Game Recap: Phoenix Suns pull off stunning comeback to complete season sweep of Clippers

Kevin Durant and Collin Gillespie lead Suns to improbable 119-117 victory over Clippers.

The Phoenix Suns, left for dead after trailing the Los Angeles Clippers by 23 points on Tuesday night, came roaring back in the fourth quarter to steal a 119–117 victory. It was more than just a comeback. It was one of the most electrifying fourth quarters in franchise history. Kevin Durant poured in 19 of his 34 points in the final frame, while Collin Gillespie, thrust into a larger role after Bradley Beal exited with an injury, provided the energy and effort that ignited the rally.

For much of the night, the Suns looked lifeless. The second and third quarters were a disaster, as they were outscored 71-46, buried beneath a wave of Clippers momentum. But then, something clicked. In the fourth quarter, Phoenix outscored Los Angeles 43-22, flipping the script and securing their fourth win over the Clippers this season, their first season sweep of the team since 2009-10.

Durant led the way with 34 points and 7 rebounds, Devin Booker added 17, Nick Richards contributed 16, and Gillespie’s 10 points — all in the fourth — helped push the Suns over the top.

The victory moves Phoenix to 29-33 on the season, a reminder that, despite their struggles, they still have some fight left in them.

Game Flow

First Half

The Phoenix Suns carried their sloppy play from the last matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves right into this one. Turnovers piled up as quickly as points, and a 9-0 run had them playing from behind early, once again battling to climb back.

Phoenix answered with a 17–9 run to seize the lead late in the quarter, fueled by a newfound focus on ball security. After a sloppy start, they tightened up, committing zero turnovers during the stretch.

Kevin Durant set the tone on both ends, dropping five points and swatting a shot to keep the momentum rolling.

The Suns caught fire to close the quarter, hitting seven straight shots and capping off a dominant 15–4 run. Royce O’Neale punctuated the surge with a last-second three, highlighting a strong bench effort that contributed 15 points—six each from O’Neale and former Clipper Mason Plumlee.

After one, the Suns led 30–24.

Of course, Los Angeles opened on a 6–0 run to tie the game once again.

The Clippers’ three-point barrage was relentless, and the Suns had no answer. What was once a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter quickly evaporated, turning into a 15-point deficit. Their defensive lapses were glaring, and TNT’s Stan Van Gundy didn’t hold back, calling out their lackluster effort.

It’s a familiar script this season. Stretches of complacency leading to an avalanche of opposing points. And in the second quarter, it happened again.

The Clippers torched the Suns in the second quarter, shooting a blistering 17-of-22 from the field and knocking down 4-of-7 from deep. Phoenix didn’t help its cause, coughing up three more turnovers, each one turning into points for L.A.

The result? A complete dismantling. The Clippers outscored the Suns 41-19 in the quarter, flipping the game on its head and taking a commanding 65-49 lead into halftime.

Second Half

Bradley Beal, who entered the game questionable with a calf strain, did not return for the second half.

The second half opened just like the first. Disjointed, uninspired, and full of defensive breakdowns. The Suns looked completely out of sync, showing little effort or urgency on either end. Meanwhile, the Clippers waltzed to the rim with ease, turning the game into a layup drill.

The Suns managed 27 points in the third quarter, but that hardly mattered when the Clippers bullied them inside, scoring 22 points in the paint alone. If you had money on Ivica Zubac topping 20 points, your bet had already hit by the 10-minute mark.

It could’ve been even uglier if not for the Clippers going ice cold from three, hitting just 1-of-8 attempts. Still, they cruised to 30 points in the quarter and stretched their lead to 95-76 heading into the fourth.

A spark ignited to start the fourth, courtesy of Kevin Durant. He opened with a three, then swiped a steal and threw down a slam. Another three followed, and just like that, Durant had single-handedly cut the Suns’ deficit to 11.

Amazing what happens when a little bit of defensive pressure is applied.

Phoenix opened the fourth with a 17-5 run, fueled by a spark from Collin Gillespie. He provided much-needed stability as a playmaker and turned into a defensive pest, helping to fuel the resurgence.

Miraculously, the Suns pulled within 102-100 with six minutes remaining, thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Kevin Durant in the corner, capping a 24-7 run. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective—defense and ball security. Sometimes, for the Suns, it can be that simple.

With 4:17 remaining, Durant hit a smooth 15-footer, completing a remarkable comeback from a 23-point deficit. Then, just under a minute later, Devin Booker drove for a layup, giving the Suns their first lead since the second quarter.

The Suns held a four-point lead with under a minute remaining when Kevin Durant fouled James Harden on a three-point attempt, sending him to the line for three free throws after an unsuccessful challenge. Harden knocked down 2 of 3, tightening the score.

On the ensuing possession, Durant found a wide-open Collin Gillespie on the right side behind the three-point line. Gillespie didn’t hesitate, draining the three to push the Suns’ lead to five with just seconds left.

A key offensive rebound by Mason Plumlee with a three point lead and 9.5 seconds left turned the game into a free-throw shooting contest. Bueker missed the next two free throws, and then fouled James Harden immediately.

Up Next

The road before the Suns gets rockier and rockier by the game. The team has a couple of days off prior to their next road trip, with the first stop coming on Friday night in the MIle High City against the Denver Nuggets. We’ll see you then, Bright Side.

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