James Harden, the orchestrator of this triumph, erupted for 30 points, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the NBA’s deadliest scorers. Harden, who shot a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line and nailed five three-pointers, also contributed seven rebounds and seven assists, steering the league’s oldest team to a victory that felt like redemption. Not far behind was Kawhi Leonard, whose cool precision netted 27 points and set the tone for the Clippers’ aggressive approach.
Derrick Jones Jr. played his part flawlessly, not missing a single shot on his way to 17 points, including five buckets from beyond the arc. The Clippers, with their seasoned roster, shot a blistering 55% from three-point range, leaving the Suns scrambling for answers.
For the Phoenix Suns, Dillon Brooks led the scoring with 21 points and five three-pointers, while Devin Booker added 18 points and seven assists. Despite their resilience—evident in their season opener, where they rallied from 20 down to topple Sacramento—the Suns simply couldn’t match the relentless intensity that the Clippers unleashed after the opening minutes.
The game’s drama unfolded early. Phoenix surged ahead with a 12-0 run in the first quarter, briefly seizing a nine-point lead and hinting at another comeback. But the Clippers, undeterred, responded with their own 12-0 burst to open the second quarter, flipping the script and marching into halftime with a commanding 72-56 advantage. The third quarter saw déjà vu, as Los Angeles repeated the feat—a third consecutive 12-0 run—highlighted by Leonard’s dominance and Jones’ hot hand. John Collins’ emphatic dunk later pushed the Clippers’ lead to a staggering 32 points, their largest margin of the night.
By the start of the fourth, the Suns trailed 106-77, their hopes dashed by the Clippers’ relentless offense and suffocating defense. Brooks and Booker combined for 16 of Phoenix’s 21 third-quarter points, but their efforts were ultimately not enough.
This victory not only levels both teams at 1-1 but also sends a clear message: these Clippers, led by the likes of Harden and Leonard, are not to be counted out—especially on their home floor. The Suns, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly as they head to Denver for their next challenge, while the Clippers prepare to host Portland, eager to build on this cathartic win.
For deeper coverage and official stats, visit the AP NBA and follow the play-by-play breakdowns on the ESPN game recap.
The stage is set, the drama is alive, and the NBA season is just getting started.