Depleted Clippers fade after halftime in loss to Suns
The Los Angeles Clippers faced a tough night as key players Kawhi Leonard and James Harden missed the game, leading to a 115-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns, marking their third consecutive defeat.
Game Overview
Ivica Zubac scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading the Clippers who maintained a slight 51-48 lead at halftime but were overwhelmed in the third quarter by the Suns.
Suns' Performance
- Jalen Green impressed with 29 points in his Phoenix debut.
- Devin Booker contributed 24 points to the win.
- The Suns made 19 three-pointers, nearly matching their season high.
Clippers' Challenges
- James Harden missed the game due to personal reasons; he averages 23.3 points per game.
- Kawhi Leonard was sidelined by a right ankle sprain; he averages 24.3 points per game.
- Bench support included Cam Christie with 17 points, John Collins with 13, and Bogdan Bogdanovic adding 12.
Player Highlights
"Green, a guard who missed the Suns' first eight games with a right hamstring strain, played 23 minutes and shot 10 for 20 from the field, including 6 for 13 from 3-point range."
Green was acquired in a seven-team offseason trade that sent Kevin Durant from Phoenix to the Rockets.
Summary
The Clippers struggle to find consistency without their star players, while the Suns capitalize on depth and sharp shooting to secure their victory.
Author's summary: The Clippers' absence of key stars Leonard and Harden contributed to their third straight loss, as the Suns' strong shooting and Green's debut led to a decisive win.