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3 Reggie Jackson was clutch vs Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns made one last rally in the fourth quarter, rattling off 12 straight points which the LA Clippers had no answer to. But a 5-0 run by the Clippers, all by Reggie Jackson on a fastbreak layup and a 3-pointer, stopped the Suns from completing their comeback.
The 31-year-old LA Clippers guard scored 10 points in the final period, most of them coming in the final six and a half minutes.
#4 Ivica Zubac outplayed Deandre Ayton
Ivica Zubac was dominated by Deandre Ayton during the first two games. The LA Clippers star also allowed the Phoenix Suns big man to get the game-winning alley-oop in Game 2. But Zubac came up big in Game 3 to help his side secure a victory.
The LA Clippers center was more active on offense and defense this time around. He consistently cleaned the glass and converted on a couple of attempts at the rim despite Ayton’s presence. Zubac finished with 15 points, including nine at the line, 16 rebounds and two blocks.
#5 Tyronn Lue’s adjustments
Tyronn Lue mixed things up again with a third lineup change in as many games. The LA Clippers coach went to a small lineup to start the game with only Zubac as the true big man, similar to the Phoenix Suns who play Jae Crowder at the 4-spot.
Jackson and Beverley were the guards while Terance Mann and Paul George were Lue's forwards. This allowed the LA Clippers to run more and make more plays with four players who could create shots and they led 29-21 after one quarter.
In the fourth, he had Mann, Paul George, Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris Sr. and Luke Kennard on the court. They would drive down the lane and kick out on offense before finding a seam that they could exploit in the Phoenix Suns defense. The result was a double-digit win for the Clippers and their first in the conference finals.
This LA Clippers win was as much about Lue’s adjustments as much as it was about his players doing their jobs.
