NBA Playoff DifferenceMakers: June 26, 2021

What were the key stats and moments from the Phoenix Suns’ beautiful ugly Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Clippers?

Phoenix Suns 84, Los Angeles Clippers 80

Suns lead series 3-1

FINAL BOX SCORE

As the playoffs draw later, and the legs get tired, games like these are bound to happy. This wasn’t pretty to watch for fans of fluid, artful basketball. A lot of bricks were laid in Los Angeles last night, a city that already deals with too much urban sprawl.

There were only two instances in this game of either team shooting about league average (46.6 percent in 2020-21) in a quarter. The Suns shot 50.0 percent in the first, while the Clippers shot 55.0 percent in the third. Other than that, there were plenty of shots clanking off the rim. In fact, both teams combined to shoot 7-of-38 (18.4 percent!!) in the fourth quarter. The brutality of that quarter was exacerbated by it taking 49 real-time minutes to complete!

But that makes coming out of this scrap heap the victor so much more important. Games like this that have to be endured are huge boosts for the winning team. The train of thought goes that if the winning side call pull this off when nothing is falling, you’re more than capable of winning during the better times. The losing side comes out of this feeling exhausted and depleted.

It may not be that cut-and-dried with a team as resilient as the Clippers. However, head coach Tyronn Lue pointed out that playing every other day since June 2nd has certainly had an effect on his team. I’m of the belief that you can comeback but so many times in a postseason, and it seems like the extensive schedule is starting to take its toll on the Clippers. I wouldn’t be surprised if this series is settled in the next game or two.

That said, the Suns didn’t blow away their competition, either. The backcourt duo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker combined to go 14-of-44 (31.8 percent) on the night. We’ll see if Devin Booker can find his groove again without his mask or if Chris Paul can shake out of his post-protocol haze soon. Their efficiency will be sorely needed against whoever is coming out of the Eastern Conference. Then again, if they can close out this series on Monday or Wednesday, that will give them some time to rest and get back on track.