Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns
The Clippers struggled in their third consecutive defeat, falling 115-102 to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Despite Ivica Zubac's strong performance with 23 points and 11 rebounds, the Clippers could not maintain their lead after halftime.
Key Players Missing
Star players Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were absent, with Leonard sidelined due to a right ankle sprain and Harden missing the game for personal reasons. Leonard averages 24.3 points per game, while Harden contributes 23.3 points per game.
Suns’ Standout Performances
- Jalen Green, making his Phoenix debut, scored 29 points in 23 minutes, shooting 10 of 20 overall and 6 of 13 from three-point range.
- Devin Booker added 24 points.
- The Suns made 19 three-pointers, just one shy of their season high.
Game Flow
The Clippers held a narrow 51-48 lead at halftime, but Phoenix dominated the third quarter, turning the tide decisively.
Additional Contributors
- Cam Christie scored 17 points off the bench for the Clippers.
- John Collins added 13 points.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 12 points.
"Green was acquired from Houston in the offseason in the seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant from Phoenix to the Rockets."
The Clippers are still working to build chemistry with their revamped roster amid key player absences, making early-season success challenging.
Author’s summary: The Clippers, missing key stars Leonard and Harden, fell to the Suns despite Ivica Zubac’s strong night, as Phoenix’s sharpshooting and debut of Jalen Green sealed a third straight loss.