For the second time in five days, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns 138-111 on Monday night behind 25 points from Paul George and 19 from Ivica Zubac.
James Harden led the Clippers, who have won six straight games overall, with 19 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists in their 131-122 victory over Phoenix last Wednesday. Kawhi Leonard put in 17 more points.
After losing to the Lakers by three points on Sunday, the Clippers’ five-game winning streak came to an end.
According to Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, “losing that game really woke us up.” “The ball moved offensively, and we set each other up for easy shots.”
With three quarters played, the Clippers have scored 100 points.
Leonard remarked, “This team is full of veterans.” “We simply need to forget about that game and enter the next one with a stronger attitude.”
For the Suns, Kevin Durant scored twenty of his thirty points in the first half. They lost their second consecutive game while playing back-to-back. Bradley Beal finished with 15 points, and Devin Booker finished with 20.
With a season-high 67% shooting percentage in the first half, the Clippers led 71-63 at the intermission thanks to 15 points apiece from George and Harden. Despite shooting 51%, the Suns were never more than five points ahead.
In the third quarter, the Clippers extended their lead to 15 points thanks to six 3-pointers from four different players. They shot 62% throughout the game, and all five of their starters scored in double figures.
Zubac grabbed eight rebounds, three assists, made eight of nine free throws, and had a steal.
“Everyone is confident and we’re playing at a high level right now,” he remarked.
The NBA’s top two 3-point shooters, Durant and Grayson Allen, combined to hit 4 of 9 from long range.
The game last week was controversial, with both teams criticizing the officiating. Getting shots up was the main goal this time.
The Clippers made 15 3-pointers, 53 of 85 shots, and 17 of 23 free throws. They improved to 15-4 at home, outscored the Suns 62-42 in the paint, and controlled the boards 44-25.
Suns coach Frank Vogel stated, “They got three Hall of Famers that are really hard to guard.” “They have a full squad.”
The Clippers controlled the fourth quarter, jumping ahead 118-96 with a 17-5 run that included 15 consecutive baskets. A total of five players scored, including 14 points from the bench for Norman Powell.