The Phoenix Suns have continued their great start to the season by picking up a 125-119 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, improving the Suns’ record to 4-1 to start the season. This is their second win over the Clippers, who have now fallen to 2-3 on the season despite showing encouraging signs of competitiveness with their defensive identity.
The Suns were led by Devin Booker‘s 40 points (11-18 FG, 5-9 3PT), five rebounds, and eight assists. Royce O’Neale scored 21 points (7-8 FG) with seven rebounds, Kevin Durant had 18 points (7-13 FG), and rookie Ryan Dunn put up 16 points (6-12 FG) in another sensational two-way performance.
The Clippers started the game off really well, taking a 21-point lead by the time the third quarter was a few minutes in, but their lack of talent compared to the Suns caused them to fall behind. James Harden had 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists for a triple-double while Ivica Zubac put up 22 points and 12 rebounds of his own. Norman Powell also had 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to earn this win.
Fans had varied reactions to the contest, discussing a wide variety of topics after the game.
“The Clippers being this good is the shock of the NBA season, no team had worse vibes over the summer,” said one fan despite the loss because of the competitive fire the Clippers show every game.
“The Clippers need to blow this up. I know they have the new arena but they’re playing themselves. Might as well see what you get can for Harden, Powell and Kawhi and start the rebuild,” said another fan who thinks the Clippers need to commit to a rebuild soon.
“I know James Harden is tired of carrying this team,” said one fan empathizing with the hate Harden is receiving despite doing everything he can to keep them afloat.
“Ivica Zubac has been playing better than a LOT of your favorite centers this year,” said Nekias Duncan about the incredible form Zubac has shown this season.
“Absurdly good Devin Booker game,” said one fan amazed by Devin Booker’s 40-point performance.
“Kevin Durant is the best scorer ever so it’s easy to forget he’s one of the most underrated defenders the game has like ever seen,” said one fan about Durant after a string of clutch blocks and defensive plays in the fourth quarter.
“Running out of words to describe Ryan Dunn other than… ROOKIE OF THE YEAR,” said many Suns fans ecstatic to see how he’s performing.
The Suns are looking like one of the best teams in the West, improving their record to 4-1 while picking up high-quality wins over the likes of the Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. Even with Bradley Beal currently injured, the Suns are looking like favorites for a top-four seed in the Conference right now.
The Clippers have looked extremely competitive despite fans and experts predicting them to have a lackluster season unless Kawhi Leonard is available. But their trio of Harden, Zubac, and Powell is showing they can compete against the best in the West while relying on the rotational depth around the roster to use shooters or high-level defenders to make opponents struggle.
Nonetheless, this isn’t enough to be a Playoff team in the West and the Clippers will wait for Kawhi to return to give them even a hope of contention.
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