The Suns hold a 3-1 series lead over the Clippers partly because of Deandre Ayton’s season-long improvement with his consistent play and preparation.
Author: Mark Medina, USA TODAY
Opinion: Fatigue hurt Clippers in Game 4 loss vs. Suns more than Paul George missed free throws, offensive struggles
The Clippers have the mental toughness to overcome a 3-1 deficit against the Suns in the Western Conference finals. But do they have the legs?
Suns grind out Game 4 win over Clippers after Paul George misses key late foul shot
In perhaps the ugliest game of this postseason, the Suns held off the Clippers 84-80 in Game 4 to move one win away from the NBA Finals.
How Suns’ Chris Paul keeps a positive outlook after recent playoff absence vs. Clippers
Chris Paul’s past playoff experiences inform positive outlook after missing two games in health and safety protocols: “Things could be a lot worse.”
Clippers’ Game 3 adjustments vs. Suns started with Tyronn Lue calling players after plane ride
After falling behind 2-0 yet again, Clippers coach Ty Lue called his key players with some motivation as soon as they got back to Los Angeles.
Clippers pull away from Suns to win Game 3 of Western Conference finals despite Chris Paul’s return
Paul George and the Clippers pulled away late for a 116-92 win in Game 3 to cut the Suns’ series lead to 2-1 in the Western Conference finals.
For Suns, Deandre Ayton’s game-winning lob captures his dominance and team’s mindset against Clippers
Deandre Ayton’s game-winning lob epitomized the Suns’ collective identity: A clever play call, a great screen to create space, and a perfect pass.
Suns shock Clippers on Deandre Ayton’s last-second shot for 2-0 lead in Western Conference finals
Deandre Ayton put in a lob off an inbound pass in the final second to give Phoenix a 104-103 victory and 2-0 series lead in the West finals.
How Suns’ Chris Paul & Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard have helped behind the scenes during absence
The availability of Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard for the WCF remains uncertain. But that doesn’t means their presence hasn’t been felt on the court.
Opinion: Clippers-Suns series to be decided by who makes best adjustments without Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul
The Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul (health and safety protocols) and Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (knee) are out. The Suns adjusted better in Game 1.