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.