Kevin Durant scored 25 points, Bradley Beal added 24, and the Phoenix Suns edged the Los Angeles Clippers 116-113 in overtime, spoiling the Clippers’ Intuit Dome debut. Durant’s late-game heroics and key free throws from Jusuf Nurkic sealed the victory for Phoenix in the season opener for both teams. The Clippers, led by James Harden’s 29 points and 12 rebounds, had a chance to force double overtime, but Harden missed a crucial free throw with 4.8 seconds left.
The Suns capitalized on the Clippers’ mistakes in overtime, including a key turnover forced by Grayson Allen near midcourt that ended the game. Ivica Zubac, who had 21 points, fouled out with just over two minutes left in overtime, leaving the Clippers vulnerable. Despite leading 99-90 late in the fourth quarter, the Clippers couldn’t hold off a Suns rally, as Durant tied the game with a clutch 15-footer in the final seconds of regulation.
Notable Stats and Takeaways
- The Suns went 1 of 4 from the field in overtime but secured victory by sinking all 10 of their free throws.
- Nurkic and Beal were perfect from the line in the extra session, each going 4 of 4.
- The Clippers dominated in the paint, outscoring Phoenix 62-42 and outrebounding them 51-42, but Zubac’s foul trouble proved costly.
- Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer picked up his first win with the team, improving his career record against the Clippers to 12-9.
Up Next
The Suns face the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday, while the Clippers travel to Denver for a matchup on Saturday.
