Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns
Ivica Zubac scored 23 points on a night when Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were absent, but Phoenix dominated the third quarter, leading to the Clippers' 115-102 loss, marking their third straight defeat.
Game Overview
The Clippers aimed to build chemistry and test rotations early in the season with a restructured roster. However, missing key players has complicated their progress and contributed to their recent struggles.
Suns' Strong Debut and Performance
- Jalen Green scored 29 points in his Phoenix debut.
- Devin Booker contributed 24 points.
- The Suns made 19 three-pointers, just one shy of their season best.
- Green, who missed the Suns' first eight games due to a right hamstring strain, played 23 minutes, shooting 10 of 20 from the field, including 6 of 13 from beyond the arc.
Clippers' Contributions
- Ivica Zubac led with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
- Cam Christie added 17 points off the bench.
- John Collins scored 13 points.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 12 points.
Player Absences
"Harden (23.3 points per game) missed the game for personal reasons, while Leonard (24.3 ppg) was sidelined with a right ankle sprain."
Additional Context
Green was acquired in the offseason from Houston as part of a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant from Phoenix to the Rockets.
The Clippers led 51-48 at halftime but were overwhelmed in the third quarter, allowing the Suns to pull ahead decisively.
Author's summary: The Clippers struggled without Leonard and Harden, while the Suns' sharpshooting and debut of Jalen Green sealed a dominant third-quarter comeback and a 115-102 victory.