O’Neale Shines in Suns’ Narrow Victory Over Clippers

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Royce O'Neale delivered a standout performance in the Phoenix Suns‘ 111-109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, stepping into the starting lineup in place of injured rookie Ryan Dunn. O’Neale scored 11 points, hit 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, and matched his season-high with four steals, helping the Suns secure their eighth win in their last 10 games.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer opted to start O’Neale over Bradley Beal, who had been a starter until recently. “He could’ve went with anybody and he chose me,” O’Neale told The Arizona Republic after the game. “Don’t change my mindset. Just play as hard as I can, come in and impact the game and just be me.”

O’Neale’s defensive efforts were crucial in containing Clippers stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Alongside Beal, O’Neale helped limit Harden and Leonard to just eight and four points, respectively, in the first half. Harden finished with 24 points and 10 assists, but also committed six turnovers, two of which were forced by O’Neale.

“He gave us a presence on Harden,” Budenholzer said. “We had a lot of different people we were gonna throw at Harden, but I think starting with Royce and then coming with Brad. I thought Brad did a great job on Harden, did a great job on Kawhi.”

O’Neale also contributed on the offensive end, knocking down three 3-pointers, including one that extended the Suns’ lead to 13 points late in the first half. Phoenix matched a season-high with 22 made 3-pointers in the game.

Kevin Durant praised O’Neale’s all-around effort, saying, “He’s physical and just plays hard. Sometimes you might be out of position, but if you play hard you get steals, you get blocks, so Royce was great tonight.”

The Suns’ strong January performance has them in a solid position as the season progresses. O’Neale emphasized the team’s focus amid external distractions, including trade rumors. “Never too high, never too low, keep playing and being us,” he said. “Outside noise is always gonna be outside. I think we just focused on each other, try to win as many games as we can. That’s what it’s about.”

O’Neale will return to a bench role in Friday’s game against the Golden State Warriors, as Dunn is set to reclaim his starting spot. The veteran swingman has averaged 7.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 23.7 minutes per game off the bench this season.