PHOENIX, AZ — With just 36 hours of rest for the Los Angeles Clippers who overcame a grueling battle against the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the Western Conference semi-finals, the team traveled to Phoenix to face a rested and a Chris Paul-less Suns team.
George once again led the team as he traded baskets with Devin Booker in the first quarter, but the team could not hang on and grab a win in the Valley of the Sun on Sunday. The Clippers were without their star for the third straight game in Kawhi Leonard due to a right knee sprain.
George had another amazing third quarter where he scored 15 points after the getting a lift in the second quarter by the second quarter led by Boogie Cousins who finished with 11 points. The Clippers fell behind 76-68 in the third yet George scored eight consecutive points that tied the game.
“We got to figure out how to counter, which we will, figure out another game plan,” George told reporters. “I think this was a good feel out game to see adjustments.”
The Clippers have improved in significantly in the playoffs is the ability to be aggressive and get to the free throw line. They were attempting 19.3 per game during the regular season. Despite getting approximately 23 attempts per game during the playoffs, however only attempted 17 during this game.
Reggie Jackson finished with 24 points and Terance Mann added nine points in 27 minutes.
The Clippers look to grab a win in Game 2 on Tuesday night at 6PM PT in Phoenix, Arizona.
