Devin Booker scored 37 points, Bradley Beal added 26, and the Phoenix Suns came back in the fourth quarter to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 124-108 on Wednesday night.
The Suns wanted revenge after a tough start in the previous game in Phoenix. The Clippers led by a massive 35-4 in the first quarter and extended it to 37 points in the second quarter before the Suns made a comeback but eventually lost 105-92.
“At this time of the year, winning games is the main goal, no matter what,” said Kevin Durant, who added 24 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix.
The win secured the Suns’ spot in the play-in tournament. They’re seventh in the West, just behind New Orleans for the last guaranteed playoff spot.
“We’ve been emphasizing that every game is like a playoff game in the play-in. It’s intense, and losing feels terrible while winning feels great,” said Booker.
The Suns scored 13 straight points to lead 114-106, ending with a 23-2 run. The Clippers struggled to score, missing shots left and right. “I liked our organization in the fourth quarter and our commitment to defense,” said Suns coach Frank Vogel. “We knew if we stuck together, we’d win.”
Bones Hyland had a career-high 37 points, including six 3-pointers, and nine assists for the Clippers. Brandon Boston Jr. added 23 points off the bench. The game had 22 lead changes and 10 ties.
“I like how we handled Hyland in the fourth quarter by limiting his touches,” Durant said. “He’s quick, and he played well. I hope he gets more chances to show his skills in the league.”
The Clippers rested several key players, including Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. Leonard has missed six games in a row.
The Suns and the Clippers each scored 37 points in the third quarter, with the Clippers leading 93-92 going into the fourth. Hyland’s consecutive 3-pointers helped the Clippers take the lead.
Hyland had 24 points in the first half, shooting 10 of 12 from the field and making all four of his 3-pointers.
Jusuf Nurkic returned for the Suns after missing Tuesday’s game due to an ankle sprain. He contributed three points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, helping the Suns win against the Clippers for the first time in four games this season.
