No Kawhi Leonard, no James Harden. But Russell Westbrook, who has been on a tear since returning from injury, stepped up. Led by a triple-double from Westbrook, the Chapo-depleted Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns to solidify their hold on fourth place in the Western Conference.
The Clippers defeated the 2023-2024 NBA champions 105-92 on Tuesday at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The Clippers improved to 7-1 in their last eight games and look to solidify their hold on fourth place in the 온라인카지노 Western Conference.
The Clippers were without both Leonard and Harden for the game. Leonard, who injured his right knee, is facing an extended absence, while Harden, who injured his right foot, was questionable and did not play. Phoenix also lost Jusuf Nurkic to a left calf injury, but Kevin Durant and Devin Booker were healthy.
But when the lid was lifted, the results were unexpected. The Clippers overwhelmed Phoenix, with Westbrook orchestrating the offense and Paul George (23 points), Ivica Zubac (17 points, 13 rebounds), and Terrence Mann (17 points, 10 rebounds) scoring evenly. At one point, the game became lopsided, with the Clippers going on a 35-4 run.
The Clippers ended the first half with a 66-33 double-digit lead, only to see Phoenix fight back in the third quarter, led by Durant and Eric Gordon, to cut the deficit to 16 points, 84-68, heading into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, Bradley Beal cut the deficit to seven points at one point, but George scored back-to-back baskets to keep Phoenix at bay.
Westbrook recorded his first triple-double in a long time with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. Phoenix was led by Durant’s 21 points and Beal’s 19 points.