Suns takes the lead in WC finals
Devin Booker delivered a 40-point triple-double as Phoenix Suns shook off some playoff rust to beat the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers 120-114 in the opening game of the Western Conference finals here on Sunday.
Booker also had 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his first career triple-double as the Suns won despite the absence of all-star guard Chris Paul, who has been quarantining due to the NBA’s Covid-19 health and safety protocols.
Deandre Ayton scored 20 points while Mikal Bridges (14 points), Jae Crowder (13 points) and Cameron Johnson (12 points) also chipped in for the Suns.
For the Clippers, Paul George scored 34 points, Reggie Jackson had 24 points and DeMarcus Cousins added 11 points off the bench.
Man with a mission
“I’m just going out there to win every game possible,” said Booker. “I’ve been saying this since the start of the playoffs — every next game is the biggest game.”
This is an unexpected NBA final four match-up between two franchises trying to cap their storybook seasons by winning their first titles. The Clippers have never been to the Conference finals before and the Suns last made it in 2010.
