"Going to give me a heart attack" - NBA fans cannot wait for the second half of LA Clippers against Phoenix Suns

NBA fans couldn't get enough of what just happened in the first 24 minutes of Game 2 between the LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns. End-to-end action and mini-runs from both teams ended the half tied at 59 all.

Superstars from both teams came to play in Game 2 of the first-round series. Kawhi Leonard had 16 points while Russell Brook finished the first half with 17. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker answered with 16 and 17 points, respectively as well.

The LA Clippers started Game 2 like they finished Game 1, comfortably and consistently dissecting the Phoenix Suns' defense. Phoenix fell behind by 13 points in the second quarter that had the once rowdy crowd fidgeting in their seats.

Phoenix's stars, however, came through. Durant, Booker, Paul and even Torrey Craig caught up with the Clippers and tied the game heading into the halftime break.

Rusell Westbrook blocks Kevin Durant again

Like in Game 1, Russell Westbrook hasn't shied away from guarding Kevin Durant when switched on him. He blocked one of Durant's shots in the series opener and had another one early in the first quarter of Game 2.

The LA Clippers wanted to be aggressive in defending Durant. It showed with how he left his man wide open to go after his former OKC Thunder teammate.

The Phoenix Suns weren't hesitant to see "Russ" hounding Durant. Whether it was in the post, the elbow or behind the arc, KD had the advantage. Westbrook, however, had to be credited for trying to make the "Slim Reaper" work hard for his shots.

Russell Westbrook wasn't the only LA Clippers superstar who aggressively went after Kevin Durant. Kawhi Leonard guarded KD the same way and even stole the ball away from him for a break-away layup.

The LA Clippers' defensive strategy partly worked on Durant as he missed all four of his attempts from behind the arc. Still, the former MVP was 10-19 from the field and finished with 25 points.

With all the attention on Durant, the Phoenix Suns turned to Devin Booker to bail them out. "Book" tallied a game-high 38 points and also controlled the game with his playmaking, finishing with nine assists.

Booker's three-pointer tied the game after 24 minutes and led the Suns' surge in the third quarter with 18 points. Phoenix made timely baskets in the fourth period to hold off the Clippers' last-ditch effort to win the game.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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