Often a possession or two sharper during head-to-head battles, the Phoenix Suns would be accurate in suggesting they had the L.A. Clippers’ number during 2024-25’s regular-season series. Among the numbers they didn’t have though: Flight No. 55, as it took off in the opening quarter of January 27, 2025’s showcase. Wise in running the floor after his teammates’ pick-and-roll coverage forces a turnover, Derrick Jones Jr. finds himself in a dunker’s dream scenario, with a 3-pointer bouncing hard off back iron, and no opponent clocked in for boxout duty. Unbothered upon spreading his wings, California's celebrated slam artist returns the misfired shot through the cylinder with authority, drawing rave reviews from the road crowd with a one-handed putback. Jones’ audibly-loud flush set the tone for a productivity, even as the Clippers fell in a third-consecutive single-digit loss against their Pacific Division rivals. Efficient throughout January, Jones closed out one of its final games with 12 points (on four-of-seven shooting), five rebounds, two steals, one rejection, and a 3-pointer. · Jan 28, 2025