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The LA Clippers failed to tie a series for the first time in the 2021 NBA playoffs, after losing 80-84 in Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. The Suns will now host the Clippers in Phoenix in what could be a closeout game in the Western Conference Finals.
Although it was a wire-to-wire game for the Phoenix Suns, the LA Clippers came close to taking the lead on several occasions in the fourth quarter. Both teams fought hard and endured scoring droughts of about four minutes because of intense defending at both ends of the court.
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Paul George's struggles at the free-throw line might have cost the LA Clippers the game, as he failed to convert clutch free-throws with under 15 seconds in the game. Although hope was restored after DeMarcus Cousins was fouled in an attempt to grab an intentional miss, Cousins failed to hit the rim on his second free-throw attempt to give the Clippers a chance at a 3-point play.
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It was an inspirational comeback from the LA Clippers, who fought back from a 16-point deficit with an impressive third-quarter display. The Phoenix Suns managed the game better, though, thanks to Chris Paul's experience and control coming into play.
On that note, here are five reasons why the Phoenix Suns won against the LA Clippers in Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals.
#1 The Phoenix Suns shot the ball well from the free-throw line
The Phoenix Suns won this game on the free-throw line because one missed throw could have cost them the game late in the fourth quarter. If the LA Clippers had shot better from the line, perhaps they could have forced overtime.
DeAndre Ayton was perfect from the line for the Phoenix Suns, but Paul and Devin Booker combined for three misses in the game. However, the LA Clippers finished the game with 65.6% free-throw shooting, with most of their misses coming from George.
#2 The Phoenix Suns outclassed the LA Clippers on the offensive glass
The LA Clippers opted to play small on several occasions and were punished for it. DeAndre Ayton made sure to pile on the rebounds, as nine of his 22 total rebounds were offensive boards. The Phoenix Suns grabbed 17 offensive rebounds in total, which was two more than the Clippers'.
The Phoenix Suns made sure to make their rebounding count, as they created 13 second-chance points with their diligent work on the offensive glass. Although the LA Clippers grabbed 15, they were not put to good use, as they mustered only seven second-chance points.
#3 The Phoenix Suns protected the paint better
The Phoenix Suns did a tremendous job collapsing their defense and forcing the LA Clippers to attempt outside shots. Ayton made things difficult for the LA Clippers, as he did not allow any easy layups throughout the game.
To limit the LA Clippers to only 36 points in the paint, the Phoenix Suns made four steals and a whopping eight blocks in the game. While Devin Booker put his quick hands to good use to register two steals, Ayton used his height, length and wit to make four blocks in the game.
#4 The LA Clippers were horrible from the 3-point land
Considering how close the game ended, it makes one wonder what could have been had the LA Clippers been more accurate from behind the arc. Both teams shot poorly from the 3-point range, but the Phoenix Suns were a tad better in that regard.
Seeing such horrible displays from teams in the conference finals despite getting there because of their efficiency from beyond the arc is appalling. It seems like both teams played with jitters and were overly cautious in the game.
Marcus Morris, who was in the starting lineup because of his accuracy from range, failed to deliver as he went 0 of 3 from downtown. Although he sustained a minor knock earlier in the series, he seemed to be moving fine. Booker was also unable to convert from distance, as he went 0 of 5 in the game.
The Phoenix Suns were the wiser in the end, as they limited their 3-point attempts and focused on high percentage shots. Chris Paul delivered on that front with his elbow jumpers and alley-loop dunks for the Phoenix Suns' big man. The LA Clippers shot 5 of 31 (16.1%) from the 3-point range, while the Suns went 5 of 20 (20%).
#5 Better coaching
It would be unfair to end this list without giving kudos to Monty Williams and his exceptional plays. While the players are expected to execute, Williams has shown time and time again that he can read the game and make adjustments for the Phoenix Suns.
However, it is worth stating that Tyronn Lue is also an amazing coach. He has brought the LA Clippers this far for the first time in franchise history. Lue has an opportunity to better Williams and keep his team in the contest, as Game 5 gets underway in 48 hours.
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