Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns
Ivica Zubac scored 23 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Phoenix Suns 115-102 on Thursday night, marking their third consecutive loss. The Clippers led 51-48 at halftime but couldn’t sustain their momentum after the break.
Playing without Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the Clippers struggled to keep pace after the Suns’ dominant third quarter. Leonard missed the game due to a right ankle sprain, while Harden was unavailable for personal reasons.
Key Performers
- Ivica Zubac: 23 points, 11 rebounds
- Cam Christie: 17 points off the bench
- John Collins: 13 points
- Bogdan Bogdanovic: 12 points
Suns Secure Win Behind Green and Booker
Newly acquired guard Jalen Green led Phoenix with 29 points in his debut, while Devin Booker contributed 24. Green, who had missed the Suns’ first eight games with a right hamstring strain, played 23 minutes and shot 10-for-20, including 6-of-13 from beyond the arc.
The Suns hit 19 three-pointers, falling just one short of their season high, as they pulled away in the third quarter and never let the Clippers back into the game.
“We were hoping to build chemistry early in the season, but with key players missing, it’s been tough,” the Clippers organization said.
Trade and Team Outlook
Jalen Green joined Phoenix in the offseason as part of the seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant from the Suns to the Houston Rockets. His strong debut gives Phoenix added optimism as the team continues to gel with new pieces.
Author’s Summary: The short-handed Clippers couldn’t maintain their early edge, falling to a sharp-shooting Suns team led by Jalen Green’s standout debut.