The Tribune

PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul scored a season-high 28 points, Deandre Ayton added 21 points and 11 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns rolled past the Los Angeles Lakers 130-104 last night.

The game was almost more notable for who wasn’t playing instead of the action on the court. The Lakers were missing their All-Star trio of LeBron James (left ankle soreness), Anthony Davis (right foot soreness) and Russell Westbrook (left foot soreness).

The Suns were missing six players, including three-time All-Star Devin Booker (right groin soreness), who scored a season-high 58 points in Saturday’s win over the Pelicans.

Paul had his best scoring game of the season in Booker’s absence, shooting 9 of 18 from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. The 12-time All-Star had a slow start to the year, coming into the game averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game, but he’s been more productive over the past few weeks since returning from a heel injury.

The Suns have won three straight games, bouncing back after dropping five in a row. All five starters scored at least 15 points.

Phoenix also has a six-game winning streak over the Lakers during the regular season.

Phoenix led by 26 points early in the third quarter, but the Lakers cut that advantage to 91-77 late in the third.

The Suns responded with back-to-back 3-pointers from Ish Wainright and Landry Shamet and took a 99-77 lead into the final quarter.

Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with a season-high 30 points. He shot 12 of 19 from the field.

The Suns jumped out to a 38-24 lead, shooting 66.7% in the first quarter. Paul scored 14 points. Torrey Craig made a wide-open 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer to give the Suns a 68-44 advantage.

TIP-INS

Lakers: G Austin Reaves (right ankle sprain) and G Juan Toscano-Anderson (right ankle sprain) were not available.

Suns: Ayton returned after missing two games. ... Along with Booker, F Cameron Johnson (right meniscus tear), F/C Jock Landale (concussion), G Cameron Payne (right foot strain) and G Duane Washington Jr. (left hip muscle strain) were not available. ... Hosted a 43rd consecutive sellout crowd. ... Craig scored 17 points on his 32nd birthday.

UP NEXT

Lakers: Travel to face Sacramento on Wednesday.

Suns: Host Washington tonight.