By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Paul George scored 27 points, Croatian big man Ivica Zubac had 15 points and tied his career playoff-high with 16 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 106-92 in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
The Clippers cut their series deficit to 2-1, ending the Suns‘ franchise-record playoff winning streak at nine games.
Kawhi Leonard remained out with a right knee sprain, however, the Clippers found the way to prevail with Zubac being a key asset on both sides of the floor and Reggie Jackson adding 23 points. French forward Nicolas Batum scored four points and dished three assists.
Chris Paul returned to action for the Suns after being sidelined since June 16 because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols. He had 15 points and 12 assists against his former team but was 5 of 19 from the field.
Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 18 points while Devin Booker added 15 points with just 5/21 FG. Croatian forward Dario Saric had two points and seven rebounds for the losing side.
Cameron Payne, who so ably filled in for Paul in the first two games, went down with a left ankle injury after playing four minutes and didn’t return.