Suns Look to Even Series Against Clippers

The Phoenix Suns face the Los Angeles Clippers in game two in the first round of the NBA Playoffs Tuesday night, looking to even up the series at one game apiece.

Game One Recap

Los Angeles upset the Suns on Sunday night, winning game one 115-110. It was the Suns’ first loss with Kevin Durant, who was one rebound shy of a triple double in game one. Durant grabbed nine boards, scored 27 points and dished out 11 assists in the loss. Kawhi Leonard led both teams in scoring with 38, but perhaps the biggest takeaway was the defensive effort from Russell Westbrook.

Despite shooting 3-19 from the field, Westbrook showed up on the defensive end of the floor. Westbrook totaled two steals and three blocks, including a game-sealing block on Devin Booker with 12 seconds left.

RUSS LOCKED UP BOOK TO SEAL THE W FOR THE CLIPPERS 🔒 pic.twitter.com/YZBDmrlpEX

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 17, 2023

Game Two Preview

The Suns will be looking for a stronger performance from its bench in game two. Phoenix’s bench scored just 10 points in game one, a poor outing compared to the 34 points that the Clippers got from its reserves. Higher scoring from players coming off the bench will give the Suns a better chance in evening up the series. Postgame, Durant said in order for the bench to be more productive in the remainder of the series, they need to “be aggressive” and “make quick decisions.”

"Be aggressive, make quick decisions."

Kevin Durant on bench, as #Suns managed just 10 bench points in Game 1 loss to #ClipperNation . pic.twitter.com/yXqcRxycRf

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 17, 2023

The Suns will also be searching for ways to get Durant more involved down the stretch. In game one, he took only one shot in the final six minutes of play. Head coach Monty Williams will be exploring ways to get one of the top scorers in the league more opportunities.

“We can create some more environments for him to live freely,” he said.

Monty Williams talked about finding ways to get Kevin Durant the ball more after he took only one shot in the last 6 minutes of #Suns loss to #Clippers. pic.twitter.com/dALAQSfZAe

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 17, 2023

With Clippers star Paul George likely to miss the entirety of the first round, Leonard stepped up offensively in game one with his 38-point effort. Suns forward Torrey Craig knows that the Suns will need to find a way to slow Leonard down in order to have a chance in the series. Craig also commented that he thinks Leonard got away with some travels in game one. Nonetheless, he noted that players have to go above and beyond when guarding Leonard.

"Looking back on it, he made a lot of tough shots. A lot of tough shots. Got away with a couple travels. But nah, he's a great player. Just contesting him is not good enough."

Torrey Craig on defending Kawhi Leonard in Game 1. pic.twitter.com/Duv3Q3IhmI

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 17, 2023

Game two is set to tipoff at 10 p.m. at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

The series will move to Crypto.com Arena for games three and four on Thursday and Saturday.