Paul George‘s impeccable playoffs run continued as he went for 41 points and keep the hopes of a potential comeback alive. The Suns failed to close out the series on their own turf and will now have to head to the Staples Center for Game 6.
NBA Playoffs: Conference Finals
Suns 102-116 Clippers
Given coach Ty Lue and his history of comebacks, the Clippers were not going to buckle down and let the Suns dictate their fate.
The number four seed went off right from the word go and enforced a massive 20-5 run. Marcus Morris ran a hot hand to register 20 first-half points for the Clippers which helped them gain a seven-point lead over their opposition. The lead would have been in double-digits, but a stunning buzzer-beater three from Devin Booker avoided that.
The Suns came back strongly into the contest and even obtained a slender lead in the third quarter. However, that joy was short lived with Paul George staking his claim in the contest with 20 points of his own.
George’s burst gave the Clippers a handy 13-point lead heading into the final quarter of the game. The Suns came close for a brief period where they made it a four point contest. But, the Clippers managed to outscore them even in the final quarter to walk away with a 14-point win and a second win in the series.
Paul George’s 41 points marked the highest points tally in his postseason career and in the absence of Kawhi Leonard, he was well aided by Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson. The duo collectively compiled 45 points in the victory.
Apart from top scoring in the game, he also led in rebounds and assists for the side with 13 and 8 respectively.
Meanwhile, for the Suns, Devin Booker led the charge with 31 points but did not have the most prolific night shooting-wise with just 9-of-22 from the field. Chris Paul posted 22 points of his own, but failed to convert any one of his six three-point attempts. Deandre Ayton complied a double-double as well.
So far in the playoffs, Clippers have managed to lose the first two games, but they have managed to take the series deep and win it.
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