Suns Fall to Clippers After second-Quarter Collapse, Defensive Lapses Highlight​ Recurring Issue

PHOENIX ‌- The Phoenix Suns suffered a loss to the ​Los​ Angeles Clippers ​on​ Friday, October 25, 2025, after failing to overcome ⁣a meaningful second-quarter deficit. Despite a promising start, ‍the Suns were outscored 38-23 in the second period, ultimately unable to recover from​ the Clippers’ hot shooting and ⁤defensive pressure. ‌The defeat underscores a concerning pattern for Phoenix – a struggle to maintain leads and rally from large ⁤point differences.

Coach Jordan Ott​ acknowledged the team’s difficulties, stating,‍ “Definitely could see it turn⁢ there⁢ towards the end of the frist quarter. Then the second, 38-23, in the second, just couldn’t figure it out.”

The Clippers shot 59.2% from the field, ⁣a performance‍ Suns forward Royce⁢ O’Neale attributed to defensive breakdowns. “Our transition defense has got to be better.we’ve got to make their shots tougher. credit to them. They made a bunch‌ of shots,” O’Neale ⁢said.

The ‌game also featured ⁤notable performances and commentary‌ from key players. Clippers guard ‌James harden revealed that Dillon ‍Brooks’ trash ‌talk actually motivated him,saying,”Probably. That’s ⁣how he gets⁤ himself going. He tries to alter the things you’re ⁢comfortable ⁢wiht, but it actually woke me up‌ a little bit.”

Kawhi Leonard emphasized the importance of defensive aggression following a recent loss‌ to Utah. “Oh, ‍for sure. I mean, for‍ everybody, the whole coaching staff and players. Just got to be more aggressive on our defensive⁣ end and ​try not to‍ be lackadaisical. We want to be into ⁣bodies, and forcing stuff into the paint, so ⁤I think we did that tonight,” Leonard ⁤stated.

Devin Booker’s scoring ability was also a topic of discussion, ⁤with Dillon Brooks urging him to‌ be more assertive. “He needs to shoot‌ them even if it looks like a bad shot. ​I played against devin‍ a long time.He’s a​ natural ⁣scorer. Finds ways to score. He just need to‌ be a little selfish out there,” Brooks commented. Booker also expressed ​excitement about the return⁢ of Jalen Green, calling him “a super threat.”

The Suns’ ​center rotation‍ remains a point of focus, with Drew Eghodaro vying for playing time. While Frank williams is currently on a minute restriction, Coach Ott indicated the⁣ rotations will be “fluid,” and that Williams could emerge as the starting ⁤center once fully ​cleared. “When he comes ⁣off ​it, Williams‍ looks ⁣like the one who should start, but ‍Ott has options. Though, one of them has to emerge⁤ as the guy at that​ spot,” Ott said.