What We Learned From Suns' Win vs Lakers

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns are officially back in the win column following a rough road trip in Texas. 

The Suns rode a huge 45-point first quarter to a victory against the streaking Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

This game was marked by strong all-around play from the roster - including six players in double figures and all five starters at or near the 20-point mark. 

This was truly a game that featured a strong Lakers performance and an even stronger showing from the Suns - hopefully this continues over the home stretch. 

Three major lessons we learned today:

Bol Bol Has Arrived 

Bol Bol has officially taken advantage of every opportunity that has been handed to him the last month-plus. 

Bol followed up a brilliant 25 point double-double performance with 11 points and two massive blocks to help catalyze strong offensive spurts by the Suns. 

The frequent criticisms of Bol are built around his tendencies to careless play on the offensive end and being difficult to place on defense due to his frame and lateral quickness. 

He has bucked both of those oft-used points of critique over the last several weeks - Bol has played largely under control and within the offense while also finding many ways to impact the game defensively.

The focus now should absolutely be on finding the right rotation that maximizes Bol's two-way ability, as he has absolutely earned a spot in the playoff rotation based off of merit alone. 

Suns Find Another Formula to Win

Suns head coach Frank Vogel has been stressing the need to up three-point volume for some time now - this afternoon may have been a turning point in terms of actually capitalizing on being a team chalk-full of great shooters. 

Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale lead the charge - both hit six threes each. 

The overall uptick in volume was encouraging regardless of who it was that catalyzed it - 40 attempts is 8.5 takes more than the season average of 31.5. 

It's quite clear that the Suns' wide array of quality three-point shooters will be an advantage for them come playoff time - if they continue to fire away at volume that mirrors the league-best Boston Celtics squad.

Royce O'Neale is the Perfect Piece 

O'Neale proved exactly why the Suns made a move for him just two weeks ago in his third home game with the franchise. 

He posted stats in every category - except for turnovers - while also posting a dominant +24 while on the court. 

The presence of O'Neale and the Suns generally taking better care of the ball are certainly correlated to some degree. 

The former Brooklyn Net has averaged nearly 3 assists for every turnover in his career and it shows on the floor - especially when surrounded by players to the caliber of Devin Booker/Kevin Durant. 

O'Neale is an optimal connector of the offense, has excelled in many difficult defensive assignments, and vastly increases the flexibility Vogel has with future rotations built along the flexibility of having O'Neale/Gordon/Allen. 

The Suns' season isn't dead. There were many positives to take away from the game this afternoon. 

The next chance to catch the Suns in action is on Thursday night in yet another date with the Houston Rockets.