Lakers erase 20-point deficit with massive run to defeat Suns

The Coachella Valley Lakers overcame a 20-point deficit with a massive run spanning two quarters to defeat the Valley Suns 108-99 on Thursday night at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, in a Tip-Off Tournament game.

Jahmir Young led the charge for the Lakers, scoring a game-high 25 points to go with seven rebounds. Coachella Valley featured a balanced attack with five other players scoring in double figures. Arthur Kaluma contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, Anton Watson had 15 points and William Kyle III added 12. Chris Manon filled the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals, while AK Okereke chipped in 10 points off the bench.

The short-handed Valley Suns, playing without star Drew Timme, also had six players score in double digits in the loss. Phillip Wheeler posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Corey Camper Jr. also scored 18 points. CJ Huntley and Jordan Schakel each added 17 points, while John Camden had 15 points and eight rebounds in his first career start. Myron Amey Jr. scored 11 points.

The Suns appeared to be in control, building their largest lead of 20 points in the second quarter. However, the game turned dramatically as the Lakers mounted a run that began late in the second quarter and continued into the third. Coachella Valley took advantage of a barrage of turnovers by the Suns, who committed 26 miscues that led to 29 points for the Lakers. The Lakers dominated the third quarter 31-9 to seize control of the game for good.

Up next: The Suns host the Lakers again at Mullett Arena on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.

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