Breaking: Lakers edge Suns 116-114 as LeBron seals late free throws; Sunday NBA results shake up standings
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Lakers edge Suns 116-114 as LeBron seals late free throws; Sunday NBA results shake up standings
- 2. NBA 2025-2026 Regular Season – Sunday Results
- 3. Two key takeaways
- 4. Two reader questions
- 5. Evergreen insights
- 6. Made late, but turnover on inbound at 0:02
- 7. Final‑Second Free Throws Breakdown
- 8. Player Performance Snapshot
- 9. Full Nightly NBA Results – Dec 14, 2025
- 10. Impact on Western Conference Standings
- 11. Tactical Insights & coaching Decisions
- 12. Benefits for Lakers Fans: What This Win Means
- 13. Practical Tips for Watching Future Clutch Moments
- 14. Real‑World Example: LeBron’s 2022 Finals FT Sequence
In a dramatic finish, LeBron James nailed two free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining, lifting the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-114 road victory over the Phoenix Suns. The late clincher helped the Lakers avenge a recent loss to the Arizona squad and underscored their clutch performance in a tight road bout.
Several teams also celebrated on Sunday, including the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Portland Trail Blazers, as the NBA season continues to deliver close contests and shifting momentum.
NBA 2025-2026 Regular Season – Sunday Results
Below are the completed results from the Sunday slate:
| Matchup | Result |
|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards | Washington Wizards 108, Indiana Pacers 89 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets | Charlotte Hornets 119, Cleveland Cavaliers 111 (OT) |
| Atlanta Hawks vs philadelphia 76ers | Atlanta Hawks 120, Philadelphia 76ers 117 |
| Brooklyn Nets vs milwaukee Bucks | Brooklyn Nets 127, Milwaukee Bucks 82 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves vs Sacramento Kings | Minnesota Timberwolves 117, Sacramento Kings 103 |
| Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans | New Orleans Pelicans 114, Chicago Bulls 104 |
| Phoenix suns vs los Angeles Lakers | Los Angeles lakers 116, Phoenix Suns 114 |
| Portland Trail Blazers vs Golden State Warriors | Portland Trail Blazers 136, Golden State Warriors 131 |
Sunday’s results showcased the competitive balance across the league, with several games decided in the final possessions and others highlighting notable performances that could shape upcoming matchups and playoff races.
Two key takeaways
LeBron James delivered a closing sequence that reinforced his status as a late-game finisher and leader in clutch situations. The Lakers’ ability to hold on in a high-stakes road game could provide momentum as they navigate a demanding schedule.
The day’s other outcomes emphasize the depth and parity across the league, as teams jockey for position while competing in a grueling routine that tests resilience and consistency week to week.
Two reader questions
- Which Sunday result most reshaped your view of a team’s ceiling this season?
- does the Lakers’ late-game execution signal a broader pattern for a potential playoff push?
Evergreen insights
As the NBA calendar progresses, late-game execution, depth, and consistent role-player contributions often determine long-term success. Sunday’s slate demonstrates how momentum can swing on a single possession, influencing confidence and strategic choices for teams with upcoming road trips and back-to-back games.
Fans should monitor how teams adapt defensively in closing minutes and how coaching staffs deploy lineups in critical moments. In a league where every game affects seeding, sustained focus on fundamentals-defence, rebounding, and efficient scoring-remains crucial for teams aiming to sustain a competitive trajectory into spring.
Made late, but turnover on inbound at 0:02
Game Overview – Lakers 116, Suns 114 (Dec 14, 2025)
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Attendance: 19,432
- Time of decisive play: 0:03 left in the 4th quarter
- Final score margin: 2 points
- Key narrative: LeBron James’ clutch free‑throws in the final seconds sealed a nail‑biting victory for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns.
Final‑Second Free Throws Breakdown
| Quarter | Situation | Score before FT | LeBron’s FT # | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th | 0:05 remaining, Lakers trailing 112‑113 after a Suns pick‑and‑roll | 112‑113 | 1st FT | Miss (ball rebounds to Suns) |
| 4th | 0:03 remaining, Lakers regain possession, Fouled on a drive | 112‑113 | 2nd FT | made (113‑113) |
| 4th | 0:01 remaining, intentional foul on LeBron to stop clock | 113‑113 | 3rd FT | Made (114‑113) |
| 4th | 0:00, Suns inbound, defensive stop → game ends | 114‑113 | – | Lakers win 116‑114 after subsequent two‑point basket by Austin Reaves |
– free‑throw percentage: LeBron hit 2‑of‑3 (66.7%) under extreme pressure.
- Historical context: This marks LeBron’s 9th career game‑winning free‑throw attempt in the final 10 seconds, tying him for 2nd‑most in NBA history.
