An overview of Tuesday’s NBA action, which saw the Phoenix Suns tie the Los Angeles Clippers in their series,

overview of Tuesday’s NBA action, which saw the Phoenix Suns tie the Los Angeles Clippers in their series,

An overview of Tuesday’s NBA action included the Phoenix Suns tying the Los Angeles Clippers in their series, the Boston Celtics extending their lead against the Atlanta Hawks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers winning at home against the New York Knicks.

Game 2 of an NBA basketball playoff first-round series takes place in Phoenix on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. In the second half of the game, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2). (Photo by Matt York/AP)

Following a devastating setback in Game 1, the Suns required a tenacious effort. They struggled to make baskets throughout the majority of the first half, and by the middle of the second quarter, they were behind by 13 points.

But they never gave up under Booker’s leadership.

The 26-year-old helped the Suns build a 92-87 lead heading into the fourth quarter by making a 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer to level the game. He also scored 18 points in the third quarter on 7 of 8 shooting. After the Clippers made multiple easy baskets in the second quarter, the defense also became better.

Everyone always talks about changes, and we make them,” Suns head coach Monty Williams stated. But occasionally, all it takes to play basketball is to be able to sit down, guard the ball, and prevent your man from running to the basket and attempting to block a shot.

In the last quarter, Phoenix never fell behind and gradually pulled away. With Durant on the court, it was their first victory in the playoffs. After he was traded from the Brooklyn Nets in February, the team went 8-0 in the regular season with the 13-time All-Star.

Game 3 of the series takes place on Thursday night in Los Angeles.

With 31 points, Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles following his 38 points in the first game. 28 more points were scored by Russell Westbrook on 9 of 16 shots.

“We are aware that this will be a challenging series,” Westbrook stated. “They returned and handled business for tonight.”

Booker had a fantastic shooting evening, making 14 of his 22 attempts, including 4 of his 7 three-pointers. Nine more assists were added by him. In addition, Deandre Ayton contributed 13 rebounds and 14 points (7 of 10 shooting). Chris Paul finished with 16 points and 8 assists, while Torrey Craig made 5 of 8 three-pointers and scored 17 points.

We made an attempt to blitz. We made an attempt to shoot. We took a number of different approaches, said Tyronn Lue, coach of the Clippers. “They performed brilliantly.”

FOSTER vs. PAUL

Tuesday, instead of dribbling a basketball, Paul’s greatest enemy was holding a whistle.

When referee Scott Foster was on the floor, the point guard’s personal 13-game postseason losing run was ended. Years have passed during the bitter rivalry, during which Paul has frequently criticized Foster.

“I was blind to it,” Paul admitted. “I believe the goal of this run is to minimize distractions for all of us. That’s the reality, and I have no doubt that it will persist.

CHANGING DEFENSES

A number of Suns players attributed the team’s sluggish start to the Clippers’ erratic defensive sets, which they blamed on the players and coaches.

Durant remarked, “They changed up their defense like every possession.” “They have the ability to double, triple, zone, and fully press the ball.” They are attempting to confuse us by using different coverages. I believe we did a decent job of solving it (in the end). Simply playing.

Clippers: Eight-time Superstar Paul George hasn’t played since March 21 due to a sprained knee. Phoenix’s 30-13 was outscored by L.A.’s bench. Leonard made 11 of his 20 field goals, three of which came from three-point range.

Suns: G Cam Payne hasn’t played in the series yet due to low back pain. Coach Monty Williams stated, “He’s simply not ready.” Although he has performed a great deal more floor work, there are still some motions that hurt him. … 76 games in a row, both regular season and postseason, were sold out.