The Phoenix Suns fought tooth and nail in the second half to snatch a thrilling 125-119 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on November 1. The Suns improve their record to 4-1.
Devin Booker poured in 40 points while grabbing 5 boards, dishing out 8 assists, and snagging 3 steals. Kevin Durant added 18, but it was Royce O’Neale who stole the show off the bench, drilling 5 of 6 three-pointers en route to 21 points.
James Harden guided the Clippers with a masterful triple-double. He finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. Ivica Zubac was a force inside, going 9 of 10 from the field for 22 points and 12 rebounds. Norman Powell added 22 points in a valiant effort but the Clippers couldn’t avoid another heartbreaking defeat.
Booker and O’Neale Turn the Tide
The Clippers took control of the game early after a blistering 20-9 run. Harden poured fuel into their offensive fire with 12 points and 7 assists. Booker sparked a fight to start the second, scoring 8 points to bring the gap down to single digits but Powell doused the flames, scoring 11 points to quickly restore the Clippers’ lead (60-44).
The third was a seesaw battle with Zubac striking out first. He completed a 3-point play that stretched their advantage to as much as 21. But it was all Phoenix after, going on a 17-3 run to close the deficit to just 6. Phoenix couldn’t miss in that span, hitting 15 straight, including back-to-back triples for O’Neale to level the game at 89.
The Suns carried their torrid shooting into the fourth, with O’Neale burying another three to put them ahead (99-95). The game intensified, but a clutch three from Booker provided the Suns with some breathing room at (107-103) while O’Neale made big plays down the stretch to help seal the comeback win.
Up Next
The Suns host Portland on Sunday while the Clippers will clash with Oklahoma.
