After falling behind 3-1 to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals, it was do or die time for the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. Can Paul George and co. will this Clippers team to a Game 6?
No. 2 Phoenix Suns 116, No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers 102
The Clippers had their backs to the wall for Game 5 after dropping a winnable Game 4 on Saturday night, but Los Angeles kept hope alive for at least one more game. Paul George played a phenomenal game dropping a game-high 41 points to go along with 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals. However, the story of the night came from the Clippers bench in DeMarcus Cousins, who played just 11 minutes and provided 15 points, three assists, and two rebounds. The Clippers also got great games from Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris, both of whom eclipsed 20 points; Jackson with 23 and Morris with 22.
The Suns fell behind quickly on Monday night, falling into an early 10 point deficit in the first quarter, and despite a strong game from Devin Booker, who had a team-high 31 points, it wasn’t enough to erase the gap. Chris Paul had a better night shooting than he did on Saturday but still left something to be desired, scoring 22 points on a below-average 8-for-19 shooting. Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges only combined for 19 total points on the night.
The Clippers still have a lot of work to do, but will have the chance to even the series 3-3 at home in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.
