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The Clippers had nothing against the Suns’ defense. (Photo by Kevork Djansisian/Getty Images)
Things haven’t been pretty, but the Phoenix Suns are one game away from the NBA Finals.
The Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 84-80 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday to take the lead 3-1.
The series wasn’t exactly a featured reel overall, but the ugliness took another level in Game 4, with both teams scoring the lowest score in the playoffs. The Clippers went into the break 50-36 thanks to the Suns’ stifling defense, but made it into a game by beating Phoenix by 11 points in the third quarter.
The return continued into the fourth quarter, as the Clippers pushed the lead to one point at 71-70. After that, the team stopped recording. He’ll only score one field goal until the last minute, and spend more than half of the quarter down just one point. The Suns weren’t much better, but at least they managed to score like a barely-functioning NBA team.
The Clippers still had a chance in the last minute, but old friend Chris Paul prevented a comeback by making 5 of 6 free throws as the seconds approached.
Deandre Ayton scores 19 points, 22 rebounds
Devin Booker led the Suns in scoring with 25 points until he missed, but Deandre Ayton was the star of the show for Phoenix. The center dominated the paint with a total of 19 points, 22 rebounds and four blocks.
Clippers, at Serge Ibaka’s starting position, had no answer for him:
The series now returns to Phoenix as the Clippers stare at a 3-1 series deficit. Wiping that lead isn’t out of the question (see: Post-season Clippers last year), but it’s the most dangerous situation the Clippers found themselves in a comeback-defining playoff.
Kawhi Leonard still has an ACL injury, and it’s unclear if he’ll ever be able to make a comeback during qualifying. The Clippers will likely need to do it with what they currently have, and it won’t be easy against the Phoenix side who were arguably the most impressive team in the playoffs.
The story continues
However, if we’ve learned anything in the NBA playoffs, it’s that no one throws a counter punch like the Clippers. Game 5 is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT on Monday.
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