Clippers can’t match the Suns’ finishing kick – Orange County Register

The schedule didn’t suit them, but the Clippers were up for the challenge, chasing a stunning win Monday over the second-strongest team in the NBA with a game the following night in Phoenix – the best team. Tournaments.

They shot into another sadness, trying to make another double-digit comeback, but there will be no surprise party Tuesday at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, where the Sun won 103 -96, take care of business against a depleted version of their Western Conference finale from a season ago.

By winning two of the Clippers’ games, the Suns improved to 47-10 (a franchise record over 57 games) by winning their sixth straight game and 17th of their past 18.

But the Clippers made Monty Williams’ team sweat, that’s what other opponents can claim.

Going into Tuesday’s contest, Phoenix has averaged 25.5 points in its past two games, including a win over the Milwaukee Bucks, which they lost in last season’s NBA Finals 131- 107. The well-rested Suns also overcame Orlando, 132-105, on Saturday in their most recent game, when they had 40 assists and just seven transfers.

But after 23 points against Marcus Morris Sr., the Clippers (29-31) retained their signature competitive edge – despite the fact that they went on to play the All-Stars without injuring Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Paul George (elbow) and, third consecutive game without Norman Powell (leg) recently.

It was neck and neck midway through the third round until the Suns pitted each other 17-6 in the final five minutes of the third round to get themselves 81-72 before heading into the final bracket. Phoenix is ​​currently 36-0 this season with a lead after 3/4.

Not without suspense: The Clippers – who have won nine times this season by leading by 10 points or more – responded with a run of their own. With help from Luke Kennard’s two consecutive 3-pointers, they overcame Phoenix 14-2 to start the fourth inning and cut the deficit to 83-82.

The score was tied at 90-90 as Chris Paul (17 points, 14 assists) took over, hit a 3-pointer and flipped consecutive lines for Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker (26 points), then made it. own header to take the lead. to 99-95.