The Phoenix Suns have taken a commanding 2-0 lead and are now heading to Los Angeles for Game 3. The Clippers have been down 2-0 in both of the first two series and came back to win. With star Suns guard Chris Paul returning and Clippers star Kawhi Leonard still out, the Suns will be tough to beat.
Game 2 was an instant classic as the Suns won on a buzzer-beater lob to Deandre Ayton. After a strong start to the series, the Suns can punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. Paul will play a big part in the next two games but it will be up to Paul George to lead the Clippers back in the series.
Here are 5 bold Suns-Clippers predictions for Game 3 with Chris Paul back.
Five Suns-Clippers Predictions for Game 3
5. Reggie Jackson goes for 15 or more points
One of the most important players for the Clippers has been Jackson. He has elevated his game in the playoffs and been a key offensive player. Jackson went for 24 points in Game 1 and 19 in Game 2 showing his dynamic offensive ability. If the Clippers are going to come back in this series Jackson will need to have another good game.
4. Deandre Ayton has another 20 point double-double
In Game 2 Ayton was the hero as he had the game-winning dunk. While that play was great, Ayton was dominant throughout the entire game. He finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds on 80 percent shooting from the field. The Clippers like to run a small ball lineup but it has been exposed this series by Ayton.
šØ DEANDRE AYTON AT THE BUZZER šØpic.twitter.com/D1Q0DszOHb
ā ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 23, 2021
Look for Ayton to have another dominant performance in Game 3.
3. Devin Booker goes for 30 plus points
A superstar has emerged in Booker in these playoffs. He was known as an up-and-coming guard but has proved he is much more. In Game 1 Booker had his first career triple-double as he went for 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. He struggled a little bit in Game 2 as the Clippers started to double team and trap him. While the box score may not show it, Booker had just as much of an impact in Game 2.
He hit big shots down the stretch to help lead the Suns to victory. Look for Booker to goes for 30 plus points even with Paul back in the lineup.
2. Paul George has a bounce-back performance
Although the Clippers are missing Leonard they still have George to carry the load. He did his best in Game 1 but struggled down the stretch in Game 2. He missed 2 free throws at the end of the game allowing the Suns to get a game-winner. George will need to have a bounce-back performance in Game 3 as the Clippers will be without Leonard once again.
If George can assert himself early he will give the Clippers a chance in this series.
1. Chris Paul has a double-double in his return
Having an All-Star guard in Paul make a return to the lineup will only make the Suns better. They were already able to take the Clippers down in the first two games without him and he will only make the team tougher to defend. Paul is one of the best passers in the league and is a great mid-range scorer. Paul's abilities allow him to get a double-double especially when it matters most.
Look for this game to be a close one and Paul's return to making the Suns even better.
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