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The LA Clippers will host the Phoenix Suns in Game 3 of their 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals. Down 2-0, the Clippers will look to turn things around at the Staples Center.
It has taken an intense effort frpm the LA Clippers to reach their first conference finals in franchise history. Despite previously overturning a 2-0 deficit in the 2021 NBA playoffs, the Clippers will need to be wary, as they might head into Game 3 without Kawhi Leonard for the first time in the playoffs.
The Phoenix Suns are playing without veteran Chris Paul, who has been an anchor since his arrival this season. In his absence, the team has continued to flourish, starting the conference finals on an incredible note.
While both teams have a lot to prove in this series, it will be very disappointing for the LA Clippers if they are swept in their first crack at becoming the conference champions. Monty Williams has shown that he is adept in setting up his team, which suggests that overcoming the Phoenix Suns might be a difficult proposition.
However, here are five things the LA Clippers must do to avoid getting swept by the Phoenix Suns in the conference finals.
#1 The LA Clippers need to protect the paint better
The Phoenix Suns have had free runs at the rim in both games in the series. Although the LA Clippers are missing a superb rim protector in Serge Ibaka, someone needs to step up and protect the paint.
The number of points the Phoenix Suns have scored in the paint in this series has been ridiculous. The LA Clippers are being buried in the paint, and that has turned from bad to worse.
The Phoenix Suns put 54 points past the LA Clippers in Game 1 and 60 in Game two, recording two of their highest point tallies in the paint so far in this series. While those are noteworthy milestones for the Suns, they have shown the Clippers where their problem lies.
#2 The LA Clippers' bench needs to continue outscoring the Phoenix Suns' bench
Terrence Mann secured a starting lineup position following his dominating 39-point night to lead the LA Clippers to a 131-119 win against the Utah Jazz in the conference semifinals to close out the series. However, a poor display from Mann in Game 1 against the Phoenix Suns saw him relegated to the bench in Game 2.
Although the LA Clippers' bench has done a decent job so far in the series, the quality of talent on their roster could do a lot more damage against the Suns. Rajon Rondo is known to get hot in the playoffs, but the veteran guard is yet to show that side of his game.
#3 The LA Clippers have to stop the Phoenix Suns' backcourt duo
Devin Booker has been the most threatening player for the Phoenix Suns against the LA Clippers, despite immense contributions from his team members.
His importance to the team was on full display in the Suns' narrow 104-103 win in Game 2. Booker set a hard screen against Ivan Zubac to enable DeAndre Ayton to get to the rim and finish with 0.9 seconds left on the clock.
If the LA Clippers hope to turn things around in this game, they need to pay more attention in contending with Booker. The Clippers had a better opportunity defending him, as he was the most lethal player in the Phoenix Suns lineup. With Chris Paul's return imminent, it could be a more difficult task defending the league's best backcourt duo.
#4 The LA Clippers need to shoot better from the free-throw line
The LA Clippers lost Game 2 because they failed to convert at the charity stripe, plain and simple. Paul George missed three of his four free throws with 8.2 seconds left on the clock.
If he had converted at least one of them, the Phoenix Suns would have attempted a 3-point to win the game or settle for a deuce to force overtime.
Overall, the LA Clippers shot 18/24 (75%) in Game 2, which was a decline in their conversion rate compared to that in Game 1 (82.4%). If the Clippers are to avoid a sweep against the Phoenix Suns, they will need to do a better job shooting from the free-throw line, as they are skilled in creating contact.
#5 Improve their 3-point shooting
The LA Clippers have the talent to hurt the Phoenix Suns from range but have not been able to do so thus far in this series. Both teams traded blow for blow in Game 1 from beyond the arc, with similar 3-point shooting percentages.
Although they had a better conversion rate in Game 2, the Clippers were still not as productive as they are known to be. Marcus Morris had an exceptional Game 7 against the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, going 7 of 9 from downtown. He will need to get as hot against the Phoenix Suns to help his team avoid an embarrassing sweep in this series.
