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Brand scores 24 to lead Clippers past Suns

Oct 18, 2006 - 5:07 AM PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Clippers' first exhibition meeting with an NBA team ended on a positive note.

Elton Brand scored 24 points and Shaun Livingston added 21 as the Clippers posted a 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns in a preseason matchup.

After going 1-1 against CSKA Moscow and BC Khimki at NBA Europe Live earlier this month, Los Angeles took care of business against an opponent it is a little more familiar with. The Clippers lost to the Suns in Game Seven of the Western Conference semifinals here last season.

Brand, who made 7-of-14 shots, netted the first six points of a decisive 8-0 burst in the third quarter for a 74-67 advantage with 2:54 left.

Quentin Ross had 13 points and Cuttino Mobley added 12 for Los Angeles, which was without injured Sam Cassell (calf), Chris Kaman (hamstring) and former Sun Tim Thomas (back).

Leandro Barbosa scored 19 points and reigning two-time MVP Steve Nash collected 15 and five assists but also committed seven turnovers for the Suns, who were outrebounded, 50-31.

Marcus Banks added 11 points and Amare Stoudemire had eight and six boards in 19 minutes. He went 0-of-4 from the foul line.