Clippers guard Patrick Beverley interacts with the crowd during the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Suns on Thursday night at Staples Center. Beverley was a key contributor on offense and defense in their 106-92 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball against Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns wins the tip off against Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers passes against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers shoots against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns shoots against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers passes against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns passes over Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns slam dunks against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns passes against he LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers passes against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns passes against he LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns goes down hard holding his mouth against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns goes down hard holding his mouth against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers scores past Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers shoots against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers passes against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers scores past Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Suns head coach Monty Williams reacts during the first half of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Clippers on Thursday night at Staples Center. Williams got veteran point guard Chris Paul back for Game 3, but lost another, key reserve Cam Payne, to an ankle injury in the first half. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers is fouled by Dario Saric #20 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers is fouled by Dario Saric #20 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Rajon Rondo #4 of the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers reacts after foul against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers fights for the rebound against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Suns guard Devin Booker, left, is fouled by Clippers guard Patrick Beverley during the first half of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday night at Staples Center. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns is fouled by Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Phoenix Suns bench reacts after a three pointer against the LA Clippers in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers is fouled by Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers slam dunks against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers slam dunks against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers shoots against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers scores against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Phoenix Suns bench reacts after scoring against the LA Clippers in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers high fives teammate Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers after scoring against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers reacts after scoring against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers reacts after scoring against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers slam dunk against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers slam dunk against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac celebrates a following a dunk during the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Suns on Thursday night at Staples Center. Zubac had 15 points, 16 rebounds and two blocked shots and provided an early spark in a 106-92 win that cut their series deficit to 2-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts toward the crowd in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers passes over Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers is fouled by Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George, right, reacts as he is fouled by Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Clippers’ Paul George drives past the Suns’ Jae Crowder on his way to the basket during the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday night at Staples Center. George had 27 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in a 106-92 win that cut their series deficit to 2-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers talks with Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers passes over Dario Saric #20 of the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers is fouled by Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns driving to the basket in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers after shooting a three point basket against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George, left, shoots as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton defends during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrates during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers blocks the shot by Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Phoenix Suns bench looks on against the LA Clippers in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers passes against Dario Saric #20 of the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, left, and Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson battle for a loose ball during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers reacts after a three point basket against the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Reggie Jackson # reacts with teammate Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers after scoring on a three point basket against the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, right, passes while under pressure from Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after fouling out of the game against the LA Clippers in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after fouling out of the game against the LA Clippers in the fourth quarter of game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns sits on the bench as the LA Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-92 during game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers walks off the court hugging owner Steve Ballmer as the LA Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-92 during game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers walks off the court hugging owner Steve Ballmer as the LA Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-92 during game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Basketball fans fill the stands for game three of a Western Conference finals NBA playoff basketball game between the LA Clippers and the Phoenix Suns at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Actor Billy Crystal, left, stands with his wife Janice after the Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-92 in Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES — That never-say-die energy is strong with the Clippers. They recovered from the sting of Tuesday’s heartbreaking last-second loss in Game 2 of their first Western Conference finals with a resounding 106-92 victory on Thursday night that cut Phoenix’s lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1.
It also snapped the second-seeded Suns’ nine-game playoff winning streak and improved the Clippers’ postseason record to 9-1 … in Games 3-7, that is.
They are, of course, 0-6 in Games 1-2.
But the feeling-out part of this series is over and the Clippers are in their happy place, as Lue might call it.
“It’s just a chess match,” Lue said before tip-off on Thursday at Staples Center, where a crowd of 17,222 saw the Clippers spoil Chris Paul’s return from the COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
“When you’re able to come through for your team and your team has full trust in you in the playoffs, it means a lot. Our guys in the locker room, I think I have their attention as far as just being able to make adjustments, seeing what I see and trying to execute.
“We knew we didn’t play great in either of the two games in Phoenix, and in Game 2 we didn’t play really good at all and had a chance to win the game,” Lue added. “We’re in a good space right now, and we understand that we kind of gave one away, but we’ve got to be ready for Game 3.”
That was the theme of the individual phone calls Lue made to some of his players soon after they touched down in L.A. early Wednesday morning.
“Called a few of the guys and just said, ‘That’s over,’” Lue said. “‘We had a chance to steal one, we didn’t do it, it’s behind us, so now we’ve got to move on.’”
With contributions from just about every corner of the roster, they moved in the right direction again, buckling down on defense especially and capitalizing on having two games’ worth of Phoenix film to study to build momentum as the game wore on Thursday, when they outscored the Suns 60-44 in the second half.
“We were just more aggressive defensively, that’s all I could say we did,” Mann said. “We locked in, watched film – we got two games to watch, so everybody watched those two games, saw what we needed to do and executed … we knew what we had to do.”
