Norman Powell returns, Clippers beat Suns for 3rd straight win

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The Los Angeles Clippers got way too comfortable against the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns and it nearly cost them.

Leading by 39 points in the third quarter, the Clippers survived an offensive onslaught by Phoenix's bench in the fourth and hung on for a 113-109 victory on Wednesday night.

Norman Powell scored 24 points after being out two months and Paul George added 19 points in three quarters to go over 15,000 in his career for the Clippers.

"You can never relax in the NBA," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. "The players are too good, the coaches are too good, and as soon as you let your guard down things like this can happen."

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Los Angeles Clippers forward Norman Powell, left, shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Ish Wainright defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

With nothing at stake, Phoenix rested All-Star guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul and fellow starters Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder on the second night of a back-to-back. The Suns had already set a franchise record for wins in a season with 63 by eliminating the Lakers from playoff contention Tuesday.

The Clippers beat up the Suns for three quarters. But Phoenix's reserves put together a 48-point fourth quarter and then ran out of time.

"It’s a great lesson for our team and any kid watching, you just play it out," Suns coach Monty Williams said. "We just stayed with it and had that Suns grit."

Cameron Payne came back in and hit a 3-pointer that drew the Suns within four with 10 seconds left. Amir Coffey got fouled and made both free throws to preserve