Depleted Clippers fade after halftime in loss to Suns

Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered their third consecutive defeat, losing 115-102 to the Phoenix Suns despite Ivica Zubac’s strong performance. Zubac scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds on a night when stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were absent.

Game Overview

The Clippers entered the game hoping to build chemistry early in the season with their reshaped roster. However, missing key players affected their performance and rotation, making victories harder to secure.

Phoenix dominated the third quarter, overcoming a 51-48 halftime deficit to secure the win.

Key Performers

Jalen Green made his Suns debut, scoring 29 points.
Devin Booker added 24 points for Phoenix.
Clippers' bench players contributed: Cam Christie scored 17, John Collins 13, and Bogdan Bogdanovic 12.

Absences Impact Clippers

The Clippers played without Kawhi Leonard (24.3 points per game), sidelined due to a right ankle sprain, and James Harden (23.3 points per game), who missed the game for personal reasons.

Jalen Green’s Return

Green, who missed the first eight Suns games recovering from a right hamstring strain, was effective in 23 minutes on the court.

Green “shot 10 for 20 from the field, including 6 for 13 from three-point range on a night when the Suns made 19 threes, one short of their season high.”

He was acquired by Phoenix in a seven-team offseason trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.

Author’s Summary

The Clippers, hindered by key player absences, lost their third straight game as Phoenix’s Jalen Green made an impressive debut fueling the Suns’ third-quarter surge.

Orange County Register — 2025-11-07