NFL
By: Chris Jordan
The Phoenix Suns take a commanding 3-1 series lead heading back to Phoenix for a pivotal game five.
The Suns beat the Clippers beat 84-80 where both teams struggled from the field in the fourth quarter. Both teams only combined for 29 points in the fourth quarter.
Neither team could make a shot. The ball bounced crazily on and around the rim, but never went in.
In timeouts, the Suns only talked defense. The Clippers deliberately missed free throws in a desperate attempt to retain possession and fire up a 3-pointer.
This game felt like a game back in the ’90s where both teams we’re physical play was played a crucial part in why both teams shot so poorly from the field.
The Clippers shot 32% from the field while also shooting 16% from the field. On the other hand, the Suns only shot 36% from the field while shooting 2o% from the field.
” This was a slugfest,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. ” It wasn’t offense 101, for sure,”.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said, ” We had a chance to take the lead on 12 possessions and couldn’t do it. It just wouldn’t fall for us.”
Despite, the Clippers struggles shooting the ball. The Clippers still managed to cut the lead to three points in the third quarter. They made 10 of 17 shots in the third quarter alone.
The Clippers fought back but still failed to take the lead in the fourth quarter or anytime throughout the game.
Deandre Ayton was the best player for the Suns last night, Ayton had 19 points and a career playoff-high 22 rebounds while having four blocks.
Devin Booker scored 25 points before fouling out in the final minute of the fourth quarter. The Suns managed to hold the lead without Booker and take a 3-1 commanding lead in the Western Conference Finals.
The Suns have the opportunity to advance to the NBA finals with a win on Monday night in Phoenix. The Sun’s last appearance in the finals was in 1993.
Paul George had another rough night shooting the ball. George shot 5-for- 20 from the field.
George scored 23 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists before fouling out with one second left. Reggie added 20 points for the Clippers. Ivica Zubac had 13 points and 14 rebounds.
In the final 13 seconds of the game turned into a free-throw shooting contest, the Suns strategy to keep the Clippers off the 3-point line. The strategy was a success because the Clippers never got the chance to attempt a three to tie the game.
The Clippers had every opportunity to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but they never make enough shots to take the lead or gain any momentum.
The Suns deserve all the credits for the Clippers struggles in the fourth quarter.
The Suns were physical and aggressive on the defensive side on the ball, and they got stops and made more shots than the Clippers when it really mattered.
Free throw shooting was critical for both teams in the fourth quarter. George made 5 of 6 of his free throws. The Clippers as a team was 4 of 8.
Chris Paul made all his free throws in the fourth quarter for his Suns to win this game, and knows the Suns are one step closer to reaching the NBA finals.
Can the Clippers beat the Suns in game 5?
If the Clippers want to win game five in a hostile environment in Phoenix it has to start with Paul George.
In the last two games, George hasn’t played his best and he’s struggling from the field. He’s also struggled shooting the ball from 3- point range.
In games 3& 4, George has shot 14 of 46 from the field. George has to be better for his team if they want to win game 5 and force a game 6.
George was also looked fatigued and it affecting his shooting and his aggressiveness in the past two games.
The Suns are confident and they know the opportunity they have going into game five.
If the Suns win game five on Monday, this will be Chris Paul first finals appearance in his 16-year career.
At this point, reaching the finals and having an opportunity to win a championship will mean so much for Paul’s legacy.
Who the Suns end the series in 5 or will the Clippers force a game 6?
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