Phoenix inflicted a third defeat in a row on the Clippers deprived of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, with a score of 115-102, in the only NBA match on the night’s schedule.
Fourth victory in nine games for Phoenix! The Suns faced the Clippers in the only game of the NBA night, and they won by a score of 115-102 in front of 17,071 fans gathered at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Faced with the Californians who had rested their superstars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, Phoenix had to wait until the second half to make the difference. The two teams had in fact led in turn in the first, but never by more than eight points, and at the break, it was even the Clippers who led 48-51.
Green succeeds in debut
But the talent of the Suns made the difference after returning from the locker room. Phoenix first regained control of the match by leading 67-59 in the middle of the third quarter, then signed a 12-0 which allowed it to fly away and get closer to victory.
The gap climbed to +25 ten minutes from the end, then the Suns loosened the grip, their success assured.
Arrived this summer from Houston in exchange for Kevin Durant, 23-year-old guard Jalen Green made his debut this Thursday, and he shone, scoring 29 points in 23 minutes.
Beal booed for his return
Devin Booker scored 24 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and delivered 7 assists. On the Clippers side, Ivica Zubac took advantage of the stars’ absence to stand out, with 23 points and 11 rebounds on the clock. The only Frenchman on the floor, Nicolas Batum was in the starting five and played 18 minutes, but he missed his three shots, all three-pointers, settling for two rebounds and an assist. Difficult match also for Bradley Beal, the former Suns. Booed every time he touched the ball, he only returned two of his 14 shots. Following this match, Phoenix occupies ninth place in the Western Conference and the Clippers ninth. The two teams will meet again on Saturday, this time on the Clippers floor.
