Suns Rally in Second Half to Defeat Clippers Again

Tom Chambers scored 21 of his 29 points in the second half as the Phoenix Suns rallied to beat the Clippers, 105-100, Wednesday night.

It was the Clippers’ ninth consecutive loss here since 1987.

Xavier McDaniel had 21 points and Jeff Hornacek 20 for the Suns, who defeated the Clippers for the 12th time in the past 14 meetings overall.

Danny Manning and Ken Norman scored 20 points apiece for the Clippers, who lost their fourth consecutive game on the road.

The Suns trailed after the first quarter, 28-24, at halftime, 51-50, and 70-62 with 3:26 remaining in the third quarter before Chambers keyed a 10-4 spurt, pulling Phoenix to 76-75.

Hornacek’s layup 44 seconds into the fourth quarter gave Phoenix its first lead since the first quarter, starting a 9-0 run that gave the Suns an 84-76 advantage with 9:16 to play. Kevin Johnson, who sat out the first half with a sore right hamstring, had a three-point play and a dunk to cap the rally.

Ron Harper, who missed 15 consecutive shots and finished four for 21, made a three-point goal with 2:50 to play as the Clippers closed to 96-94.

Johnson, who had 11 of his 14 points in the final 10:59, made four free throws and a tap-in to put Phoenix ahead, 104-98, with 33 seconds remaining.

Chambers had two baskets and seven free throws in the fourth quarter and finished with 11 rebounds.

Charles Smith had 17 points and Olden Polynice 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers.

The Clippers fell to 31-49 with games remaining at home Friday against Golden State and Sunday at Sacramento.