The Herd with Colin Cowherd Hoops Tonight - Lakers-Suns Reaction: Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves struggle, Phoenix is LEGIT, Dillon Brooks' rise
Dec 3, 2025
The Phoenix Suns deliver a stunning victory over the Lakers, showcasing a strong defensive identity thanks to Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks’ impressive resurgence. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves struggle against aggressive physical defenders, raising questions about ball-handling under pressure. The show breaks down how Phoenix's strategy created turnovers that fueled their fast-paced offense. As the Suns emerge as a competitive playoff team, the Lakers are urged to address their vulnerabilities and find ways to respond to their mounting challenges.
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Suns' Surprise Rise To Playoff Contender
- The Phoenix Suns have unexpectedly become a legitimate playoff team through buy-in and internal development.
- Jason Timpf attributes this shift to roster balance and smarter defensive roles around Mark Williams.
Scouting Mark Williams In Charlotte
- Jason Timpf recalls scouting Mark Williams in Charlotte and seeing fundamental defensive mistakes early in his career.
- He used that film to predict Williams' upside as an offensive role player rather than a defender.
Mark Williams As Defensive Anchor
- Phoenix turned Mark Williams into a true drop-coverage defensive anchor with scheme and coaching adjustments.
- That anchor, paired with physical wings, disrupted Lakers' pick-and-roll flow and passing lanes.