With stars out on both sides, Clippers down Suns

[December 14, 2021] Marcus Morris Sr. scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Reggie Jackson added 19 points as the Los Angeles Clippers handed the visiting Phoenix Suns a rare defeat Monday, winning 111-95 in a battle of short-handed teams.

Terance Mann had 17 points for the Clippers and Luke Kennard added 16 as Los Angeles won without leading scorer Paul George (elbow) as well as Nicolas Batum (ankle). The Clippers have been without Kawhi Leonard (knee surgery) all season.

Cameron Johnson scored 17 points for the Suns and Mikal Bridges added 16 as Phoenix lost for just the second time in their past 22 games. The Suns were without leading scorer Devin Booker (hamstring) and leading rebounder Deandre Ayton (non-COVID illness).
 

The Clippers extended their winning streak to four games in their first meeting with the Suns. Phoenix earned a six-game win over the Clippers in last season's Western Conference final. Los Angeles improved to 3-1 when George has sat out this season.

The Suns opened the game just 1 of 13 from the field and 0 of 7 from 3-point range, and they fell behind 20-10 early and 27-21 at the end of the period.

The Clippers led 56-44 at halftime after shooting 50 percent, and they pushed their advantage to 62-45 with 10:08 remaining in the third quarter. Los Angeles led 79-69 heading into the fourth quarter.

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) is defended by LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Clippers were up 92-73 with 7:53 remaining and moved the lead past 20 points at 100-79 with 4:37 to go on a Morris jumper.

Isaiah Hartenstein had 12 points and Eric Bledsoe contributed 10 for the Clippers, who have won five of their past six.

JaVale McGee registered 13 points and 13 rebounds for Phoenix, which fell to 3-2 since Booker has been sidelined. Ayton missed his second consecutive game.

--Field Level Media

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