The LA Clippers never had total control of the game, but they were able squeak a couple of big runs by Phoenix to defeat them 124-118. After taking the halftime lead by eight points with a big second quarter, they were able to boost that lead up to 12 late in the third quarter. The Suns went on a 17-6 run from that point to only be down by one entering the final period. After tying it up at 102-all with 7:39 remaining, the Clippers would regain control for good and not look back. They remain as the fifth seed in the Western Conference and are one game back of Utah.
Paul dishes out solid performance for Clippers
After suffering a three-game skid in the middle of March, Los Angeles has now won six of their last eight games. The defense has been a bit weak, giving up 242 points in their last two games, but they still ultimately count as victories. Point guard Chris Paul (17.8 ppg, 9.2 apg) was brilliant with 29 points and a positive passing ratio of 10 assists to just one turnover. He followed up a 27-point showing against Washington just one night prior.
Phoenix may be one of the weakest opponents in the league, but it was still impressive to see the Clippers rattle off 55 percent shooting on the second night of a back-to-back. They also put in 12-of-22 3-point attempts.
Shooting guard J.J. Redick (14.9 ppg) had an off night overall, but still put in three of those shots from downtown.
Suns defense fizzles again
Phoenix has now lost 10 straight games and there's no hope in sight for them. The defense has been getting worse, giving up 120 or more points in four of their last five games. Its offense has been exciting to watch, especially when they put up 16 fast break points and 66 total points in the paint against a playoff contender.
However, it's hard to be very optimistic with a defense that doesn't look like it could stop a D-League squad.
Shooting guard Devin Booker (21.8 ppg) stole the show again for the Suns with 33 points and 9 assists. He's been dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of the game against Atlanta back on Tuesday. Power forward Marquese Chriss (9 ppg, 4 rpg) finished with a notable 20 points on an efficient 9-for-13 shooting night.
