Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns
Ivica Zubac led the Los Angeles Clippers with 23 points and 11 rebounds in a 115-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Playing without Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the Clippers lost control after halftime and dropped their third consecutive game.
Game Overview
The Clippers entered the season hoping to build chemistry with a reshaped roster. However, overlapping absences among key players have disrupted those plans. Once again, missing two of their stars proved costly.
Standout Performances
- Ivica Zubac: 23 points, 11 rebounds
- Cam Christie: 17 points off the bench
- John Collins: 13 points
- Bogdan Bogdanovic: 12 points
Kawhi Leonard, who averages 24.3 points per game, missed the contest with a right ankle sprain. James Harden, averaging 23.3 points, sat out for personal reasons.
Phoenix Takes Over
Despite trailing 51-48 at halftime, the Suns dominated the third quarter and never looked back. Phoenix’s shooting from deep proved decisive.
- Jalen Green: 29 points in his Suns debut
- Devin Booker: 24 points
“Green, 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 three-point range.”
As a team, the Suns connected on 19 three-pointers, just one shy of their season high. Green’s strong debut came after his offseason trade from Houston as part of a seven-team deal that also involved Kevin Durant moving from Phoenix to the Rockets.
Author’s Summary
The Clippers, missing Leonard and Harden, couldn’t sustain their first-half lead as Jalen Green’s impressive Phoenix debut and a third-quarter surge sealed their third straight loss.