Phoenix — The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 105-92 on Tuesday night after Russell Westbrook recorded his first triple-double of the season and 199th of his career with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. They opened a 31-point lead in the first quarter and held on late.
The Suns' early performance was awful as they try to avoid the Western Conference play-ins. Bradley Beal's free throw helped them cut the lead to 91-84 with 6:45 left, but they couldn't go closer.
The Clippers, without All-Stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, have won four consecutive and seven of eight. They play the Suns at home on Wednesday in the second game of the series. Our will to win was great,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “We came out defensively, were physical, and offensively clicked. This triumph against a great team is amazing.”
Paul George had 23 points and Ivica Zubac 17 and 13 rebounds for Los Angeles. The five starters scored double figures. Westbrook shined in his first start since November. I'm not surprised because I prepare well, Westbrook remarked. “Regardless of playing time, I prepare for games thoroughly. Thanks to my teammates for believing in me.”
As home crowd booing increased, Phoenix shot 2 of 19 from the field in the first quarter. Phoenix went nearly six minutes without scoring, and Los Angeles led 35-4 in less than 10 minutes. Devin Booker's two free throws ended the streak, prompting sarcastic cheers. Kevin Durant lead the Suns with 21 points and Beal 19. Booker shot 1 of 11 from the field for 12.
The Clippers extended their lead in the second. Los Angeles led 66-33 at halftime after Bones Hyland sank a 3-pointer to make it 51-14, its highest lead of the game. Before halftime, Booker, Durant, and Beal shot 4/25. The Suns have lost two consecutive.
We got some good looks early, we missed them,” Booker said. “They were hot and that hurt us.” Phoenix showed life in the third quarter, trimming the lead to 84-68 entering the fourth. To help the Suns score again, Frank Vogel used a five-guard lineup for most of the second half.
The strategy worked for a while, but they shot 8-of-35 (23%) from 3-point range. The Clippers were weaker, although both were short-handed. Los Angeles lacked Harden (foot) and Leonard (knee). Phoenix played without starter center Jusuf Nurkic, who hurt his right ankle.
The Suns played their penultimate home game before three travel games against the Clippers, Kings, and Timberwolves.
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