Phoenix Suns made their way into the NBA Finals after winning the Western Conference over Clippers in six games. This marks their first trip to the NBA Finals since 1993, with their hunt for a championship still on.
NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Finals
Suns 130-103 Clippers
The number two seed became the first team to make it to the NBA Finals after missing out on the playoffs ten years running.
Suns were led by veteran Chris Paul, who ventures into his first NBA Final, in the twilight of his 16-year career. The guard notched 41 points for the night to crush the Clippers’ hope for a comeback. He shot 16-of-24 shooting (7-of-8 from deep), and also registered eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals.
The visiting side were able to outscore their opponents across all the quarters. While they walked away with a slender four-point lead at the end of the first quarter, things slid for the hosts as the deficit raised to 28 points in the final quarter.
In the absence of Kawhi Leonard, it was Paul George who had stepped up to keep the number four seed alive in the series. He managed to force a Game 6 with his incredible 41-point outing, a few days back.
However, George was brought to a standstill as he accounted for only 21 points for the night on a 6-of-15 shooting.
Marcus Morris emerged as the top scorer for the side with 26 points to his name, but it was far from enough as the Suns coasted their way to victory.
Deandre Ayton was once again invincible in the paint following a staggering double double that included 17 rebounds. The player enjoyed the absence of a big center in the opposition as Serge Ibaka and Iviva Zubac still injured.
With the Western Conference Finals now secured, the Suns will be eagerly waiting for their opponents in the final. Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks are currently in the midst of a challenging series that is tied at 2-2.
The season comes to an end for Los Angeles Clippers, who were able to finish higher than their rivals Los Angeles Lakers. Their postseason had its moments in the form of a comeback 4-3 series win over Dallas Mavericks and yet another comeback against Utah Jazz in the conference semifinals.
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