The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a setback on March 2, 2024, losing to the Phoenix Suns 114-103 at the Intuit Dome. Despite rallying from an 18-point deficit, the Clippers could not secure a victory, highlighting ongoing issues with their defense and shot creation.
Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the need for improvement following the loss. “We got to play better,” he stated. “Starting with the coaches and everybody, we all gotta look ourselves in the mirror.” This loss marks a continuation of a troubling trend for the Clippers, who have struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season.
The game saw the Clippers trailing significantly at various points, including a stretch where they fell behind by as many as 18 points. While they managed to close the gap late in the game, it proved insufficient. With Kriss Dunn and James Harden contributing key scores, the team narrowed the Suns’ lead to 104-99. However, a three-point play from Devin Booker restored an eight-point cushion, effectively ending the Clippers’ hopes for a comeback.
The Suns demonstrated their prowess from beyond the arc, sinking 16 of 38 three-point attempts, which accounted for an impressive 42.1% shooting rate. In contrast, the Clippers struggled, hitting only 30.3% of their three-point shots, although they did maintain a strong overall shooting percentage of 53.2%. Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 21 points, while John Collins added 19 points and Harden recorded 13 points along with 13 assists.
Injury issues continue to plague the Clippers, with veteran guard Bradley Beal experiencing discomfort in his hip during the first half. After briefly leaving the game, he returned to finish with 12 points. Beal’s struggles highlight the fragility of the Clippers’ roster, which has faced multiple injury challenges this season.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard missed his third consecutive game due to a sprained right ankle, raising concerns about his return. Lue described the injury as not serious but noted that Leonard’s history complicates predictions about his recovery. With Leonard averaging 24.3 points and 5.7 rebounds this season, his absence is keenly felt.
Harden’s return after missing the previous game due to personal reasons provided a boost, but the team’s defensive lapses were evident. The Suns closed the first half with a 13-1 run, leading 60-46 at halftime. Despite the Clippers’ efforts to fight back, including a strong performance from Dylan Brooks, who scored 16 points in his return from injury, the Suns maintained control throughout the match.
As the Clippers look to improve their performance, they will need to address their turnover issues and defensive strategies. The team currently sits below .500, and Lue’s call for reflection and improvement will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season. With several games pending, the Clippers face an uphill battle to solidify their standing in the league.
