The LA Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns in the third game of the West Con. finals. It was a persistent and resolute defensive performance by the Clippers that won them the game.
The LA Clippers are back to the same game plan that has helped them to this stage. After the defeat in the first two games, the Clippers took over in Game 3 and exerted control throughout the game, finally prevailing 106-92.
The Sun cut back the lead from 18 to as little as 6 in the final quarter, but finally, the Clippers gained control in the last seconds of the game.
With this win, the deficit for the LA Clippers is down to 2-1. It finally ends the Suns’ winning streak of 9 games, which is a franchise record for the playoffs.
Paul George remained the leading scorer with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, barely missing a triple-double. Reggie Jackson followed him with 23 and also had a strong defense on Paul throughout the game. Ivica Zubac finished with a double of 15 points plus 16 rebounds. Terance Mann finished with 12 points.
The Los Angeles team coach Tyronn Lue said though he did not like being down 2-0 but commended them for their resilience.
Suns coach Monty Williams said that they had played Paul too much in his first game after his injury.
Clippers Stay Ahead Throughout
The Suns played a close first half. A one-handed dunk by George pumped up the Clippers at the end of the first half. Jackson said that perhaps affected the opponent’s pace a bit. He said they were fortunate to have a teammate like him.
The winners got into the game quickly in the 2nd half before the 17,000 plus home fans. They took over with the best run in the match, a 21-3 rush that took them in a lead of 70-56 into the third.
The home team went into fourth leading 80-69, with George banking in a 3-pointer from just inside the midcourt, just beating the buzzer and sending the fans into a tizzy.
