This is the deepest playoff run the LA Clippers have had in franchise history, and their endgame would be to reach the NBA Finals. However, the Phoenix Suns are of the same mindset but have been more successful so far in making it happen.
After losing the first two games against a team for the third straight time this postseason, the Clippers ensured they bounced back from that like all those previous games to reduce the deficit. Game 3 is how they did it, but they were unable to tie the series in Game 4. And now, the Suns have a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
Phoenix Suns for the win, again!
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Despite lagging behind in the first half, the Clippers were able to catch up to the Phoenix Suns for an incredible 106-92 win in Game 3. While it looked like history would repeat itself in Game 4 as well, the Clippers came inches closer to the Suns only to lose the game 84-80.
With Kawhi Leonard out, Paul George has been carrying the team on his back. But there is only so much he can do. In the first half itself, the Suns dominated and took a 14-point lead.
Devin Booker finished the night with 25 points, whereas PG added 23 points. However, it was DeAndre Ayton who made all the difference with his 19 points.
The LA Clippers had a scoring drought in the second quarter as well. They were unable to drop a single basket for 6 whole minutes. Although they were able to cut the deficit to single digits by the third, they could never take the lead.
In fact, they trailed by a solitary point in the fourth, but the Suns made sure that was all they would get. This matchup went head to head but was a low-scoring affair, and now, NBA Twitter is reacting to the clash.
CP3 and Booker combined to go a pathetic 14-44 from the field and 0-8 from three. BUT PG and ReggieJax combined to go only 13-44 and 3-18 from three. Lotta tight throats on both sides. But the Clippers were at home.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 27, 2021
CONGRATULATIONS, REFS, YOU FLAT-OUT COST THE CLIPPERS GAME 2 AND TONIGHT YOU ROBBED THEM OF TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN THE GAME.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 27, 2021
Clippers fans after going down 3-1 pic.twitter.com/V4dqjQArKU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 27, 2021
NBA Twitter after the Clippers go down 3-1 😂 #Clippers #SunsvsClippers pic.twitter.com/wT0gVQM4Fa
— Sports Now with Darius & Aiden (@SportsNow_DA) June 27, 2021
Polyester P strikes again, 5-20 from the field, 1-9 from 3, more late missed fts. That gm was there for the taking, guy that’s on ppl’s neck, tired of ppl talking sweet to him and he’s a different player than the bubble. #ICANTTELL #NBAPlayoffs #SunsvsClippers
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) June 27, 2021
This was legit my reaction to the play that put Phoenix ahead!!!!! #SunsvsClippers https://t.co/eaKkiIRx9g
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 23, 2021
Who said UGLY was not pretty and good! @suns fans! #SunsvsClippers
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) June 27, 2021
Refs getting home after Suns vs Clippers pic.twitter.com/WebjWnpa1l
— Ghost Paul (@jormundgander7) June 27, 2021
Clippers vs Suns game right now #PHXvsLAC pic.twitter.com/DYTIxoY8va
— Noah (@Noahgb_) June 27, 2021
The rims at the Staples Center tonight #PHXvsLAC #SunsvsClippers pic.twitter.com/iO7oRmRlZw
— Super Mario 🪙 (@Folakunmi13) June 27, 2021
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Where are the Clippers lacking?
The biggest issue for every team this season has been player injuries. And when it happens to the star player of the team, that too at a significant point in the game, it’s just heartbreaking for the fans
For no fault of their own, the Clippers are forced to play without their backbone in Kawhi Leonard. With Kawhi Leonard injured, they have suffered greatly. He has been their guiding force this season and to not have him in the WCF is just a big drawback.
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Initially, Suns’ Chris Paul was benched as well because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols. So, the matchup seemed fairer. But with Chris Paul cleared to play and back, the Clippers are headed for trouble ahead.
Leonard is still highly unlikely to make it for Game 5. Assuming he doesn’t return at all, do you think LA has a shot at winning this series without Kawhi?
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READ MORE: Why Shaquille O’Neal Does Not Expect LA Clippers to Bounce Back in WCF