By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Los Angeles Clippers made sure that there would be no celebration on their court for the Phoenix Suns and the returning Chris Paul after dominating them in Game 3, 106-92, of the Western Conference Finals.
Devin Booker and the Valley boys were locked in after tip-off with their veteran leader back on the floor and even led by two points at the half, 48-46.
As the third quarter started, Terance Mann was once again the man for the Clippers after going on an 8-0 run of his own to quickly help Los Angeles regain the lead in the third quarter.
Deandre Ayton was consistent once again and punished the Clippers in the paint with 18 points and nine boards but the resilient Ivica Zubac matched his production and recorded his first double-double of the series with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
Zubac’s stellar performance served as a spark for the Clippers that ignited the whole team with Marcus Morris Sr. finding his shooting stroke and Reggie Jackson erupting once again when his team needed him.
In the final 12 minutes of action, it was all Clippers as the Suns played catch up the whole time and failed to tie or take the lead.
Paul George was once again terrific and did played an all-around game after tallying 27 huge points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists.
The returning Chris Paul had a rough and inefficient shooting night after draining just five of his 19 attempts to finish the game with 15 points and 12 assists.
