Continuing to run through their opponents the Phoenix Suns defeated the L.A. Clippers during a head-to-head battle in a vicious Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton secured the win for the Suns by carrying on with their impressive postseason. Alongside this victory, they take a 2-0 series lead and head into Los Angeles with serious momentum for Game 3.
With just 8.2 seconds left in regulation, Paul George was given the opportunity to put the Clippers up by three with two routine foul shots. Unfortunately not being able to show up for his team, he missed both free throws which would be recovered by Phoenix; enabling them to develop a short strategy on how to come back from their one-point deficit. With just 0.8 of a second remaining Jae Crowder throws an inbound lob above the rim, right into the hands of Deandre Ayton who slammed it home for the crucial victory.
Ayton racked up a total of 24 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 12 of 15 from the floor. This would go a long way when adding it to Devin Booker’s 20 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and incredible defense and hustle throughout the entirety of the game.
Late in the third quarter, Booker and Patrick Beverley went down after a hard collision between both athletes’ heads. Booker’s nose appeared to be out of place and bleeding from just above the bridge while Beverley had only a small cut on his forehead. Both players were taken back to the locker room for a brief check-up before coming back less than 3 minutes ready to finish the game. Booker was given 2 stitches and sent back to the court to receive a standing ovation from home and Beverley was given ice and a headband to cover his open wound. It is safe to say tensions are high within both teams headed into a nerve-racking Game 3.