Jalen Green Shines in Phoenix Suns Debut, Leading Team to Victory Over Clippers

Jalen Green made an impressive return to the court in his first game for the Phoenix Suns, tallying 29 points to spearhead a 115-102 triumph over a short-handed Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old guard, acquired in the high-profile trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston, had missed the first eight games of the season due to a hamstring injury. Green came off the bench firing, converting 10 of 20 shots, including six three-pointers — setting a new franchise debut record for the Suns.

"It felt great to be back out there," Green expressed. "I was so eager to play that I couldn’t even fully relax before the game. It’s been a lot of hard work, and I’m grateful to the training staff and everyone who helped me along the way."

He also noted that he is still regaining full fitness. "We’re working towards getting me into peak shape. Today was a solid step. Phoenix is an amazing city with a fantastic team, and I look forward to many more wins and record-breaking moments."

Devin Booker contributed 24 points as the Suns overturned a three-point halftime deficit with a dominant third-quarter run, outscoring the Clippers by 40 points in the period and stretching their lead up to 25 before cruising to victory.

Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, but the team struggled without key players Kawhi Leonard, sidelined by a sprained right ankle, and James Harden, absent due to personal reasons.

Adding to the Suns' night, former Phoenix guard Bradley Beal received a frosty reception in his first game back at the arena, scoring only five points on two-of-14 shooting across 19 minutes.

With this win, the Suns improved their home record to 4-1 and will face the Clippers again in Los Angeles on Saturday.