Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns
Ivica Zubac scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds on a night when the Los Angeles Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Despite leading 51-48 at halftime, the Clippers were overpowered by the Phoenix Suns, falling 115-102 for their third consecutive defeat.
Key Performers and Game Breakdown
Jalen Green shined in his Phoenix debut, putting up 29 points, while Devin Booker added 24. Green played 23 minutes, shooting 10-for-20 from the field and connecting on six 3-pointers. The Suns collectively hit 19 shots from beyond the arc, just one short of their season record.
Cam Christie came off the bench for 17 points, John Collins contributed 13, and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 12 for the Clippers. The team struggled to sustain its first-half rhythm without its two leading scorers.
Injury and Absence Updates
- Kawhi Leonard (24.3 points per game) missed the game with a right ankle sprain.
- James Harden (23.3 points per game) was absent due to personal reasons.
Team Context
With a revamped roster, the Clippers aimed to build chemistry early in the season. However, overlapping injuries and absences have hindered their attempts to establish consistency, leaving them searching for rhythm and wins.
“The Clippers were hoping to spend the early weeks of the season building chemistry and sorting through their rotation combinations with a revamped roster.”
Jalen Green’s Return
Green had missed Phoenix’s first eight games with a hamstring injury. Recently acquired from Houston in a seven-team offseason trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets, he made an immediate impact in his return, energizing the Suns’ offense.
Author’s summary: A weakened Clippers team squandered a halftime lead as Phoenix’s hot shooting and Jalen Green’s breakout debut powered the Suns to a decisive 115-102 win.