National Basketball Association
L.A. Clippers 113, Phoenix 109
When: 10:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
Officials: #21 Dedric Taylor, #7 Lauren Holtkamp, #5 Kane Fitzgerald
Attendance: 19068

Norman Powell scored 24 points in his return and Paul George had 19 as the Los Angeles Clippers earned a 113-109 victory Wednesday over the visiting Phoenix Suns, who sat four starters.

Powell, who missed 22 games for the Clippers (40-40) with a broken foot, came back to open 6 of 6 from the field. He wound up 6 of 10 while playing 23 minutes. Powell had played just three games with the Clippers after a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers when his injury occurred.

Ish Wainright scored 20 points and Aaron Holiday added 16 for the Suns (63-17), who played without Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder. The absences were characterized as a maintenance day after the Suns wrapped up a franchise-record 63rd victory Tuesday.

The game was of little consequence in the playoff chase. The Suns had already clinched the top spot in the Western Conference and the Clippers are locked in as the eighth-place team entering the play-in tournament next week.

George's production came in just his fourth game back from a tear in his right elbow that forced him to miss 48 of 50 contests. Star Kawhi Leonard (knee) has not played this season, but he has ramped up activity at the team's practice facility. George and Powell were playing together for the first time in a Clippers uniform.

The Clippers led by as many as seven points in the first quarter and were up 60-31 at halftime. It was the Suns' lowest scoring first half this season.

George passed the 15,000-point mark for his career in the second quarter.

Ivica Zubac had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers and Robert Covington had 11 points. Bismack Biyombo had 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Suns, while Cameron Payne had 13 points.

Phoenix rebounded to score 48 points in the fourth quarter after scoring just nine in the second. After trailing by as many as 39, the Suns cut the deficit to single digits in the final minute.

Clippers sharpshooter Luke Kennard was not available because of a hamstring injury.

--Field Level Media

Top Game Performances
 
Phoenix   L.A. Clippers
Ish Wainright 20 Scoring Norman Powell 24
Aaron Holiday 7 Assists Isaiah Hartenstein 5
Bismack Biyombo 12 Rebounds Ivica Zubac 11
Aaron Holiday 6 Free Throws Made Paul George 9
Ish Wainright 3 Steals Paul George 3
Bismack Biyombo 1 Blocks Paul George 2
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Points FG% 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA Assists Rebounds Blocks Steals Turnovers
Phoenix 109 38.9 17-48 8-12 29 54 2 11 12
L.A. Clippers 113 44.0 12-34 35-44 20 55 9 7 17
Upcoming Games
  • L.A. Clippers will play their next game at home against Sacramento. The Clippers have a W/L % of .462 after a win and .537 after a loss.
  • Phoenix will play their next game on the road against Utah. The Suns have a W/L % of .797 after a win and .750 after a loss.