Clippers: 3 reasons this 0-2 deficit vs. Suns is different
The LA Clippers are in another 0-2 hole, but this scenario is much different from before.
The LA Clippers could be considered the comeback kids of this year’s NBA playoffs so far. They’ve managed to escape the 0-2 hole two times, climbing back to defeat the Dallas Mavericks in seven games in the first round and the Utah Jazz in six games in the conference semifinals. Not much has changed in the Western Conference Finals, as the Clippers see themselves down 0-2 once again to the Phoenix Suns.
Given LA’s recent history of rebounding from two games down, their fans, coaches and players should still feel confident about their chances in the series, despite their circumstances. Pump the brakes on the overwhelming confidence though, as there are three reasons why this 0-2 deficit against the Suns is much different than the first two.
3. This Suns team is special and on a mission
Every year in the NBA, one team exceeds all expectations and has that “special something” about them that makes them destined for success. The Suns are that team this year, as they have played outstanding basketball all year long. Led by Devin Booker, Phoenix has proven that its play in the NBA bubble last season was no fluke. This team has an aura about them that makes them a unit everyone is rooting for to win.
On the court, the team is as good as they come. Booker is fourth among the remaining players in the postseason averaging 28.3 points per game, giving the Suns everything they need offensively. Deandre Ayton down low has grown into a force, making his presence known at the end of Game 2 with the game-winning “Valley-Oop.” Their offense has enough to keep up with the Clippers, and they aren’t even at full strength yet — more on that in a bit.
Defensively, the Suns have been one of the best teams in the NBA. Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges provide exceptional coverage on the perimeter, with Ayton being the anchor down low. They’ve made life hard for Paul George in the first two games, and he is going to get most of their defensive attention for the foreseeable future.
Some teams have one of those years where a championship seems like destiny, and the Suns seem to be on that path. If they continue to play well, with passion and just a hint of destiny on their side, it’ll be hard for the Clippers to get out of this 0-2 hole.