Jalen Green wasted no time making his mark in his NBA return as the Phoenix Suns handled the Los Angeles Clippers 115-102 on Thursday. The guard, who missed the start of the season due to a hamstring issue, erupted for 29 points in his long-awaited Suns debut.

Green’s arrival energized Phoenix early, and his perimeter shooting kept momentum flowing. The Suns outscored the Clippers by 17 in the third quarter, building the separation they needed against a depleted Los Angeles squad.

Green sparks Phoenix surge in strong debut

Shooting 10 of 20 from the field and burying six three-pointers, Green looked fully recovered as he showcased his scoring versatility and explosiveness. Devin Booker backed him with 24 points as Phoenix took advantage of Los Angeles missing James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.

Grayson Allen, fighting through illness, chipped in 18, while Royce O’Neale delivered a key third-quarter stretch that helped Phoenix seize control.

Clippers struggle without stars as Beal struggles in return

Ivica Zubac paced the Clippers with 23 points and 11 rebounds, but the offense lacked familiar firepower without Harden and Leonard. Bradley Beal, returning to Phoenix after an injury-plagued stint, heard boos throughout the night and finished with only five points on 2-of-14 shooting.

Phoenix built its biggest lead at 104-79 and never looked back, closing out a much-needed win as Green rejoined the lineup and provided a clear spark. (AP)