Clippers' late rally falls short in loss to Suns

01/28/2025 12:35 AM

By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer

PHOENIX — The Clippers staged a late rally but came up just short to begin their four-game, cross-country road trip with a loss.

Devin Booker scored 26 points, Kevin Durant added 24 and the surging Phoenix Suns held off the Clippers, 111-109, on Monday night.

The Suns had a 103-90 lead with 5:06 left after a Durant 3-pointer and still led by 11 with 2:43 left, but the Clippers went on a late 10-0 run. Sparked by a 3-pointer from Norman Powell and three free throws from James Harden, the Clippers cut the deficit to 107-106 on Powell's short jumper with 40.4 seconds remaining.

Bradley Beal drove baseline on the Suns' next possession and was fouled by Harden. The Clippers challenged the call, but officials ruled that Harden had hit Beal with his legs. Beal then made two free throws for a 109-106 lead.

Phoenix fouled Powell before he could hoist a 3-point attempt with 19.7 seconds left, and the guard made one of two shots at the free-throw line. Phoenix's Grayson Allen made two free throws with 10 seconds left for a 111-107 advantage, then missed a free throw on purpose with 1.3 seconds left and the Clippers out of timeouts. Powell's long heave at the buzzer was way off.

Ivica Zubac had 25 points (12-of-17 shooting from the field) and 16 rebounds to lead the Clippers. Harden added 24 points and 10 assists, while Powell finished with 23 points. Kawhi Leonard played a season-high 28 minutes and had 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting.

Allen scored 18 off the bench while Tyus Jones added 17 for the Suns, who have won nine of their past 12 games.

Booker did a good portion of his damage from 3-point range, going 5 for 10 from behind the arc while also collecting eight assists and seven rebounds. Durant made four 3-pointers and Jones knocked down five as the Suns tied a season-high with 22 3-pointers (on 47 attempts).

The Suns shot 14 for 25 from 3-point range in the first half to build a 60-47 edge at the break. The Clippers erased that deficit less than seven minutes into the third quarter, taking a 66-65 lead on Leonard's one-handed dunk. The Suns recovered to take an 83-78 advantage into the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT

The Clippers face the Spurs in San Antonio on Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT.