LA Clippers Extends Series Against Phoenix Suns; Paul George Drops Playoff Career-High
The Los Angeles Clippers once again delivered another stunning performance in the postseason, extending their playoff lives after their 116-102 victory against the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
The Clippers kept their playoff hopes alive, as they remained their composure in the final minutes of the crucial game 5 on the road. The Clippers have now cut the series to 3-2 and have the chance to put the series at 3 games apiece at home in LA and could force a possible Game 7.
Despite the Clippers' missed scoring production of their main man, Kawhi Leonard who had an injury on his right knee, the Clippers managed to hang in the playoff tree. The Klaw missed a total of seven games in the postseason for the Clippers.
PG13 Show
According to The Athletic, the other Clipper star, Paul George carried his team in the absence of Leonard. PG13 scored a playoff career-high 41 points for the Los Angeles Clippers to avoid possible elimination on the road. George carried the LA team in the second half after he dropped 30 points on 10-of-12 shooting. He shot 75 percent from the field throughout the game.
During an interview, George emphasized that if they were going to finish this series off, they need to work for it.
Aside from George, Clippers' guard Reggie Jackson scored 23 points, while their forward, Marcus Morris Sr. displayed his offensive arsenal early in Game 5 and scored 22 points. Despite missing their starting Center Ivica Zubac with a right knee MCL sprain, their back-up center, DeMarcus Cousins registered 15 points, cracked in double digits in the scorebook to extend the series, USA Today reported.
Moreover, all of those contributions helped the Clippers to cement promising leads. Early in the first quarter, they started the game 18-5 with 7:28 left. They led during halftime at 59-52. After the third quarter, they managed to have the lead at 91-78.
However, the Phoenix Suns refused to surrender at home and kept the game close. The Suns' contributions came from Devin Booker who scored 31 points, Chris Paul with 22 points, and eight assists.
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The Clippers were able to limit Suns' center Deandre Ayton to only 10-point production, with only 11 rebounds. It was a double-double performance for Ayton, but it was low compared to his previous numbers in the series.
Game 5 only featured two lead changes. The LA Clippers showed better chemistry in Game 5 compared to Game 4 where they went on a nearly four-minute stretch in the fourth quarter without scoring a point.
On the other hand, Clippers center DeMarcus Cousins said Paul George was one of the most special players to ever lace his shoes up. He also added that people should give this dude his flowers. Cousins also said that he doesn't understand the slander and people should respect these players especially Paul George.
Paul George also appreciated what Boogie Cousins brought to their team in Game 5. George stated that Cousins still a dominant big and he brought toughness for their team.
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WATCH: Stephen A. reacts to the Clippers' 'incredible' Game 5 performance vs. Suns | SC with SVP - ESPN
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