USA Today via Reuters
Jun 20, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 20, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns Arena was on fire with fans demanding a “Suns in Five” and the Clippers denying that from the opening minute. Bound to play without Kawhi Leonard, Tyronn Lue’s team put on a mega show and proved early that they’re still alive.
The Clippers coach deserved a special mention because his decision to go small helped the team. He started the night with Marcus Morris in the place of Ivica Zubac and that reaped instant returns. Moreover, he sat Paul George in the end of Q1 and and sent him back as a different PG altogether.
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Paul George took his time but came back with a bang to lift the Clippers
It is a pattern with Paul George in this series. He’d begin with some rust and then take a Boeing-737 flight later in the game. The 31-YO had added just 11 points by halftime and was struggling with his shooting. However, all that changed in Q3 as the 7x All-Star denied Chris Paul and Cameron Payne any chance of defending him.
In a sequence, the star sent Chris Paul miles away as he forced a quick stop and hit a dagger. Take a look –
PG sent Chris Paul flying. 😳
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 29, 2021
The Clippers’ Paul added 20 points in Q3 and ensured a 13-point lead before entering the decisive quarter.
Read more – WATCH: Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker Ends First Half With Buzzer-Beater Dagger Over Clippers’ Reggie Jackson
Where did the Suns fall short?
Monty Williams has done a great job so far and his pep talk with the team prior to the game was just amazing. However, he probably made an err by not putting Torrey Craig on Paul George, at least later in the game. Clearly, CP3 was not as effective at his defense tonight and not at all when guarding a tuned-in Playoff P.
Take a look at this flagrant on Patrick Beverley that more or less defined how the Clippers were not intimidated with anything Chris Paul.
Patrick Beverley was given a flagrant 1 foul for the contact he made on Chris Paul's jumpshot.
Beverley appeared to imitate CP after he was called for the foul. pic.twitter.com/8UDFFbSiSv
— ESPN (@espn) June 29, 2021
Additionally, the Suns also failed to tame DeMarcus Cousins as Boogie scored 15 points in his 11 minutes of play. It was also a quiet offensive night from DeAndre Ayton as his pregame underhand upheave practice didn’t come handy.
In the end, it was all on Devin Booker and a chance for the Clippers to lose their grip. Which part of the game did you enjoy the most? Help us know in the comments.
Watch this story – Kawhi Leonard/Paul George and Other Top NBA Duos
