Norman Powell returns, Clippers beat Suns for 3rd straight win

The Los Angeles Clippers obtained manner too snug in opposition to the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns and it almost price them.

Main by 39 factors within the third quarter, the Clippers survived an offensive onslaught by Phoenix’s bench within the fourth and held on for a 113-109 victory on Wednesday night time.

Norman Powell scored 24 factors after being out two months and Paul George added 19 factors in three quarters to go over 15,000 in his profession for the Clippers.

“You’ll be able to by no means calm down within the NBA,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue mentioned. “The gamers are too good, the coaches are too good, and as quickly as you let your guard down issues like this will occur.”

With nothing at stake, Phoenix rested All-Star guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul and fellow starters Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder on the second night time of a back-to-back. The Suns had already set a franchise report for wins in a season with 63 by eliminating the Lakers from playoff rivalry Tuesday.

The Clippers beat up the Suns for 3 quarters. However Phoenix’s reserves put collectively a 48-point fourth quarter after which ran out of time.

“It’s an ideal lesson for our staff and any child watching, you simply play it out,” Suns coach Monty Williams mentioned. “We simply stayed with it and had that Suns grit.”

Cameron Payne got here again in and hit a 3-pointer that drew the Suns inside 4 with 10 seconds left. Amir Coffey obtained fouled and made each free throws to protect the win.

Ish Wainwright scored a career-high 20 factors to steer Phoenix. Aaron Vacation added 16 factors and Bismack Biyombo had 14 factors and 12 rebounds. The one starter in double figures was Payne with 13 factors. The Suns’ bench outscored the Clippers’ reserves 66-58.

“When you’ve video games like this, you discover out who that man is that you simply might be able to throw into a giant recreation,” Williams mentioned. “You construct that confidence in video games like this.”

George and Powell have been enjoying collectively for the primary time this season, however they rapidly obtained in sync to assist the Clippers win their third in a row. They’re locked into the eighth spot for the Western Convention play-in match subsequent week.

George has performed in 5 of six video games since getting back from a torn UCL. Powell is again after lacking 21 video games with a damaged foot. He performed in simply three video games with the staff earlier than getting harm shortly after he was acquired in a commerce from Portland.

“Enjoying with PG nonetheless didn’t appear actual to me,” Powell mentioned. “I appeared as much as him rising up. Early on in my profession he gave me some phrases of encouragement that caught with me.”

George scored 10 of his staff’s first 14 factors to begin the sport. Powell got here in for the primary time late within the first quarter and hit a jumper.

They began the second quarter collectively. Powell hit a 3-pointer and a jumper back-to-back, then George discovered him for an additional 3-pointer as a part of a 22-0 run.

“We simply tried to play off each other,” George mentioned. “The largest factor for me was enjoying off the ball and letting Norm get snug. He’s a big-time playmaker and scorer off the ball.”

The Suns’ first factors didn’t come till 6:49, when former Clipper Landry Shamet hit a 3-pointer.

The Clippers outscored the Suns 34-9 within the second to steer 60-31 going into halftime.

Ivica Zubac had 13 factors and 11 rebounds for the Clippers.

TIP-INS

Suns: Their 31 factors within the first half have been the fewest allowed by the Clippers in a half this season. … JaVale McGee led a rollicking, expletive-filled huddle within the tunnel earlier than the Suns took the court docket to heat up. … The Jenner sisters, Kylie and Kendall, who dates Booker, sat reverse the staff bench.

Clippers: Cut up the season sequence, 2-2. … A second of silence was held for Gene Shue, a two-time NBA coach of the yr who had two separate stints guiding the Clippers. He died earlier this week at age 90. … Corridor of Famer and Clippers government Jerry West posed for a photograph at halftime with Grammy nominee Saweetie, who sported vivid pink hair. … Corridor of Famer Scottie Pippen sat courtside.

15K for PG

George mirrored on changing into the sixteenth lively participant with at the least 15,000 profession factors.

“I am only a child who got here actually from the desert,” he mentioned, referring to his excessive desert hometown of Palmdale north of Los Angeles. “Each time I contact the ground, particularly due to the accidents, I’m all the time grateful for the chance.”

He added, “Hopefully, I crack the 20,000 milestone and the 30,000 milestone.”

UP NEXT

Suns: Go to Utah on Friday.

Clippers: Host Sacramento on Saturday within the first recreation of a back-to-back.