Game recognizes game and Devin Booker showed that when he praised Patrick Beverley for his defensive efforts in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. The Los Angeles Clippers took care of business, beating the Phoenix Suns to cut the distance to 2-1.
Booker wore a mask to protect his nose, which people blamed for his poor performance in that game. The player praised Beverley’s defensive performance, saying he doesn’t miss a chance to try to get under your skin while pressuring you throughout the game.
After scoring 15 points on 5-of-21 shooting in the Clippers’ 106-92 win, Booker explained it was Beverley’s fault that he didn’t have the best game (0:26).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxoMKv0UKDI
“He’s ultra-aggressive. He’s denying, limiting touches,” Booker said, via The Athletic. “He has one objective out there, and we understand that. I feel like other things should open up, and we have to look at the film and see what’s open and see what we can get.”
Devin Booker in the Clippers series
Guarded by Patrick Beverley:
— 4-15 FG (26.7%)
— 0-2 3P
Guarded by everyone else:
— 19-41 (46.3%)
— 5-15 3P
Not bad for a guy running around doing nothing. pic.twitter.com/9iD1UUBU3M
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 25, 2021
Book will try to bounce back in Game 4, hoping to have more help from Chris Paul, who didn’t look like himself in the prior duel. The Clippers are a dangerous team when they are 0-2 down and they already won the first game after reaching that point.
The Suns should be careful of this team, even if they don’t have Kawhi Leonard. Beverley has understood the assignment and Book needs to make the adjustments if he wants to take his team to the Finals.
