Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns
Ivica Zubac led the Los Angeles Clippers with 23 points and 11 rebounds, but Phoenix took control in the second half, handing the Clippers a 115–102 defeat on Thursday night. It was their third straight loss.
The Clippers, hoping to build early-season chemistry with their new roster, continue to struggle as key players miss games. Both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were unavailable, making it difficult for the team to find rhythm and consistency.
Game Highlights
- Jalen Green scored 29 points in his Phoenix debut after returning from a hamstring strain that sidelined him for eight games.
- Devin Booker contributed 24 points, helping the Suns secure the win.
- Phoenix outscored the Clippers heavily in the third quarter to pull away.
- Cam Christie added 17 points off the bench for Los Angeles, John Collins scored 13, and Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 12.
Players Out and Team Challenges
“James Harden (23.3 points per game) missed the game for personal reasons, while Kawhi Leonard (24.3 ppg) was sidelined with a right ankle sprain.”
The Clippers entered halftime leading 51–48, but Phoenix’s hot shooting and depth overturned the momentum quickly. The Suns made 19 three-pointers, just one short of their season high.
Green, recently acquired from Houston in a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets, played 23 minutes and shot 10-for-20 from the field, including 6-for-13 from beyond the arc.
Author’s Summary
The short-handed Clippers showed early promise but lacked the firepower to match Phoenix’s third-quarter surge, marking their third straight loss in a challenging season start.