Tonight, the Clippers and Suns will suit up for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. The Suns need only one more win to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.
On the other side, the Clippers trail three games to one and are on the brink of elimination. What’s more, Kawhi Leonard will still be unavailable, putting the Clippers at a huge disadvantage as they try to force a Game 6.
Phoenix won the first two games at home before heading to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4, where the two teams traded wins.
In Game 4, Phoenix won 84-80 behind Deandre Ayton’s 19 points and 22 rebounds, and a 25 point performance from Devin Booker to put them on the cusp of the finals.
“We’re not looking too far ahead,” Booker said after Game 4.
The Suns have had big contributions from Ayton, Booker, and Chris Paul. The three of them are averaging a combined 62 points per game.
The Clippers have really struggled in terms of shooting without Leonard, which puts extra pressure on Paul George, who scored 23 in Game 4. But they’ve also gotten some clutch baskets from Reggie Jackson, who is currently averaging 21.5 points per game.
“It’s going to be hard and tough, but it has to be one game at a time,” said George. Play as hard as we can in Game 5.
The Suns will need to continue to have clutch performances from Booker, Ayton, and Paul if they hope to advance to the finals. As for the Clippers, they will still need big contributions from George and Jackson, but must also find a way to neutralize Booker if they’re to stand any chance in Game 5.
Unlike Phoenix, the Clippers have never been to the NBA Finals. But if they can win Game 5, they could possibly hope for Leonard to return in Game 6 when the team comes back to Los Angeles.
Tonight’s game gets underway at 9 PM Eastern Time, and it will be airing on ESPN. Will the Suns move on or can the Clippers stay alive? Only time will tell.
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