PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Clippers couldn’t overcome a shorthanded roster or a disastrous third quarter, falling to the Phoenix Suns 115-102 on Thursday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The loss extended the Clippers’ losing streak to three games and dropped their record to a concerning 3-5 on the season.

Missing Stars Compound Clippers’ Struggles

Playing without both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the Clippers found themselves outmatched after halftime. Leonard remained sidelined with a right ankle sprain while Harden missed the game for personal reasons, forcing head coach Tyronn Lue to lean heavily on his depleted roster.

Asked Ivica Zubac about Bradley Beal’s tough night in Phoenix

Zubac didn’t agree about Beal not getting himself going. Felt that Beal got good looks that simply didn’t fall. Zu expressed that Beal is still trying to find his rhythm through the injury management situation pic.twitter.com/qvHGEp5EVZ

— Law Murray ⛲️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) November 7, 2025

Ivica Zubac led the way with 23 points and 11 rebounds, doing most of his damage in the first half before Phoenix made adjustments. John Collins added 13 points, Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 12, but it wasn’t nearly enough against a Suns team welcoming back a key addition.

Christie Provides Spark Off the Bench

One bright spot came from rookie Cam Christie, who provided valuable minutes off the bench. Christie finished with 17 points on efficient shooting, going 5-for-7 from the field including 2-for-3 from three-point range. His energy and shot-making gave the Clippers a brief lift, though some of his production came in garbage time after the game was already decided.

The Clippers held a 51-48 halftime advantage, showing resilience despite their depleted lineup but everything fell apart in the third quarter. 

Phoenix outscored Los Angeles 40-23 in the period to seize a commanding 91-74 lead heading into the fourth.

After tonight’s games, the Clippers are one of six teams allowing at least 40 3-point attempts per game

Of those six teams, the Clippers are allowing the highest percentage of made 3s (39.3%)

That’s NOT good, so asked Tyronn Lue what is going on with the defense allowing 3s pic.twitter.com/ERn4Nl1i3T

— Law Murray ⛲️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) November 7, 2025

Jalen Green, making his Suns debut after missing eight games with a hamstring strain, torched the Clippers for 29 points in just 23 minutes. The guard’s impact was immediate and devastating, knocking down 6-of-13 from three-point range and attacking any Clippers defender relentlessly.

Phoenix’s balanced attack was just too much. 

Devin Booker added 24 points, Grayson Allen scored 18 despite battling illness, and Royce O’Neale contributed 17 points, including 11 in that pivotal third quarter, while Mark Williams controlled the paint with 13 points and nine rebounds as well.

The Suns’ depth and energy overwhelmed a Clippers team desperately trying to stay afloat without their stars, and it was another disastrous game on the road for Los Angeles.

Bradley Beal endured a ton of negativity in his return to Phoenix, and his play on the court couldn’t escape it. The veteran guard managed just five points on 2-for-14 shooting in 20 minutes. 

Beal, who was waived by Phoenix last season after an injury-plagued tenure, was booed during introductions and every time he touched the ball.

Same Problems, Worsening Record

The loss highlighted the Clippers’ ongoing issues with consistency, depth, defense, and turnovers. 

Without their two stars, the team lacked the firepower to compete for 48 minutes against a motivated Phoenix squad and the third-quarter collapse has become a troubling pattern, and the absences continue piling up at the worst possible time.

Clippers, last five seasons.

2021-22: start 3-4, trail by 20, win (4-4)
2022-23: start 3-4, trail by 2, win (4-4)
2023-24: start 3-4, trail by 31, lose (3-5)
2024-25: start 3-4, trail by 26, win (4-4)
2025-26: start 3-4, trail by 25, lose (3-5)

— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) November 7, 2025

At 3-5, the Clippers find themselves in dangerous territory early in the season. Chemistry remains elusive with key players constantly missing games, and the losses are mounting faster than anyone anticipated. The two teams will meet again Saturday night at the Intuit Dome, giving Los Angeles an immediate chance at revenge.