Clippers Rout Suns 129-102; Harden Scores 30

The Los Angeles Clippers routed the Phoenix Suns 129-102 in their home opener at the Intuit Dome, with James Harden scoring 30 points (26 in the first half) and Kawhi Leonard adding 27. Derrick Jones Jr. was a perfect 6-for-6, including five 3-pointers, as the Clippers shot 55% from three (16-of-29) and overwhelmed Phoenix with a 38-23 second quarter, opening a lead as large as 32. Kris Dunn and John Collins provided useful bench minutes for Los Angeles. Phoenix got 21 points from Dillon Brooks and 18 from Devin Booker but could not close the gap. The win came after Los Angeles lost its season opener at Utah 129-108, a defeat coach Tyronn Lue publicly took responsibility for. The Clippers will look to build on the victory as they host Portland next.