5 takeaways from the Clippers’ 116-98 win over Phoenix

The Clippers on Monday night improved to 3-0 on the season, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 116-98, at Staples Center.

Here are five things we learned:

1. J.J. Redick had struggled to get his footing in the first two games, but he was back on track against the Suns.

Redick was six-for-13 from the field, and one-for-three from three-point range. He finished with 13 points.

In his first two games, Redick was shooting 43.8% from the field, 25% from three-point range.

Redick was more active against the Suns, running off screens and shooting with confidence.

2. The Clippers are still playing very good defense.

After the first three games, the Clippers are holding teams to 93 points per game, and limiting them to 42.6% on shooting.

The Clippers held the Suns to 41.7% on shooting.

3. The Clippers haven’t been out-rebounded in any of their three games.

The Clippers and Suns each had 44 rebounds Monday night.

When the Clippers opened training camp in late September, they talked about being a better rebounding team.

So far, they have been.

4. Here’s something good for the Clippers to chew on: They shot 78.9% from the free-throw line.

Even center DeAndre Jordan was decent from the line, making three of his six free throws.

Blake Griffin was 12-for-14 from the free-throw line, Chris Paul six-for-seven, Jamal Crawford four-for-four and Marreese Speights also four-for-four.

5. The Clippers’ primary two small forwards, Luc Mbah a Moute and Wesley Johnson, have been good on defense but not so good on offense.

Mbah a Moute had two points on one-for-three shooting against the Suns, and Johnson had three points on one-for-three shooting.

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