With the victory, the Clippers – who have rallied to win their previous two series after falling behind 2-0 in both, something no other NBA team had ever done in one postseason – gave themselves a chance to tie this series in Game 4 on Saturday night at Staples Center.
They also gave Kawhi Leonard – who watched the action from the stands with family – plenty to cheer about, and more time, potentially, to return from the sprained right knee that has sidelined him for five consecutive games now.
“We just care about his well-being that’s what most important,” said Paul George, who set the pace with 27 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in 43 minutes. “Whether he can play or he can’t play, we’re just happy for his overall health and his well-being, so it’s just great to see him. He was in the locker room sharing his thoughts once again, and a lot of stuff he said, I went out and tried to put it into a plan.”
With Leonard pointing out openings for George to look for, Lue encouraging better ball movement and teammates challenging each other to be more aggressive, they surged after an offensively drab opening half in which they shot just 36.6%.
Terance Mann took the hint and took the wheel, looking a lot like the guy who scored 25 of his 39 points in 20 second-half minutes to close out top-seeded Utah at Staples Center less than a week before.
The second-year wing scored 10 points in the third quarter and eight of the Clippers’ first 10 to kickstart a charge in which L.A. retook the lead 56-53, yanking momentum in the game – and, well, perhaps the series? – back in their direction.
Over the course of the next few minutes, George fed Zubac for a backboard-rocking dunk, Patrick Beverley caused more chaos defensively and George hit a couple of 3-pointers – including squaring up to bank in a shot from 46 feet away as the quarter expired, a make that made it 80-69 entering the final period.
“We know we haven’t been particularly amazing in third quarters at times,” said Reggie Jackson, who finished with 23 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. “So it was just everybody in there talking about, ‘Let’s get better, let’s go ahead and find a way to continue to push this.’
“Particularly Pat Bev was energized, fired up about us not letting go, not letting our foot off the gas.”
In other words, said Mann: “Normal Pat Bev.”
The Suns trimmed the lead to 89-83 with 7:13 to play, but Jackson – the Clippers’ dependable bailout artist – scored five quick points to push the advantage back to 11 and force Suns coach Monty Williams to call timeout.
With the game tipping decidedly their way, Jackson and Beverley turned and basked in the adulation of enthusiastic fans who had been forced to watch most of the season on TV, barred from Staples Center because of local coronavirus guidelines.
Those folks were back Thursday and on their feet for most of the fourth quarter to watch the Clippers hold on thanks to a few more big buckets from Jackson and a couple from Beverley (eight points). Their efforts and those of Mann (12 points on 6-for-8 shooting), Ivica Zubac (15 points and 16 rebounds), Luke Kennard (his nine points on his 25th birthday included two timely second-half 3-pointers) and Marcus Morris Sr.’s (eight points in 23 minutes on an ailing knee) all complementing George’s performance.
George’s effort was his 16th consecutive 20-point game to begin the playoffs, making him just the fourth player in the past 20 seasons with a 20-point streak of that length. The others, according to ESPN Stats and Info: Kevin Durant (in 2012, 2018), Kobe Bryant (2008) and Dwyane Wade (2006).
Five Suns scored in double figures, led by Deandre Ayton’s 18 points – 10 of which came in the first quarter. Paul finished with 15 points (on 5-for-19 shooting) and 12 assists.
Two games removed from his 40-point triple-double, Booker started 0 for 6 and finished 5 for 21 from the field (1 for 7 from 3-point range) en route to 15 hard-earned points. He appeared to be pestered not just by Beverley, but also by the mask he was wearing to protect the three stitches on his nose that were the result of a third-quarter collision with the Clippers’ guard in Game 2.
“The nose feels fine,” Booker said.
And about Beverley: “He’s ultra-aggressive. He’s denying, limiting touches. He has one objective out there, and we understand that.”
Zubac was uber-aggressive from the jump Thursday as well, almost as if he was fired up after watching footage of Ayton’s game-winning, last-second “Valley-Oop” over him a few too many times between games.
“The big thing with Zu, he hasn’t played,” Lue said. “So getting his timing back, his rhythm, understanding what we are trying to do.”
Offered George: “That’s what we need from big Zu. I thought he was great. I thought he was special and I thought he was a big reason why we won tonight.”
Zubac’s early aggression was rewarded with a double-double before halftime, when he already had 11 points and 12 rebounds – making him the first Clipper to post a double-double in the first half of a playoff game since DeAndre Jordan did it in April 2017.
Paul George and the Staples Center crowd share love in #PhantomCam, following the first @LAClippers#NBAWCF presented by AT&T win in franchise history. #ThatsGame
27 PTS
: Saturday, 9pm/et, ESPN pic.twitter.com/WI8knh2Vkf
