Depleted Clippers fade after halftime in loss to Suns

Depleted Clippers Fade After Halftime in Loss to Suns

The Clippers, missing Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, were defeated 115-102 by the Phoenix Suns, marking their third consecutive loss. Ivica Zubac scored 23 points, leading the effort, but Phoenix dominated the third quarter and never allowed the Clippers to recover.

Game Highlights

Ivica Zubac posted 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers.
The Clippers held a narrow 51-48 halftime lead before the Suns took control.
Jalen Green scored 29 points in his debut for Phoenix, playing 23 minutes with a 50% field goal efficiency, including six three-pointers.
Devin Booker contributed 24 points.
Cam Christie scored 17 off the bench, John Collins had 13 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 12 for the Clippers.

Player Availability

James Harden missed the game due to personal reasons; he averages 23.3 points per game.
Kawhi Leonard was sidelined with a right ankle sprain, averaging 24.3 points per game.
Jalen Green returned after missing eight games with a right hamstring strain.

Team Dynamics

The Clippers had hoped to build chemistry and test different lineups early in the season, but overlapping absences among key players have complicated their progress and led to difficult losses.

"Jalen Green scored 29 points in his Phoenix debut... and the Suns made 19 three-pointers, just one short of their season high."

"The Clippers held a 51-48 halftime lead before losing their third straight game."

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

Summary: The Clippers’ attempts to establish a strong rotation have been hampered by key absences, leading to a third straight loss as the Suns dominated after halftime.

Los Angeles Daily News — 2025-11-07