After defeating the Phoenix Suns 106–103, the Los Angeles Lakers will go to Las Vegas to compete in the NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals. 

Teams led by Kevin Durant and LeBron James both scored 31 points in a game that came down to the final shot. 

With 10 mistakes in the first quarter and a 33-23 deficit after 12 minutes, Phoenix didn’t get off to the best start possible. Jusuf Nurkic was sent to the bench after drawing two early fouls; he had fouled out in the previous two games as well. 

Even though the Lakers went on a shooting slump and Phoenix cut their lead to four points, the Suns still made too many mistakes and went into halftime down 59-47. In addition to forcing 14 first-half turnovers from Phoenix, Los Angeles pounded the boards with 12 offensive rebounds. 

After stumbling in the first two quarters, the Suns recovered to go on a 14-0 run in the third quarter, giving them a temporary lead over the Lakers. At the end of the quarter, the Lakers had reclaimed the lead, 83–82. 

In the fourth quarter, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker should keep an eye on foul trouble. Each of Durant (4) and Booker (5) came perilously close to fouling out of the game with less than 10 minutes remaining. 

Although both teams traded blows in the final seconds, the Lakers took a five-point lead with two minutes and twenty seconds remaining in the fourth quarter thanks to consecutive baskets by LeBron. 

With thirty seconds remaining, Booker converted a layup for a 101–101 lead, but Austin Reaves responded with a three-pointer to put the Lakers ahead 105–101. 

The game came down to a crucial Durant three-pointer with time running out, but he missed the mark. 

Even though Phoenix finished the game with 22 turnovers, Los Angeles only managed a 37% field goal percentage. 

The Suns will play a consolation game on Friday, while the Lakers advance to the in-season tournament quarterfinals on Thursday.