Suns-Clippers updates: Phoenix in huge hole after 1st quarter

On By Littum

The Phoenix Suns (3-1) play on Los Angeles Clippers (2-2) Thursday evening. The game will be broadcast on Arizona’s Family TV (Ch.3) and NBA TV at 19.30

This is the Pacific Division rivals’ second meeting in LA since the Suns beat the Clippers in their season-opening overtime thriller, 116-113.

The Suns enter Thursday’s matchup on a two-game winning streak. The Clippers are playing the second of back-to-back games after a 106-105 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Check azcentral for live updates of scores, highlights and stats during the Suns-Clippers game.

Harden, the Clippers put the Suns in a big 1st quarter hole

James Harden had 12 points and seven assists to power LA to a 37-20 advantage to close the opening quarter.

Kevin Durant leads Phoenix with six points.

The Clippers reached their biggest lead at 19 on a 16-3 run after several players from the Suns’ second unit came in with 4:50 left. The Suns committed four turnovers, which the Clippers converted into eight points.

Dunn replaces the injured Beal in the Suns’ starting lineup

Suns rookie swingman Ryan Dunn will make his second start this season, replacing Bradley Beal (elbow), who has been ruled out. Dunn will open the game with point guard Tyus Jones, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic at center.

The Clippers will start James Harden and Norman Powell in the backcourt, Terance Mann at the three, high-flying Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac at center.

Suns, Clippers injury reports

Phoenix starter Bradley Beal (elbow) was likely a game-time decision for Thursday’s game. Backup forward Josh Okogie (hamstring) will be out again and has yet to make his season debut.

LA star Kawhi Leonard (knee) and center Mo Bamba (knee) remain out. Veteran forward PJ Tucker is no longer with the team moving forward.

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This article originally appeared on the Arizona Republic: Suns-Clippers updates: Phoenix in big gap in 1st quarter