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Phoenix Suns Outlast LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena in High-Scoring Affair

In a closely contested battle at the Crypto.com Arena, the Phoenix Suns emerged victorious over the LA Clippers with a final score of 129-124. The Suns' season record now stands at 45-37, while the Clippers fall to 44-38. Both teams displayed impressive offensive performances, but it was the Suns who managed to secure the win.


LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

The game was marked by several lead changes and both teams were tied five times throughout the contest. The Phoenix Suns showed remarkable resilience and offensive efficiency, leading for nearly 39 minutes of game time and achieving their biggest lead of 13 points. Their scoring was consistent across all four quarters with 27 points in each of the first two quarters followed by an explosive third quarter where they put up 40 points and finished strong with another 35 in the fourth.


The team's shooting accuracy played a significant role in their victory; they shot an overall field goal percentage of approximately 48 percent which included making ten out of twenty-seven three-point attempts, translating to a three-point shooting percentage of about 37 percent. Inside scoring was also key for them as they made more than half their attempts from within the paint.


LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20:  Russell Westbrook  #0 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Defensively, while both teams had similar numbers in blocks and steals—with Phoenix recording four blocks and twelve steals—the Suns excelled in rebounding with a total count of fifty-five rebounds compared to forty-six by their opponents. This advantage on the boards included fifteen offensive rebounds which contributed to fourteen second-chance points.


Key players for Phoenix stepped up when it mattered most; contributions came from all angles including eighteen bench points that added depth to their offense. The team also capitalized on turnovers effectively by scoring twenty-five points off turnovers committed by LA.


LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

On the other side, despite being outrebounded, LA Clippers showcased efficient shooting especially from two-point range where they made an impressive sixty-three percent of shots attempted. They also edged out Phoenix slightly in fast break performance with eighteen fast break points on seventy percent shooting during such opportunities.


As fans look ahead after this hard-fought win, attention turns towards future matchups for continued success this season. The next challenge for Phoenix will be against none other than these same LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena once again on April 22nd at noon Pacific Time (3 PM Eastern Time). Fans can catch this upcoming game live on TNT (channel:245), BSSC (channel:693), or BSAZ (channel:686) as part of national or local broadcasts respectively.

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