5 reasons why Phoenix Suns won 84-80 against LA Clippers in Game 4 of Western Conference Finals | 2021 NBA Playoffs

#3 The Phoenix Suns protected the paint better

Paul George (#13) of the LA Clippers drives between Deandre Ayton (#22) and Devin Booker (#1) of the Phoenix Suns

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.

Deandre Ayton is having one of the best games of his life. Dominant defense in the paint, altering everything. And doing all that’s asked of him on offense—screening, rolling, finishing. The turnaround jumper could be a preview of his future with the Suns. pic.twitter.com/aHYbFgmvVJ

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 27, 2021

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.

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#4 The LA Clippers were horrible from the 3-point land

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

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%).

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#5 Better coaching

Head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns

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.

Monty Williams cited the Clippers' ability to switch as part of the reason for the Suns' 3-point woes in this series so far. "I hope that we shoot the ball better, but I hope that our defense continues to hold form the way that it did tonight."

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) June 27, 2021

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.