Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers Match Player Stats: Epic 21-Point Comeback Analysis | Full Box Score Breakdown
The recent Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers match player stats reveal one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2024-25 NBA season. What began as a potential blowout ended with the Suns securing a nail-biting 119-117 victory that left basketball analysts and fans alike stunned by the sudden shift in momentum.
Game Overview: A Tale of Resilience
The March 4, 2025 showdown at PHX Arena showcased basketball at its most unpredictable. Pre-game analysis indicated the Clippers were slight favorites, making the final result even more surprising.
Breaking down the quarter-by-quarter performance tells the complete story:
| Quarter | Clippers | Suns | Point Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 30 | 24 | Clippers +6 |
| Second | 41 | 19 | Clippers +22 |
| Third | 27 | 30 | Suns +3 |
| Fourth | 22 | 43 | Suns +21 |
| Final | 117 | 119 | Suns +2 |
This 21-point swing in the fourth quarter represents one of the most dramatic final period turnarounds of the season. The box score from FOX Sports reveals how the Suns managed to erase what had ballooned to a substantial lead.
Key Statistical Differences That Decided The Game
Looking at the advanced team metrics shows exactly why the Suns pulled off this improbable comeback:
Three-Point Shooting: The Great Equalizer
The most significant statistical disparity:
- Suns: 41.2% from beyond the arc
- Clippers: 26.7% from three-point range
This 14.5% advantage in three-point efficiency generated crucial momentum shifts, particularly during the fourth quarter surge when the Suns needed points quickly to erase the deficit.
Inside vs Outside Battle
The contrasting team strategies become clear when examining:
- Points in the paint: Clippers dominated 60-44
- Three-point makes: Suns held decisive advantage
This statistical contrast highlights how the Clippers built their lead through interior dominance, while the Suns’ perimeter shooting ultimately proved more valuable in the comeback scenario.
Ball Security vs Shooting Efficiency
Interestingly, the detailed game stats show the Suns won despite:
- Turnovers: Suns 11 vs Clippers 6
- Field Goal %: Nearly identical (Clippers 51.8% vs Suns 51.2%)
The Suns’ ability to overcome their turnover disadvantage demonstrates how three-point shooting efficiency can neutralize other statistical deficiencies.
Star Performer Analysis: Durant vs Zubac
Kevin Durant: Clutch When It Mattered Most
Durant’s advanced metrics showcase his elite efficiency:
- 34 points on 45.5% shooting (10-22 FG)
- True Shooting %: 64.4% (considering 2PT, 3PT, and FT)
- Usage Rate: 32.2% (highest on the Suns)
- +16 plus/minus (2nd highest in the game)
Durant’s perfect 10-10 from the free-throw line proved crucial in a game decided by just two points. His fourth quarter performance in particular demonstrated why he remains one of the league’s premier closers.
Ivica Zubac: Career-Best Performance In Defeat
Zubac posted historically efficient numbers in the loss:
- Career-high 35 points on remarkable 78.9% shooting (15-19 FG)
- True Shooting %: 80.9% (extraordinarily efficient)
- 10 rebounds for the double-double
- +22 plus/minus (highest in the game)
Basketball Reference data shows Zubac’s performance ranks among the most efficient 30+ point games of the season, making the Clippers’ inability to secure the win even more surprising.
Supporting Cast Contributions
Suns’ Backcourt Efficiency
Devin Booker complemented Durant with a well-rounded performance:
- 17 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds
- 54.5% shooting efficiency
- Key facilitator in fourth quarter comeback
His backcourt chemistry with Tyus Jones (6 points, 5 assists, +3) created consistent scoring opportunities during the critical final period.
Clippers’ Playmaking Excellence
James Harden orchestrated the Clippers’ offense masterfully:
- 21 points, 15 assists, 6 rebounds
- Created high-percentage looks for teammates
- 81.8% free throw shooting (9-11)
The full game highlights show Harden’s vision repeatedly setting up Zubac for easy finishes, establishing the Clippers’ paint dominance.
The Bench Factor: Unsung Heroes
The Suns’ reserves played a pivotal role in the comeback, highlighting the importance of depth in close contests.
Gillespie: The Momentum Changer
Collin Gillespie provided the spark in just 12:57 of playing time:
- 8 points on perfect 3-3 shooting (100%)
- +21 plus/minus (tied for team best)
- Key defensive stops during comeback
The Reddit game thread commentary specifically highlighted Gillespie’s energy as a catalyst for the Suns’ momentum shift.
