Depleted Clippers fade after halftime in loss to Suns

Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns

Ivica Zubac scored 23 points in a game where Kawhi Leonard and James Harden did not play, but Phoenix dominated the third quarter, leading to a 115-102 defeat for the Clippers, marking their third consecutive loss.

Game Overview

The Clippers aimed to build team chemistry and finalize rotations early in the season with their revamped roster. However, missing core players and overlapping absences have made securing wins difficult.

Key Performances

Jalen Green scored 29 points in his Phoenix debut.
Devin Booker added 24 points for the Suns.
Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Cam Christie contributed 17 points off the bench.
John Collins scored 13 points.
Bogdan Bogdanovic added 12 points.

Injuries and Absences

The Clippers played without stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Harden, averaging 23.3 points per game, missed the game for personal reasons. Leonard, who averages 24.3 points per game, was out due to a right ankle sprain.

Jalen Green’s Impact

Green, a guard 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. The Suns made 19 three-pointers, one shy of their season high.

Jalen Green was acquired from Houston in the offseason in the seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant from Phoenix to the Rockets.

The Clippers held a narrow 51-48 lead at halftime but could not maintain it through the third quarter where Phoenix took control.

Author's summary: The Clippers struggled to compensate for missing stars Leonard and Harden, while the Suns' depth and Jalen Green’s debut sparked a decisive third-quarter turnaround and a third straight Clippers loss.

Orange County Register — 2025-11-07