For twenty-three minutes, it was believed that the Suns were going to experience a new disillusionment. Not very aggressive and disturbed by the Clippers’ defense on Kevin Durant, but also unable to contain Russell Westbrook, they were up to 13 points behind in the second quarter (49-36). And then Devin Booker got fed up. Supported by Kevin Durant and the amazing Torrey Craig, he pulled out all the stops, and it was he who equalized in the last second (59-59) of the first half.
Back from the locker room, confirmation that the Clippers have taken a blow to the head, and Booker, again, steals a ball and goes to dunk. We are on a 6-0 in less than two minutes and Tyronn Lue requests a time-out. But that has no effect, and Kevin Durant gives a 10-point lead (73-63). The Clippers do not abdicate, and Kawhi Leonard receives a helping hand from Terance Mann and Bones Hyland to close the gap (92-87).
The Suns need a new boost, and it’s Chris Paul who will give it. It was he who breathed new life into his team (98-87) at the start of the quarter, and it was again he who caught Ivica Zubac cold to plant the basket which hurt two minutes from the end (121- 109). Lue waits another minute to get her stars out, and the Suns win 123-109 to tie the series at 1-1.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Chris Paul has conquered his pet peeve. For the first time in his career, Chris Paul wins a match refereed by Scott Foster! It may seem anecdotal but the leader of the Suns accumulated 14 defeats in the playoffs with Foster on the whistle.
The art of mid-range shooting. The Suns finish the game at 21 of 29 in shooting from mid-range, or 72%, and it’s a real treat to watch whether it’s baskets in isolation for Chris Paul or a combination between Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Always two members of the “Big Three” on the ground. Monty Williams strives to always leave two of its three creators in the field, whether it’s a Booker-Durant, Durant-Paul or Paul-Booker duo. As Deandre Ayton had a problem with fouls, it was essential to bring danger constantly. Result, the holders register 110 of the 123 points!
TOPS & FLOPS
✅diviner Booker. One of his best career games in the playoffs, whether in attitude, address and aggressiveness.
✅Chris Paul. A last quarter of boss to avoid some scares to his team.
✅Kevin During. He lets the match come to him, and above all he sacrifices himself in defense by playing pivot.
✅Torrey Craig. The good surprise of this beginning of the series. He takes advantage of the gaps to find himself alone at 3-point, and he puts in.
✅Kawhi Leonard. A performance in line with Game 1. Very good in defense on Durant, and terribly effective in attack.
✅Russell Westbrook. The best player in the first half, and he didn’t give up in the 3rd quarter.
⛔ The Batum-Zubac duo. Both don’t weigh on the game, and that’s problematic against a very effective Suns five.
THE FOLLOWING
Game 3, Thursday evening (4:30 a.m.) in Los Angeles
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
