Phoenix Suns’ T.J. Warren dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 120-101. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — As he played through a nose he believes is broken, Lakers center Roy Hibbert occasionally tugged at his plastic mask to find a comfortable fit. Before shooting a pair of free throws, Hibbert even tossed the mask to the sideline.
But that did not mark the only thing that left Hibbert frustrated during the Lakers’ 120-101 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns also outrebounded the Lakers, 50-37, including a 18-7 advantage on the offensive glass.
Despite posting 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting and a team-leading seven rebounds, Hibbert largely faulted himself for the miscues.
“I have to do a better job of boxing out” Hibbert told Los Angeles News Group. “I need to pursue and keep my guy off the board and go to help out the other guys pursuing the rebound.”
The Lakers hardly cast fault on Hibbert. They have appreciated his defensive hustle and positive reinforcement. Meanwhile, Juliur Randle had had as many fouls (five) as rebounds (five). Suns guard Brandon Knight grabbed 10 boards as part of a triple-double effort in points (30) and assists (a career-high 15), while Lakers guards D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson combined for only six rebounds.
“We all got to help Roy box out,” Lakers forward Nick Young said. “We can’t leak out. We have to get back and help.”
Regardless, there does not seem to be any uncertainty on what comes next. With the Lakers (2-9) tied for last in the NBA in rebounding differential (-5.8), Scott said he will implement high school-like box-out drills in practice.
“We’re definitely having them this week,” Scott said. “I guarantee you.”
The Lakers will not practice on Tuesday after playing back-to-back games. But they will have practices on Wednesday and Thursday before hosting the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center. What do the Lakers think of Scott implementing a basic drill?
“Hopefully if he has box out drills,” Hibbert said, “we’ll box out.”
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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com