Clippers bounce back with Game 3 win over Suns

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns, 106-92, to grab their first win in the NBA Western Conference Finals on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

Though the Clippers cut down their series deficit, the Suns still lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1.

Paul George led Los Angeles with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists while Reggie Jackson added 23, including some big shots in the fourth quarter.

Ivica Zubac added 15 points and 16 rebounds while Terance Mann chipped in with 12 points.

Deandre Ayton posted 18 points and nine rebounds to lead Phoenix. Devin Booker added 15 points and Chris Paul, playing for the first time this series, tallied 15 points and 12 ssists.

The Clippers surged ahead in the second half after George and Terance Mann scored 10 third quarter points apiece. They ended the third period with an 80-69 lead.

Some big plays from the Clippers bench allowed them to push that lead up to 18 points, 89-71, with 10:16 remaining.
But the Suns would battle back with 12 unanswered points, including two buckets from Deaandre Ayton, to come to within just six points, 89-83.

Jackson came up big, though, hitting back-to-back shots before George sank two free throws to make it 96-83. Phoenix kept battling, but Los Angeles had an answer for every shot in the last few minutes.

—JMB, GMA News