Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns
The Clippers suffered their third consecutive defeat, falling 115-102 to the Phoenix Suns despite Ivica Zubac’s 23-point performance on a night without Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
Game Summary
The Clippers aimed to build chemistry early in the season with a revamped roster, but absences of key players have hindered those efforts and contributed to their losing streak. They held a narrow 51-48 lead at halftime, but Phoenix dominated the third quarter, pulling away decisively.
Key Performances
- Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
- Cam Christie added 17 points off the bench, John Collins scored 13, and Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 12.
- Jalen Green scored 29 points in his debut for Phoenix, shooting 10 for 20 overall and 6 for 13 from three-point range.
- Devin Booker added 24 points for the Suns.
Player Absences
Kawhi Leonard was sidelined due to a right ankle sprain, and James Harden missed the game for personal reasons. Both are significant contributors, averaging 24.3 and 23.3 points per game, respectively.
Additional Context
Green had missed Phoenix’s first eight games with a right hamstring strain. He was part of a major offseason trade involving seven teams, which sent Kevin Durant from Phoenix to Houston.
“The Clippers were hoping to spend the early weeks of the season building chemistry and sorting through their rotation combinations with a revamped roster.”
The Suns made 19 three-pointers, just one shy of their season high, highlighting their offensive dominance after halftime.
Author’s summary: The Clippers’ hopes for early-season progress were stymied by key absences and Phoenix’s third-quarter surge, leading to a 115-102 loss that extended their losing streak to three games.