Down by as many as 23 points, the Phoenix Suns battled until the final horn, losing 131-122 to the Los Angeles Clippers, ending their four-game winning streak.For the Clippers, Paul George scored 33 points and Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points.
ASU graduate James Harden posted a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists.The Clippers scored 29 points in two starts in the first quarter alone and took a 35-20 lead. George shot 6-for-8 and 3-for-4 from 3-point range, and Terrance Mann
scored 12 points in just 12 minutes of action. Despite Kevin Durant missing a second straight season with a right thigh injury, the Clippers’ offense gave Phoenix’s defense too much trouble, shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from the field.LA kept going, Leonard scored 12 points in the second quarter after 0 points in the first quarter. For Phoenix, Bradley Beal was the only Sun in double figures in the first half with 13. “We’re proud of the way we played, we didn’t get beat and I think that’s a positive thing for our team.” Vogel said. “The important thing for me was how I started the game defensively. “I don’t think we had the vision to defend against an elite offensive line, a team with a lot of firepower.”Despite their second-half heroics, the Suns were outscored 131-122 at halftime. Reflecting on what he and the Suns need to improve on moving forward, Booker said they need to be ready to take a leap forward.”We have to play better with a sense of urgency and be ready to compete,” Booker said. “We fought hard throughout the game and showed what we can do with more energy and intensity in the second half.”the next game Phoenix is currently 18-16, but continues its six-game homestand on Friday when it faces the Miami Heat (19-14).
Los Angeles improved to 20-12 this season, maintaining first place in the Pacific Division and fourth in the Western Conference. Their three-game road trip continues on Jan. 5 against the Pelicans (21-14) in New Orleans.
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