Devin Booker equals Playoffs scoring record, Phoenix Suns take lead over LA Clippers
Having just returned home after two games as a guest at the Phoenix Suns, the LA Clippers received bad news when Kawhi Leonard could not play in this Game 3 because of a right knee injury.
Without both the main scorers, Leonard and Paul George, the burden of attack was placed on the shoulders of Russell Westbrook and his teammates. In contrast, the Phoenix Suns away team brought to Crypto.com the strongest force, only without reserve defender Cameron Payne.
The first two rounds took place with a rather tense game, the two sides constantly struggled with each other for each score. The highlight of the first half was the brilliant performances of Devin Booker and Norman Powell. These two players continuously score points for their team with an extremely impressive finishing feeling.
The turning point of the match took place in the 3rd round when the Phoenix Suns showed their superiority in humans, attacking effectively to continuously increase the distance.
Although Russell Westbrook warmed up and scored 15 points in the third half alone, that only helped the LA Clippers shorten the gap to 9 points before entering the final round (85-94).
The scenario of round 4 is quite similar to the first two rounds when the main stage belongs to Devin Booker and Norman Powell. It seems that no one can stop these two players from scoring, from long throws to breakthrough phases to finish near the basket.
Another commendable one to mention is Russell Westbrook, who showed a very high determination to win through a series of bloody disputes, uncomfortable defense and impressive attack.
The Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers continued to eat and retaliate until the last seconds. But with more certainty plus the previous safe lead, the away team Phoenix Suns won the final with a score of 129-124.
Devin Booker was the brightest star in this match, equaling the record of scoring the most points in the Playoffs with 45 points (18-29 FG) with 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Right behind is Kevin Durant with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
The remaining three players in the Phoenix Suns starting lineup all scored above 10 points including DeAndre Ayton (12 points, 10 rebounds), Torrey Craig (15 points, 3-4 3PT) and Chris Paul (11 points, 7 assists) , 5-18 FG).
On the LA Clippers side, Norman Powell set a new personal record for the day playing the team's main scorer. The player born in 1993 got 42 points (15-23 FG, 7-12 3PT) with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Russell Westbrook was right next to him with a double-double of 30 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, showing his peak form. Bones Hyland, although coming on from the bench, left an impression with 20 points for himself.
With this important victory, the Phoenix Suns took a 2-1 lead in the NBA Playoffs round 1 of the West. In the next match, it is highly likely that Kawhi Leonard will return to increase the chances of equalizing this series for the LA Clippers.
Game 4 between Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers will take place at 2:30 am on Sunday, April 23, Vietnam time. The LA team will continue to have the home field advantage.
