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Three key Suns storylines ahead of Clippers matchup

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 6:27 PM ET

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are going into the Intuit Dome fresh off an identity-setting 120-116 comeback win against the Sacramento Kings to open the season.

Up next, a huge test against the Los Angeles Clippers on the road in front of The Wall. Despite coming off a punch-in-the-mouth 126-108 loss on the road against the Utah Jazz, the Clippers are no slouch.

As Phoenix and head coach Jordan Ott look to make it two-straight wins to open a new era, let’s dive into three storylines to follow for Friday’s game.

1. Can the Suns start off faster than last game?

The only thing that kept Phoenix from controlling all of its season-opener against the Kings was the very slow offensive start.

Before you knew it, Sacramento’s lead ballooned to 20 and the Suns had to fight tooth and nail to come back and win. Ott detailed postgame that, although they hope not to be in that position often, his team will always fight to come back.

I wouldn’t put it past the Suns to start slow again on Friday. It’s the first road game, Los Angeles’ home arena provides the truest home-court advantage in the NBA, and the Clippers’ veteran core gives them an advantage early.

2. Suns centers against Ivica Zubac

Clippers All-Defensive center Ivica Zubac has generally been dominant against Phoenix’s frontcourt in recent seasons, and the Suns’ current center rotation is going to have its hands full again.

Although Oso Ighodaro, Mark Williams and Nick Richards possess unique skillsets that cater to a more versatile rotation of big men, it’s hard to see any of them truly shutting down Zubac.

The Bosnian center is commanding and overwhelming in the offensive post, and he rarely lets anyone take advantage of him defensively. How Ott gameplan’s against Zubac is something to watch closely.

3. What Paul, Beal look like in their new homes

Former Suns guards Chris Paul and Bradley Beal had varying departures from The Valley. Paul was a casualty of what would become the Kevin Durant era and Beal was a result of what became.

However, they both have very fitting roles in Los Angeles. Paul is a steady, veteran playmaking presence offensively, but is proving to become a defensive liability.

Suns fans might not like this, but Beal may shine with the Clippers. He’s not relied upon to be a secondary (and at times primary) creator. Despite his reputation, Beal is a competitive defender, but he won’t be tasked with matching up with opposing stars.

Don’t be surprised if Beal has a big, or even quality season with the Clips.

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This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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