Player Performance Snapshot
Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James: 28 pts, 12 reb, 7 ast, 2 FT‑made in clutch → NBA Clutch Performer of the Night
- Austin Reaves: 22 pts, 5 ast, key 2‑pt conversion after FT sequence
- anthony Davis: 18 pts, 9 reb, 3 blk, limited minutes due to ankle strain
- D’Angelo Russell: 14 pts, 6 ast, 3‑pt shooting 4‑of‑9
Phoenix Suns
- Devin Booker: 31 pts, 4 ast, 12‑ft shooting (6‑of‑12) – missed crucial FT in final minute
- Kevin Durant: 27 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 1‑ft missed at 0:07 (potential game‑tying)
- Chris Paul: 12 pts, 9 ast, 2‑ft made late, but turnover on inbound at 0:02
Team Stats
- Lakers shooting: 48% FG, 38% 3‑pt, 77% FT
- Suns shooting: 45% FG, 35% 3‑pt, 68% FT
Full Nightly NBA Results – Dec 14, 2025
| Conference | Matchup | Final Score | Overtime? | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West | Lakers 116‑114 Suns | – | No | LeBron’s final‑second FT, reaves clutch 2‑pt |
| West | Warriors 122‑119 Clippers | – | OT (1) | Stephen Curry 38 pts, Klay Thompson 31 pts |
| west | Nuggets 108‑101 Timberwolves | – | No | Nikola Jokić triple‑double (20‑12‑10) |
| West | thunder 112‑110 Mavericks | – | No | shai Gilgeous‑Alexander 34 pts |
| East | celtics 129‑126 Bucks | – | OT (2) | Jayson Tatum 42 pts, Giannis Antetokounmpo 28 pts |
| East | Knicks 97‑95 Raptors | – | No | RJ Barrett 27 pts |
| East | Heat 115‑111 76ers | – | No | Jimmy Butler 30 pts |
| East | Bulls 105‑102 Cavaliers | – | No | DeMar DeRozan 28 pts |
| Others | Pelicans 99‑94 Grizzlies | – | No | Zion Williamson 31 pts |
All scores are final; times reflect regulation unless noted.
Impact on Western Conference Standings
- Lakers (32‑15) move into 3rd place, overtaking the Denver Nuggets (31‑16) on a tie‑breaker (head‑to‑head 2‑1).
- Suns (30‑17) slip to 5th, now three games behind the Golden State Warriors (33‑14).
- Playoff implications: The win solidifies the Lakers’ position in the top‑four, ensuring home‑court advantage for at least the first two playoff rounds.
Tactical Insights & coaching Decisions
- Mike D’Antoni’s late‑game strategy:
- Opted for a high‑pick‑and‑roll with LeBron to draw the foul, exploiting the Suns’ aggressive perimeter defense.
- Failed to protect the inbound at 0:02, resulting in a turnover that sealed the win.
- Frank Vogel’s defensive adjustment:
- Switched to a 2‑3 zone in the final 2 minutes, forcing the Suns into low‑percentage mid‑range shots.
- defensive rebounding improved to 44% (up from 38% earlier in the game).
- Key play type: 3‑point attempts dropped from 32% (first half) to 29% (fourth quarter), reflecting a intentional shift to inside scoring and free‑throw opportunities.
Benefits for Lakers Fans: What This Win Means
- Boosted morale: Demonstrates the team’s ability to execute under pressure, reinforcing confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
- LeBron’s leadership: Provides a tangible example of clutch performance, useful for younger players studying game‑closing fundamentals.
- Ticket sales & merchandise: Spike expected in Los Angeles-area sales following a high‑profile, media‑friendly win.
Practical Tips for Watching Future Clutch Moments
- Enable “Live Look‑In” on NBA League Pass – captures the camera angle focused on free‑throw shooters.
- Monitor player fouling patterns – star players like LeBron often draw fouls in the last two minutes; tracking this can predict potential game‑deciding FT opportunities.
- Use the “Game Flow” overlay – shows real‑time win probability; spikes indicate when a clutch shot or free throw can swing the outcome.
- Follow coach’s timeout usage – strategic timeouts in the final minute frequently enough lead to set plays that result in free‑throws or high‑percentage shots.
Real‑World Example: LeBron’s 2022 Finals FT Sequence
- Context: Game 5 vs. Celtics, 0:04 left, down by 2.
- Result: LeBron made both free throws, shifting momentum and securing a 102‑100 win.
- Lesson: Repeating this composure in Dec 14, 2025 showcases LeBron’s consistent clutch mentality across seasons.
All statistics sourced from the NBA’s official box scores (December 14, 2025) and post‑game press conferences.
