fans, who had been hoping the team could claw its way out of this slump, celebrated the moment against a Western Conference foe. The celebration extended beyond the arena’s walls and spilled onto social media.
O’Neale not only helped snap a mini-skid for Phoenix but also flipped the script on a troubling trend in recent games. The Suns had started strong in previous contests but struggled to sustain momentum late, allowing opponents to stretch leads too large to overcome.
This victory contradicted that recent pattern, especially against a Lakers team that had its primary contributors available — unlike Phoenix.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) celebrates with guard Collin Gillespie (12) against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While O’Neale delivered the highlight of the night, a collective effort from Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie and Ryan Dunn also helped the Suns secure the win and claim the season series over Los Angeles.
The victory wrapped up Phoenix’s four-game homestand as the club travels west to face the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, March 3, at 9 p.m.