Chris Paul posted a triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 106-89 by the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
The Suns are the first NBA team to rack up 30 wins this season, and they beat the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the league. Phoenix won three straight games and four of its last five games.
Cam Johnson had 24 points, his best as a professional, and Jalen Smith – a second-year player who recently increased his time on the floor dramatically due to the Suns’ COVID-19 woes – posted another strong showing with 19. units and 14 boards.
This was the 17th triple-double of the 36-year-old Paul’s career. The 13 rebounds were his personal best in his 1,128th game of the NBA regular season.
Suns coach Monty Williams said Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and JaVale McGee had been discharged from the league’s COVID-19 protocol and began working to regain shape. Landry Shamet is still out for the same reason.
The loss left the Clippers 19-20 despite 26 goals from former Phoenix player Marcus Morris Sr, his record for the year. Reggie Jackson had 16 points. Los Angeles mightn’t count on Luke Kennard, Xavier Moon and Ivica Zubac because of the anticovid protocol.
