Suns Defeat Clippers 115-102 in Jalen Green’s Debut

PHOENIX — Jalen Green scored 29 points in his debut with the Phoenix Suns, leading the team to a 115-102 victory over the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

Green, who missed the first eight games of the season due to a right hamstring strain, played 23 minutes and shot 10 of 20 from the field, including six for 13 from beyond the arc. He was acquired from the Houston Rockets in a trade that included Kevin Durant.

Devin Booker added 24 points while Grayson Allen, despite playing with an illness, contributed 18 points. Mark Williams scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Royce O’Neale had 17 points, including 11 during a third quarter that saw Phoenix outscore Los Angeles 40-23.

The Clippers played without star players James Harden, who missed the game for personal reasons, and Kawhi Leonard, who was sidelined with an ankle sprain. Ivica Zubac led Los Angeles with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

Bradley Beal faced a rough night in his return to Phoenix, scoring just five points on two for 14 shooting. Booed during introductions and every time he touched the ball, Beal spent two seasons with the Suns but struggled with injuries.

The game was tightly contested at halftime, with the Suns trailing 51-48. However, fueled by Green’s performance and defensive pressure, they regained control in the second half. The Suns established their largest lead at 104-79 following Allen’s three-pointer with 7:53 remaining.

With the win, the Suns improved their season record to 4-5, while the Clippers faced their third consecutive defeat. The two teams will meet again on Saturday night in Inglewood, California.