What were the key stats and moments from the Los Angeles Clippers’ elimination-staving win over the Phoenix Suns?
Los Angeles Clippers 116, Phoenix Suns 102
Suns lead series 3-2
Ahead of Game 5, the Los Angeles Clippers announced that they would be without center Ivica Zubac due to a sprained right MCL. With the team facing down elimination with a loss on Monday in Phoenix, it was fair to wonder how the Clips would hold up against Deandre Ayton and company without their starting man in the middle.
However, Monday was a case of “No center, no problem!” for the Clippers, as their small-ball lineups ruled the day en route to a season-saving victory.
With Zubac out, LA ran Marcus Morris at the starting center instead. This is a move they’ve used quite a bit throughout the playoffs. In fact, this was Morris’ 11th start at the pivot this postseason. DeMarcus Cousins did play 11 minutes in this game as a change-of-pace back to a normal big. The ability to switch between a standard center and one that gives them more defensive versatility has proven successful over the course of their postseason run. Tonight, however, it was a necessity.
The Clippers defense gave the Suns fits throughout the game, especially when they played zone. Phoenix just couldn’t find enough sustained rhythm to over this game. They only led once in Game 5 for a mere 20 seconds midway through the third quarter. LA opened the game on a 20-5 run and essentially kept the home team at arm’s length until the final buzzer.
Paul George led the charge again in this win. He came away with a playoff career-high 41 points along with 13 rebounds, six assists, and three steals. It was video game numbers at a time his squad needed them the most: in an elimination game.
This time the cavalry also came through. Reggie Jackson had 23 points, including four 3-pointers. He scored eight points during the 14-2 Clippers run in the fourth quarter that essentially sealed the game in their favor. The center battery also came up strong. Morris notched 22 points on the night while Cousins added in 15 from off the bench.
The Suns, despite being more equipped to win this game, just couldn’t handle the Clippers’ energy and effort. The backcourt did pretty well, as Devin Booker (31 points) and Chris Paul (22 points, eight assists) combined for 53 points. However, the Clippers’ frustrating defense neutralized Ayton (10 points on nine shot attempts) and kept most of their rangy role players from making any major contributions. However, Cameron Johnson (14 points) really had a knack for hitting the corner triple (3-of-3 from that region).
Phoenix is surely kicking themselves for not being able to close out this series Monday night. For one, they were playing in front of their home crowd. Securing the franchise’s third finals appearance in front of their fans would have been epic. Secondly, ending it at this point would have gave the Suns plenty of time to rest up for the Finals, as the East finals are currently lagging a full game behind the West.
Lastly, the Clippers will return to their home court Wednesday night feeling emboldened. LA has shown us throughout these playoffs that they don’t back down. At all. By failing to close things out, Phoenix have put themselves in position to suffer the same fate as the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz before them. Without some offensive adjustments and a renewed hunger in Game 6, the Phoenix Suns could be in a lot of trouble for not getting the job done in Game 5.
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