Clippers’ Late Rally Fizzles Out in Loss to Suns
Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while John Collins added 19 points in their 114-103 defeat. Kawhi Leonard missed his third consecutive game due to a sprain.
Team Challenges and Coach's Perspective
Inglewood — The Clippers are not panicking but recognize the need for improvement in several areas. They must enhance their defense, build stronger team chemistry, and reduce turnovers to compete above .500.
“We got to play better,” Coach Tyronn Lue said. “We got to do things better, starting with the coaches and everybody. We all gotta to look at ourselves in the mirror.”
The team continues to struggle with injuries and allowing big deficits. Despite climbing out of an 18-point hole Saturday night, the Clippers couldn't overcome the Phoenix Suns at the Intuit Dome, marking their fourth straight loss and third consecutive home defeat.
“When it gets tough, we got to get tougher and so I liked our fight back,” Lue said. “I thought we did a good job of not letting go of the rope tonight.”
Game Recap
Although the Clippers made a strong effort to avenge Thursday’s loss to the Suns, they fell short again. When trailing 104-96 late, Kris Dunn scored a layup, and James Harden added a free throw after a technical foul, narrowing the gap to 104-99, but the Suns held on.
Key Players Stats
- Ivica Zubac: 21 points, 15 rebounds
- John Collins: 19 points
- Kawhi Leonard: Absent due to injury
Summary: The Clippers showed resilience but must improve defense, chemistry, and turnover control to overcome persistent struggles and injuries.