5 Things LA Clippers need to do in Game 5 against Phoenix Suns to avoid elimination from the 2021 NBA Playoffs 

#3 Grab defensive boards

Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Four

The LA Clippers need to use their size against the Phoenix Suns to their advantage and deprive them of grabbing offensive boards in the match. So far, the Suns have been claiming a whopping 10.5 offensive boards per game and have used the extra possession to their advantage with much more efficiency.

The Phoenix Suns are undersized compared to the LA Clippers. They only have Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder and Deandre Ayton, who can match the size and strength of the Clippers, who have the likes of George, Zubac, and Batum.

#2 Attack the paint

The LA Clippers tend to settle for jump shots early on in the game, even if they are not able to convert. Yes, three-point shooting has been their biggest strength, but they must try to attack the interior defense of the Phoenix Suns more to have better opportunities to score.

They struggled to shoot the ball well in the first half of the last match and should have ideally attacked the paint to gain more scoring opportunities. They did that in the third quarter, though, and outscored the Suns 30-19. They also went to the foul-line 11 times in that period, three more times than the opening two quarters combined.

Despite finding success in the third quarter by being aggressive in the paint, the LA Clippers did not follow that scheme in the fourth quarter. As a result, they shot just 3-of-19 from the floor and went 0-for-12 with the opportunity to score a game-tying or go-ahead basket.

#1 Move the ball better on offense

The LA Clippers have one of the best offensive units in the league, which is also a major reason why they were able to topple the Utah Jazz despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard.

They had to move the ball more and create scoring opportunities for each other in rough patches during a game without him. They will have to try and do just that instead of rushing into making contested shots.

The LA Clippers are averaging just 18.5 assists per game compared to the Phoenix Suns' 23.5, something they should take into consideration during their next match. It will give them the added advantage of not letting the Suns' defense settle and allow them a better chance of making transition plays.