After the Los Angeles Clippers found themselves in familiar playoff territory falling down 2-0, they held true to form winning Game 3 with a big chance to tie the series at two games apiece.
No. 2 Phoenix Suns 84, No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers 80
Suns lead the series 3-1
This game had some Los Angeles Clippers playoff flashbacks all over it. Remember the second half the deciding Game 6 that sent the Utah Jazz home? After falling behind double figures in the first half, the Clippers were led by Terance Mann and Reggie Jackson leading a massive comeback.
For a little while in this game, it looked like more of the same.
In the first half, the Clippers narrowly missed a playoff record in scoring futility with only 36 points. The players seemed to hit the Suns players more than jump shots.
Devin Booker and Paul George getting into it.
— ESPN (@espn) June 27, 2021
PG was given a tech. pic.twitter.com/kNCt1TO3dJ
Then in the second half, the Clippers abandoned their perimeter game that amounted to 22 shots from behind the arc to aggressive drives to the rim. By the end of the third quarter, Phoenix only had a three point lead going in to the last quarter.
To say fourth quarter scoring was scarce would be an understatement as both teams shot poorly combining for 29 points total. However in crunch time Chris Paul ran the high pick and roll offense to perfection and knocked down clutch free throws late to seal the win.
I SEE YOU, POINT GOD. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/QUPbstaOC2
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) June 27, 2021
Deandre Ayton had a monster game on the rebounding glass, finishing with 22 rebounds (9 offensive) to go with 19 points and 4 blocks. Devin Booker ditched his protective mask to score 25 points.
Paul George continued to fill the stat sheet with 16 rebounds and 6 assists to go along with 23 points. But like in Game 2, he struggled at crunch time missing free throws late. He shot 12-18 overall.
Game 5 is on Monday night on ESPN. It’s now win or go home for the Los Angeles Clippers.
