The Phoenix Suns defeated a decimated L.A. Clippers team 115-102. Jalen Green impressed in his debut for the Suns.
Green scored 29 points (10/20 FG) in his first game for Phoenix after the former No. 2 pick missed the first eight games due to a thigh injury. The guard was part of the trade for Kevin Durant in the summer, who now plays for the Houston Rockets.
The Clippers were without James Harden for personal reasons, and Kawhi Leonard (ankle) was also unavailable. Nevertheless, the visitors played a good first half, even taking the lead thanks to Ivica Zubac (23 points, 11 rebounds).
After that, however, not much happened. The Suns won the third quarter 40-23 and led by as many as 20 points at times during that period. Royce O’Neale (17) made three three-pointers in the quarter, and the team made 19 (of 39) over 48 minutes. Devin Booker impressed with 24 points and seven assists. It was a return for Clippers guard Bradley Beal, albeit not a happy one. The former All-Star was booed by the Suns fans – every single time he touched the ball. The shooting guard scored just five points in just under 20 minutes and missed 12 of his 14 attempts from the field.
