The Phoenix Suns pulled off a 109-123 win in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
It was a heated contest that saw the Suns trail by double-digits early, but a sensational second half from their top offensive options helped them come back. Fans were entertained by the action.
Series tied. #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/Dy2BZTKArp
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 19, 2023
Fans were stunned at the improvement Devin Booker has shown since his 2021 NBA Finals appearance.
Devin Booker has hit an incredibly high level. He's so much better than even the Finals run two years ago. Control, poise, playmaking, efficiency.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) April 19, 2023
Booker had a reputation as an empty-stats player until 2020 when the Suns started to look good, a laughable notion for fans while looking back.
Supposedly serious minds once said Devin Booker wasn’t a winner
— Duncan Smith (@DuncanSmithNBA) April 19, 2023
The slow first half and passive play from Booker and Kevin Durant brought some criticism toward Monty Williams.
Monty Williams finally realizing he has KD and Devin Booker on his team pic.twitter.com/dkt3K5hpOy
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 19, 2023
The Clippers have been using Kawhi Leonard to restrict Kevin Durant, so Booker has been cooking the players the Clippers have been throwing at him.
We’re seeing the impact of Booker not facing the best defender in the series in this game.
— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) April 19, 2023
The Clips played well but were just out-shot by an incredible Booker performance.
So much of this is just absurd shotmaking from Devin Booker and the Suns.
— Justin W. (@LAClippersFilm) April 19, 2023
The heavy load that the Suns stars are playing under to pull out close wins is worrying fans.
Durant and Book gotta play over 40 mins a night for 2 months to win the chip..yikes.
— KenHeLive (@KenHeLive) April 19, 2023
The Suns Big 4 had a great game and their production made the difference tonight. Fans are excited to see this team find the rhythm and chemistry they need to be successful.
Chris really has his rhythm now. That, in tandem with 2nd half Ayton + this Booker & this Durant
The pieces ere rounding into form
They've all now shown up to the party, for the first time in unison
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) April 19, 2023
Devin Booker scored 38 points in a game-leading scoring performance, making tough shots to keep the Suns in it. Kevin Durant had 25 points while Torrey Craig chipped in with 17 and Chris Paul with 16. The Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard scoring 31 points and Russell Westbrook had a great 28-point outing.
Can The Clippers Protect Home Court?
The Suns have to play the next two games in Los Angeles as the Clippers will hope to take the lead after stealing a road win in Game 1. Paul George was ruled out for the entire series but recent workout clips have gotten fans optimistic about an earlier return. If PG is back in the mix, the Clippers will be dangerous.
Russell Westbrook’s form in the series has been phenomenal, as his offense picked up drastically after his Game 1 struggles. He maintained his defensive aggression, blocking Kevin Durant during the Clippers’ runs early in the game. If he can sustain this energy and hustle, the Clippers are in line to pull off an upset series win.
The Clippers will have to get more production from the pieces on their roster, as they lost this game despite the LA bench outscoring Phoenix 30-17. The top-heavy nature of Phoenix makes them super dangerous, and the Clippers need more consistent performances from starters like Eric Gordon to have a chance at protecting the series when it goes back to the Crypto.com Arena.
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