PHOENIX – The Los Angeles Clippers continued their impressive form with a 131-122 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, led by stellar performances from Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. This victory marks the Clippers’ fourth consecutive win and their 13th in the last 15 games, while the Suns saw their four-game winning streak come to an end.
George was exceptional, scoring 33 points on efficient shooting, including a 50% success rate from 3-point range. Leonard complemented George’s performance with 30 points, showcasing the duo’s offensive prowess. James Harden also played a key role for the Clippers with 22 points and 11 assists.
The Clippers maintained a significant lead for most of the second half, at one point extending their advantage to 23 points in the third quarter. However, the Suns attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to eight points with just over five minutes left in the game. Norman Powell, coming off the bench, delivered a crucial 3-pointer to help the Clippers reestablish control, finishing with 13 points.
Devin Booker was the standout for the Suns, scoring 35 points on highly efficient shooting. The Suns felt the absence of Kevin Durant, who missed the game due to soreness in his right hamstring. Bradley Beal added 21 points for Phoenix but struggled with his shooting, particularly from beyond the arc.
The Clippers set the tone early, never trailing in the game and establishing a commanding 30-13 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their first-half performance was particularly dominant, shooting 58.5% from the field and 50% on 3-pointers, with George scoring 21 points and Leonard and Terance Mann each adding 12 before the break.
The Suns’ frustrations were evident, with both Booker and Beal receiving technical fouls in the first half, reflecting their struggles against the Clippers’ onslaught.
The game was played before Phoenix’s 100th consecutive sellout crowd, underscoring the strong support for the team.
Looking ahead, the Clippers will face the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Suns host the Miami Heat, both games scheduled for Friday night. This win for the Clippers, particularly against a strong Suns team, underlines their status as a formidable force in the league, fueled by the leadership and skill of George and Leonard.
