SUMMARY
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On paper, the Western Conference finals matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers was an exciting offering of must-see TV.
On the court in Game 1, the two teams proved exactly that and more, as the Suns outgunned the Clippers for a 120-114 win.
Facing off arguably on a level playing field without their top stars Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard, both squads relied heavily on their remaining stars and also got solid contributions from other key cogs.
With both Paul and Leonard still out for Game 2 on Tuesday, June 22 (Wednesday, June 23, Manila time), it can be expected that both teams will rely on the same rotations that have given them great success as they move deeper into the playoffs.
Reggie Jackson has continued his offensive renaissance this postseason and dropped 24 points in the Clippers’ Game 1 loss on an efficient 10-of-19 clip. He is now quietly averaging 17.1 points and 3.4 assists on a 51% clip, 42% from three, and 92% from the free throw line.
Renowned postseason star Rajon Rondo reappeared in the rotation with 8 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds, while former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins also got an extended look for an 11-point, 4-board outing in just 13 minutes.
Finally, team leader Paul George continued to silence his remaining doubters with a 34-point burst on 7-of-15 shooting from deep.
On the other end, All-Star Devin Booker stepped up big time without his backcourt partner Paul and notched his first career triple-double with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Big man DeAndre Ayton provided a standard 20-point, 9-board line, while stand-in starting point guard Cam Payne chipped in 11 markers and 9 dimes with Paul still out due to health protocols.
While it has only been one game, both the Suns and Clippers have more than enough proof that they can perform well even if some of their stars are hidden behind clouds of uncertainty.
Both franchises have been hunting for their first title in more than 50 years, but only one can move on to represent the Western Conference.
Will the Clippers continue to make history with their first-ever conference finals win in Game 2, or will the red-hot Suns bury them in a 0-2 hole for the third straight series?
Game time is 9 am.
– Rappler.com
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