The Phoenix Suns (3-1) will play the Los Angeles Clippers (2-2) on Thursday evening. The game will be broadcast on Arizona’s Family TV (Channel 3) and NBA TV at 7:30 p.m.
This is the second meeting between the Pacific Rim rivals in Los Angeles since the Suns beat the Clippers in a thrilling 116-113 season opener.
The Suns enter Thursday’s game having won two straight games. The Clippers are playing their second game after losing at home to the Portland Trail Blazers 106-105.
Check out azcentral for live updates on scores, stats, and stats during the Suns-Clippers matchup.
The sun is still out of sync in the second quarter
Los Angeles continued its dominance over the Suns at intermission, leading 70-52.
Devin Booker scored eight of his 15 points as the Suns went on a 16-7 run to open the second quarter. That cut the Clippers’ lead to eight at 8:33 of the first half, but the Clippers responded and eventually increased the lead to 18 in the final seconds.
The Suns are outscored 36-18 in the paint and 11-5 in steals, outscored 33-15 in rebounds including 12-5 in offensive rebounds, and the Clippers have seven blocks to the Suns’ one.
Other big contributors for Phoenix included 10 points by Kevin Durant and nine points by Ryan Dunn (all on 3s). Clippers player James Harden achieved a double-double with 13 points, 10 assists, two blocks and two steals, while Norman Powell scored 15 points.
Harden, Clippers put Suns in a big hole in the first quarter
James Harden scored 12 points and seven assists to lead Los Angeles to a 37-20 lead to close the first quarter.
Kevin Durant leads Phoenix with six points.
The Clippers reached their largest lead of 19 on a 16-3 run after several players from the Suns’ second unit connected with 4:50 left. The Suns committed four turnovers that the Clippers turned into eight points.
Dunn replaces the injured Bell in the Suns’ starting lineup
Suns rookie Ryan Dunn will make his second start of the season, replacing Bradley Beal (elbow), who was ruled out. Dunn will open the game with point guard Tyus Jones, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic at center.
The Clippers will start with James Harden and Norman Powell in the backcourt, Terence Mann in the three, and Derrick Jones Jr. and Ivica Zubac in the middle.
Suns and Clippers injury reports
Phoenix’s Bradley Beal (elbow) will likely be the decision for Thursday’s game. Backup striker Josh Okogie (hamstring) will be out again and is yet to make his debut of the season.
Los Angeles star Kawhi Leonard (knee) and center Mo Bamba (knee) remain out. Veteran forward P.J. Tucker did not return as the team moved forward.
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This article originally appeared on the Arizona Republic: Suns-Clippers Updates: Phoenix is struggling entering halftime
