Bradley Beal heard a steady chorus of boos during his first game back in Phoenix on Wednesday night, finishing with just five points as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Suns.
Clippers
Suns fans jeered Beal during pre-game introductions and on nearly every touch. The veteran guard, who spent the second half of last season in Phoenix, shot 2-for-14 in 19 minutes and left the floor for good with 6:02 remaining in the third quarter.
Beal, still restricted after offseason knee surgery and yet to appear in a fourth quarter, acknowledged frustration with how he was deployed by two previous coaches in Phoenix. “When you allow me to be that guy, I’ll be that,” he said. “But when you have two coaches that want you to set screens and play in the dunker, you’re not Brad Beal. You’re somebody else.”
The 30-year-old surrendered $13.9 million in a summer buyout before signing a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers. Head coach Tyronn Lue expects Beal’s scoring to rise once his minutes limit is lifted. Los Angeles and Phoenix meet again Saturday at Crypto.com Arena.
Hornets
Second-round selection Sion James is forcing his way into Charlotte’s rotation while Brandon Miller sits with an injury. The rookie has already started three games, shooting 70 percent from beyond the arc and providing stout perimeter defense.
Guard Tre Mann said James’ physical presence and two-way ability stood out immediately. “My first thought was Lu Dort,” Mann explained. “Then I watched film and realized he could score, too. He’s versatile, and we have to have him.”
Grizzlies
Recent tension between Ja Morant and head coach Tuomas Iisalo has not splintered the Memphis locker room, according to multiple reports. Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. remain committed to salvaging the season, and general manager Zach Kleiman continues to express confidence in the core.
Center Zach Edey and forward GG Jackson II were assigned to the G League for practice work. Edey is in the early stages of his return-to-play progression after ankle surgery. Meanwhile, Charles Bassey’s 10-day hardship contract has expired.
Source: Hoops Wire
