Devin Booker put up 26 points and the host Phoenix Suns held off a late charge by the Los Angeles Clippers for a 111-109 win on Monday night.
Booker did a good portion of his damage from 3-point range, going 5-for-10 from beyond the arc while also collecting eight assists and seven rebounds. Kevin Durant made four threes and finished with 24 points and Tyus Jones knocked down five en route to 17 points for Phoenix, which made 22 of 47 shots from distance as a team (46.8 percent).
Down 11 with 2:43 left in the game, the Clippers went on a 10-0 run sparked by a 3 from Norman Powell and three free throws from James Harden to pull within 107-106 with 40.4 seconds remaining.
Bradley Beal drove baseline on the Suns’ next possession and was fouled by Harden. The Clippers challenged the call, but officials ruled that Harden had hit Beal with his legs. Beal then made two free throws to make it 109-106 Phoenix.
Phoenix fouled Powell before he could hoist up a 3-point attempt with 19.7 seconds left, and the guard made 1 of 2 shots at the free-throw line. Grayson Allen made two foul shots for Phoenix to boost the lead to 111-107 with 10 seconds left, and the Suns hung on.
Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 25 points on 12-of-17 shooting to go along with 16 boards. Harden had 24 points, Powell went for 23 and Kawhi Leonard played a season-high 28 minutes for Los Angeles and had 17 points.
The Suns went 14-for-25 from 3-point range in the first half to build a 60-47 edge at the break.
However, it was the Clippers who had the early advantage, going ahead 21-15 after a drive and basket by Powell with 5:10 to go in the opening quarter. Phoenix was up 34-30 at the end of the frame, though.
A pair of triples from Allen had the Suns’ lead up to 42-32 with 8:52 remaining in the first half. Phoenix proceeded to lead comfortably until intermission.
The Suns took an 83-78 advantage into the fourth quarter.
–Field Level Media
