Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns
The Los Angeles Clippers struggled without Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, falling 115-102 to the Phoenix Suns, marking their third consecutive loss. Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while the team held a narrow 51-48 lead at halftime before the Suns took control in the third quarter.
Suns’ Strong Performance
Jalen Green made an impressive Phoenix debut, scoring 29 points. Devin Booker supported the effort with 24 points. The Suns showcased their shooting prowess by making 19 three-pointers, just one shy of their season high.
Clippers Roster Challenges
The Clippers started the season aiming to develop team chemistry amid lineup changes, but absences of key players have hampered their progress. Harden missed this game due to personal reasons, while Leonard was sidelined with a right ankle sprain.
Key Player Contributions
- Ivica Zubac: 23 points, 11 rebounds
- Cam Christie: 17 points off the bench
- John Collins: 13 points
- Bogdan Bogdanovic: 12 points
Notable Details
"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 from Houston in a seven-team deal that sent Kevin Durant from Phoenix to the Rockets during the offseason.
Summary
The Clippers’ depleted lineup faced tough challenges, allowing the Suns’ sharp shooting and depth to secure a decisive third-quarter surge and extend Los Angeles’s losing streak.
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