Phoenix Suns regained their balance by handing visiting Los Angeles Clippers their third consecutive defeat with a 115-102 victory in the NBA on Thursday.
Phoenix credited Jalen Green, who made a triumphant return after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during the preseason. Green scored 29 points, shooting 10 of 20 with six three-pointers in his first appearance this season for the Suns. He also contributed three rebounds and three assists in just 23 minutes. Green, who joined Phoenix this summer as part of the Kevin Durant trade, had missed the first eight games.
After the game, a smiling Green said, "I was happy to be back playing. I told everyone on my team
After the game, a smiling Green said, "I was happy to be back playing. I told everyone on my team I couldn’t even take a full nap; I was eager to get back on the court." He thanked the coaching staff and everyone for their support and mentioned he was still working to regain his best form. "We’re still working on that. Today was a great step… It’s a great city, a great team, and we hope to achieve more wins and records."
Devin Booker added 24 points with six rebounds and seven assists. The Suns, who were 0-4 on the road, improved to 4-1 at home.
Though trailing by three at halftime (48-51) in a tight first half where the lead changed hands 11 times, Phoenix exploded for 40 points in the third quarter while holding the Clippers to 23 points, stretching their lead to as much as 20.
The Suns maintained the momentum in the final quarter, extending the lead to 25 points before coach Jordan Ott rested Green and Booker with 7:14 remaining, closing the game with a 13-point margin.
On the Clippers’ side, Bosnian Ivica Zubac led with 23 points and 11 rebounds. The team missed stars Kawhi Leonard (right ankle sprain) and James Harden (personal reasons).
Bradley Beal returned to Phoenix amid boos from the crowd, scoring five points on 2-of-14 shooting in 19 minutes as he continues recovering from right knee surgery in May.
The Clippers, currently 12th in the Western Conference, get a chance for revenge against ninth-placed Suns when they host them on Saturday in Los Angeles.
