5 things LA Clippers must do to avoid a sweep against Phoenix Suns in 2021 NBA Playoffs

#3 The LA Clippers have to stop the Phoenix Suns' backcourt duo

Devin Booker (#1) and Chris Paul (#3) of the Phoenix Suns

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.

Chris Paul has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols and "intends" to return for Game 3 of the WCF after missing the first two games, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/6gJOJVayH5

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 23, 2021

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.

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#4 The LA Clippers need to shoot better from the free-throw line

Paul George (#13) of the LA Clippers attempts a free throw.

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.

Paul George 3Paul George AST Zubac 2Kennard 2Paul George FTPaul George FTPaul George 2Paul George 2that’s how LA’s scoring possessions went in the final 3 minutes of Game 2.....and then he missed both.still just so stunning how quick everything he built burnt down.

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 23, 2021

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.

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#5 Improve their 3-point shooting

Marcus Morris Sr. (#8) of the LA Clippers

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.