The Clippers continue to give up big leads and lose to the Suns 125-119
Los Angeles Clippers #1 James Harden (G) left-handed layup is being challenge by the Phoenix Suns #25 Kevin Durant (PF). Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1
INGLEWOOD, CA - The Los Angeles Clippers let another early big lead slip away and the game after losing to the Phoenix Suns 125-119 to remain winless at their new home (0-3), the Intuit Dome.
James Harden was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 25 points, Norman Powell with 23 points, Ivica Zuback had a solid night with 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Kevin Porter Jr. off the bench with 14 points.
Devin Booker torched the Clippers' defense for 40 points, Royce O'Neale off the bench with 21 points, and Kevin Durant with 18 points.
Harden would knock down a three-pointer to give the Clippers a 22-13 lead. Los Angeles led at the end of the first quarter by seventeen points, 37-20.
Phoenix Suns #1 Devin Booker (SG) pulling up for a three-pointer in front of his bench. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.
The Clippers on defense continue to give up too many points after holding the Suns to 20 points in the first quarter, gave up 32 in the second quarter, 39 points in the third quarter, and 34 in the fourth quarter.
"We got to continue to keep getting better. We got to close games better and [it's] just something to keep learning from," Lue said. "All five of our games have been close, come down to the wire. We've been fortunate to win two of them. ... So, just staying the course, understanding that our margin for error is very slim.
Things started going the Suns' way in the second quarter after Ryan Dunn's three-pointer had Phoenix down 44-36.
The Clippers would lead at halftime 70-52 with a three-pointer by Kriss Dunn and two free throws by Zubac.
The Suns trailed in the third quarter 77-59 with a three-pointer by Devin Booker.
Los Angeles Clippers #24 Norman Powell (G) jump shot from the left side of the basket. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.
The Clippers started feeling the pressure when Phoenix trailed by five points, 84-79, thanks to Kevin Durant's three-point basket with 5:26 left in the quarter.
Los Angeles led at the end of the quarter 93-91 with a floating driving shot by Kevin Porter Jr.
Phoenix got their first lead in the fourth quarter, 96-95, with a three-pointer by Dunn. Amir Coffey tied the game 99-99 with two free throws.
Booker would pull up for a three-pointer from the top of the arc and gave Phoenix a 108-105 lead with 5:15 left in the game. Harden, with a driving layup, had the Clippers down 115-109.
Powell would score the last points for the Clippers 123-119 after his three-pointer as the Clippers (2-3) fell to the Suns after giving up big leads during games.