The Phoenix Suns hosted the LA Clippers tonight in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. They had the chance to seal the series and advance to the NBA Finals, but unfortunately, they fell short. The Clippers were in control for the majority of the game and so they walked out as deserving winners.
Right from tip off, the Clippers showed more urgency. They knew that one more bad game and they could be on their way home. So they kept their foot on the gas throughout the game to stay alive in the series.
Paul George was untouchable all game, and the Suns defense was clueless on how to stop him. He finished the game with 41 points, while shooting 75% from the field. Marcus Morris, Reggie Jackson, and a vintage DeMarcus Cousins also stepped up in this Clippers win.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
READ MORE – WATCH: Clippers’ Paul George Sends Chris Paul Flying as He Scores a Crucial Three
For the Suns, Devin Booker and Chris Paul returned to form, after struggling in the previous two games. Both of them had been dealing with their own problems, as Booker is nursing a nose injury, while Paul had a COVID scare.
NBA players like Isiah Thomas, Ja Morant and Jayson Tatum took to Twitter to react to the Clippers blowing out the Suns in this huge Western Conference Final game.
Coach Ty Lue @LAClippers @Yg_Trece Let it Be Known tonight!
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) June 29, 2021
PG tough ‼️
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 29, 2021
Mook my dawg!!!
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) June 29, 2021
PG13 💪🏾 #clippernation #nba
— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka) June 29, 2021
PG going dumb
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) June 29, 2021
Playoff P is his name
— Metta World Peace (@MettaWorld37) June 29, 2021
This the PG i know 🚶🏾
— Hamidou Diallo (@hamidoudiallo) June 29, 2021
StarJones…
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) June 29, 2021
This is arguably Paul George BEST playoff PERFORMANCE of his Career! The man went into a hostile environment and dropped a crucial 41 piece wing dinner Cajun Rub style with the W. Suns fans might be time to start worrying! Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 29, 2021
This is why that rule is going to change. Chris Paul jumped to the right making the contact worse. That’s not a natural shooting motion. @nba @espn @NBATheJump @ESPNNBA
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) June 29, 2021
Can the Phoenix Suns get the job done in the upcoming game(s) or will the LA Clippers pull off a comeback?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Suns started the series with a 2-0 lead. They won both of their games at home, and set themselves up nicely. However, the Clippers won theor two previous series after being down 0-2. So Suns fans feared a similar comeback could be on the cards. After losing Game 3, the Suns bounced back to win Game 4 and thus became favorites to win.
However, tonight they played far from their favorites status. They looked second best from the start, and had a complete breakdown in the second half. Their defense was in disarray and they couldn’t get stops when it mattered. So despite shooting a better percentage from deep, the Suns still lost the game.
Fans now will be worried as they enter Game 6. Being on the road is always tough especially in a playoff game. But the Suns have proved they can win at the Staples Center, and will be keen to do it once again.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH STORY HER – Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard Headline the USA Tokyo Olympics Mens Basketball Roster