In Thursday’s NBA matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Phoenix Suns, but for Bradley Beal, the game didn’t carry the weight of a personal grudge. Reflecting on his return to Phoenix after a contract buyout in July, Beal told The Athletic’s Law Murray that he wasn’t approaching the game as a “revenge match.”
“It wasn’t about get back. We whooped y’all a couple weeks ago. So it wasn’t like that,” Beal stated. He expressed that, while he holds no ill will towards the Suns, returning to Washington, where he spent 11 years with the Wizards, holds greater significance for him. “I feel like I was more geeked about that than coming back here,” he said.
Beal’s performance against the Suns wasn’t stellar, as he struggled to find his rhythm. He scored five points off 2-of-14 shooting in just under 20 minutes on the court. In their earlier matchup on October 24, he had managed only six points in 20 minutes, making neither game one to remember. Despite his struggles, Beal noted the Clippers had previously triumphed over the Suns, seeking to downplay any notion of a personal vendetta.
His trade to the Suns in July 2023 was part of an effort to create a new power trio with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, the partnership did not flourish, and their split over the summer reportedly involved some tension, particularly regarding the financial sacrifices Beal made to accept his buyout.
As the NBA season progresses, fans will be watching to see if Beal can find his footing and contribute more effectively to the Clippers’ success. The ongoing adjustments and team dynamics offer hope for improvement as he settles into his new role.