Phoenix Suns outlast Los Angeles Clippers in overtime comeback

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in an overtime thriller to start the season 1-0.

Playing in the brand new multi-billion dollar Intuit Dome, the Suns endured a rollercoaster ride to start the Mike Budenholzer era on the right foot.

The Suns had a narrow lead of 23-22 after the first quarter, with everyone except Bol Bol and Damion Lee touching the field for Budenholzer in the first 12 minutes of play. Los Angeles shot just 1-for-9 from downtown to start the festivities, while Norman Powell (7) led all players in scoring in the first frame.

Midway through the second quarter (after the Suns began scoring with their three-pointers), Phoenix jumped to a 13-point lead before eventually giving the Clippers a 47-39 halftime lead.

Phoenix held Los Angeles to just 34.9% shooting from distance in the first half, while the Suns converted 10 of 23 shots from long range. Grayson Allen tied Kevin Durant for an eight-point lead, while no Clippers player other than Powell scored more than six points in the first two quarters.

Los Angeles wasted no time at the break, eventually tying the game at 51-51 thanks to a 10-2 run midway through the third period before Budenholzer was forced to call a timeout to calm the troops down. Five minutes before the end of the third period, Phoenix had almost as many points (8) as turnovers (7).

Thanks to a James Harden stepback with ten seconds left in the third frame, Los Angeles had a 74-72 lead heading into the final frame. Harden scored 16 points in the third quarter, while Bradley Beal led the Suns scorers with 17 (total) points.

Due to poor shooting and turnovers, the Clippers jumped out to a nine-point lead after a 14-5 run to start the fourth period.

Phoenix finally managed to get out of the crisis before fighting back to within striking distance at 99-95 with more than three minutes left.

A Durant-and-one with 1:39 remaining put the Suns back in the lead at 101-99. Seconds later, Booker was fouled out of the game. He finished the game with 15 points, four rebounds and six assists.

After Harden missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer, the game went into overtime at 103 apiece.

A few minutes later, Ivica Zubac fouled out, forcing the Clippers to field a small-ball lineup the rest of the way.

After trading balls back and forth, Harden hit the free throw line, tying the score at 114-114 with just seconds left in overtime. He made the first but missed the second, allowing Jusuf Nurkic to hit the ball back.

Nurkic hit both free throw attempts, putting Phoenix up 116-113 and giving the Clippers another opportunity to tie the game.

Harden fumbled the inbounds pass and the buzzer sounded, sending Phoenix home with a win.

The Suns remain in Los Angeles to take on the Lakers on Friday night.

Bold Suns Season Predictions | Former Suns player enters free agency | NBA Award Winners Prediction | Former Suns coach takes new job |