The Phoenix Suns’ incredible postseason win streak is finally over. The Los Angeles Clippers, after falling in stunning fashion in Game 2 on Tuesday night, rallied to pick up a commanding 106-92 win over the Suns on Thursday night at Staples Center.
The Game 3 win marked their organization’s first victory in the Western Conference finals, and snapped Phoenix’s nine-game win streak which dated back to its first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers.
It also was the third Game 3 win the Clippers have had this postseason after falling into an 0-2 series hole.
Chris Paul returned to the starting lineup Thursday after missing the Suns’ past two games due to the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocol. The time in isolation, it seems, took a bit of a toll on his game.
Paul went 0-of-6 from the field to start the game before he made a shot late in the second quarter. Devin Booker, who was forced to wear a mask after taking a shot to the face in Game 2, wasn’t any better. The duo shot a combined 4-of-20 from the field in the first half. Yet, the Suns somehow took a two-point lead into the locker room at halftime.