Plumlee’s Complete Contribution
Mason Plumlee delivered across all statistical categories:
- 14 points on 57.1% shooting
- 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
- +19 plus/minus in 24:32 minutes
His versatility provided crucial frontcourt support that helped neutralize Zubac’s dominance in the latter stages of the game.
The Norman Powell Factor
The Clippers played without key rotation player Norman Powell, whose absence proved particularly costly during the fourth quarter collapse when scoring options became limited. Game analysis suggests his scoring punch off the bench might have helped stabilize the Clippers during the Suns’ run.
Advanced Statistical Insights
A deeper dive into the advanced metrics reveals fascinating patterns about this matchup:
Usage Rate Distribution
The usage rate distribution shows how offensive responsibilities were allocated:
| Player | Usage Rate (%) | True Shooting % |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | 32.2 | 64.4 |
| Kawhi Leonard | 29.4 | 50.3 |
| Ivica Zubac | 27.8 | 80.9 |
| James Harden | 24.9 | 55.7 |
| Devin Booker | 22.2 | 58.5 |
This distribution highlights how the Suns relied heavily on Durant’s efficiency, while the Clippers had a more balanced offensive approach.
Fourth Quarter Statistical Reversal
The fourth quarter saw dramatic statistical reversals across key metrics:
- Shooting efficiency favored the Suns significantly
- Defensive rating improved drastically for Phoenix
- Pace increased, benefiting the Suns’ perimeter-oriented attack
Historical Context: Suns-Clippers Rivalry
This comeback adds another chapter to the evolving Suns-Clippers rivalry. The head-to-head statistics show these teams have developed a pattern of competitive, high-scoring contests in recent seasons.
Key Tactical Adjustments
The comeback wasn’t just about statistics – tactical adjustments played a crucial role:
- The Suns increased their defensive pressure on Clipper ball handlers
- Phoenix utilized more high pick-and-roll actions to create mismatches
- The Suns’ spacing improved dramatically in the fourth quarter
- Phoenix coach’s rotations maximized their most effective lineup combinations
Lessons From The Box Score
This game provides valuable insights for basketball analysts:
- Three-point efficiency can rapidly erase large deficits
- Plus/minus often tells a more complete story than raw scoring
- Bench contributions frequently decide close games
- Player efficiency matters more than volume statistics
- Missing rotation players can have cascading effects in close games
FAQs About Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers Match Player Stats
Who led all scorers in the Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers match?
Ivica Zubac of the Clippers led all scorers with a career-high 35 points on incredibly efficient 78.9% shooting (15-19 FG), though his team ultimately lost the game by two points.
How did the Phoenix Suns overcome their deficit against the Clippers?
The Suns mounted their comeback with a dominant 43-22 fourth quarter, fueled by superior three-point shooting (41.2% vs the Clippers’ 26.7%), key bench contributions from Gillespie and Plumlee, and Kevin Durant’s 34-point performance.
What was the final score in the Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers game?
The final score was Phoenix Suns 119, LA Clippers 117, with the Suns overcoming a significant deficit to win by just two points at PHX Arena on March 4, 2025.
Which players recorded double-doubles in this matchup?
Ivica Zubac recorded a dominant double-double with 35 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers, while James Harden nearly achieved a triple-double with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 15 assists.
What was the biggest statistical difference between the teams?
The most significant statistical difference was three-point shooting percentage, where the Suns shot 41.2% compared to the Clippers’ 26.7%, a 14.5% advantage that proved decisive in their comeback victory.
How did Kevin Durant perform in this game?
Kevin Durant scored 34 points on 45.5% shooting (10-22 FG), including 4-11 from three-point range, with 7 rebounds and 4 assists. He was perfect from the free-throw line (10-10) and posted a +16 plus/minus rating.
What impact did bench players have on the outcome?
The Suns’ bench was crucial to the comeback, particularly Collin Gillespie (+21 in just 13 minutes) and Mason Plumlee (14 points, +19), whose combined efficiency and energy helped change the momentum of the game during the decisive fourth quarter.
A comprehensive analysis of the Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers match player stats demonstrates how basketball games can transform dramatically in a single quarter, with three-point shooting efficiency, bench contributions, and star performances often determining the outcome in closely contested NBA games.
