Suns Get Blown Out by Clippers in First Road Game

The Phoenix Suns suffered a decisive 129-102 road loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in their first away game of the 2025-26 season. The Clippers' star power proved overwhelming, with James Harden leading the way with 30 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard added 27 points and 5 rebounds.

Phoenix's starting lineup remained unchanged for the second consecutive game, featuring Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, and Oso Ighodaro, while Mark Williams continued to come off the bench due to minutes management. The Clippers countered with a lineup including Harden, Bradley Beal (playing under minutes restriction against his former team), Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac.

The game featured significant shooting disparities, with the Clippers shooting 59.2% from the field and 55.2% from three-point range, compared to Phoenix's 41.1% overall and 34% from beyond the arc. Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 21 points, while Booker contributed 18 points and 7 assists.

After a competitive first quarter that ended with the Clippers leading 34-33, Los Angeles took control with a 12-0 run to start the second quarter and never relinquished the momentum. The Clippers extended their lead to 72-56 by halftime and opened the third quarter with a 14-0 run, putting the game out of reach early in the second half.

Phoenix rookies Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach made their NBA debuts during the fourth quarter blowout, with Maluach scoring his first NBA point from the free throw line. The Suns, missing Jalen Green due to injury, will face the Denver Nuggets in their next game as part of a back-to-back road series.