The Los Angeles Clippers came to life in the Western Conference final series Thursday night by beating the Suns 106-92 to put the conference finals 2-1, still in Phoenix’s favor. The Suns arrived in Los Angeles with a 2-0 series lead and it looked like they were going to have better luck with the return of their star Chris Paul. After missing the first two games, Paul returned Thursday but could do little to stop the gale of Paul George and Reggie Jackson.
The Clippers have already risen from two 0-2 deficits in the previous two playoff ronds and are looking to even the game on Saturday. Game 4 of the series at the Staples Center is played Saturday at 6 pm PST.
Paul entered the health protocol list last week, causing him to miss the first two games of the conference finals. CP3 scored 15 points, with 12 assists, and exchanged several words with George during the game.
George scored 27 points and had 15 rebounds, while Jackson contributed 23 points. Ivica Zubac had a great game, constantly dominating in the paint zone by scoring 15 points, with 16 rebounds.
For the Suns, Deantre Ayton scored 18 points, while Devin Booker scored 15 for the visitors, in an offense that was limited by the hard work and clenched teeth of the home team on defense.
Kawhi Leonard was absent again for the third consecutive game against the Suns due to a knee injury, which, according to reports, is to the ligaments, making his return even more delicate.
The Clippers had an 18-point lead, which was shortened to six in the fourth quarter, though it was only a scare after pulling out a wide 14-point lead at the end of the game.
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