3 Clippers flaws exposed by the Suns in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals

Clippers can’t go small on Deandre Ayton

Against Utah, Los Angeles found success with a small-ball lineup. It didn’t work on Sunday night.

The difference was Deandre Ayton, who came away with 20 points on 10-of-14 shooting. He had nine rebounds and two assists.

Ayton presented a reliable option for Devin Booker, one the Clippers struggled to shut down. While they coped well facing Rudy Gobert, Ayton presents a different challenge.

Paul George acknowledged after the game that the Suns center “is a little bit more agile, a little bit more presence down low, better finisher than the bigs we faced.”

It’s clear the Clippers can’t get away with the same lineups that got them by the Jazz. Ivica Zuvac and DeMarcus Cousins may hold the key.

They’re missing Kawhi Leonard

Okay, let’s be real here. The Clippers miss Kawhi Leonard.

Yes, it was incredibly impressive how they rallied around Paul George in the final two games against Utah. Watching Terrence Mann go off in Game 6 was a joy. However, missing Leonard was always bound to catch up to LA.

The Clippers are a worse defensive team without Leonard. They won’t be able to sustain allowing 55.1 percent shooting from the field and 40.6 percent from three-point range.

They’re also more limited offense without Leonard’s scoring presence. Paul George still came away with 34 points while Reggie Jackson delivered 24. Only one Clippers’ player had double-digits, and that was Cousins off the bench with 11.

Mann was outstanding to end the Jazz series, but he was limited to nine points while taking just four shots. He went 3-of-3 from distance, so his shot is still good. He’s just not a developed enough player at this stage in his career to take over on a consistent basis.

The odds of winning the series without Leonard don’t look good.