Balanced Clippers Fall to the Suns

The fastbreak-minded Clippers knew they were going to be tested Tuesday night against Phoenix and the Suns showed them they’re still a few steps away from being a running team.

Point guard Jason Kidd had 21 points and seven assists and rookie forward Shawn Marion added 19, including 17 in the first half, to lead the Suns to their first exhibition victory with a 103-96 victory over the Clippers at America West Arena.

Tyrone Nesby had 18 points and Derek Anderson, who left the game in the third quarter because of leg cramps, had 16 points for the Clippers. Lamar Odom had 14 points and eight rebounds as the Clippers had six double-figure scorers.

The Clippers, who had won two in a row, were the more aggressive team in getting to the free-throw line 31 times compared to the Suns’ 14. The Clippers, shooting 48% from the field, hurt themselves by making only 19 free throws to Phoenix’s nine.

“You always want your team to get into that mode to run offensively but they are going to have to get back just as fast defensively,” Clipper Coach Chris Ford said before the game.

Phoenix took advantage of the Clippers’ defensive lapses by shooting 51% from the floor. Former Clipper Rodney Rogers, trimmed down after signing with the Suns as a free agent during the off-season, had 16 points and Penny Hardaway, obtained in a trade from Orlando, scored 12.

Clipper power forward Maurice Taylor had a well-rounded game with 10 points, four rebounds and 11 assists. Taylor’s regular-season career high for assists in a game is four.

Michael Olowokandi finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds and Brian Skinner had 12 points for the Clippers.

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The Clippers will hold an open practice tonight at the Sports Arena, which will be free to the public from 6:30 to 9:30.