Thursday’s Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals and the Clippers were in a tough situation as the Suns got Chris Paul back and L.A. was still without Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers were also in danger of falling down 3-0 in the series which usually is a doomed situation. But Paul George was not about to let that happen as he carried the team to their very first conference finals win in franchise history.
George scored 27 points with 8 assists and 15 rebounds. “Even though it seemed like the Suns were in control of the series after winning the first two games, history has shown the Clippers had them right where they wanted them. Lue’s squad has won all three Game 3s it has played this postseason after falling behind 0-2,” according to Bleacher Report.
The Clippers played a complete game with George and championship experienced head coach Tyron Lue who coached the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA title.
The Phoenix Suns were in it until the middle of the fourth quarter as their play, in general, declined greatly as they were missing wide-open three-point shots and played poor defense as if everyone on the court was tired. But it was only a matter of time until a team beat the Suns as they won 9 straight playoff games dating back to Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
L.A. Fights Back For Huge Win Against The Suns
Devin Booker scored only 15 points which wasn’t on par to his usual performance in the 2021 postseason. In Thursday’s Game 3 there was not a single Suns’ player who scored 20 points. As for the Los Angeles Clippers, there were two players who scored 20 plus points.
The Clippers also played better statistically, outmatching the Suns in almost every category in Game 3. The Suns may now be taking the loss as a wake-up call and a learning experience to bring the team a bit of insight going forward.
The Clippers on the other hand need to ride with the win and build some momentum, which can be hard to do, especially against a team so good and energetic as the Phoenix Suns.
Both teams should come out of the gate hard for Game 4 in L.A. as the Clippers look to tie the series at 2 games apiece and the Suns look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.