Led by Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns advanced to the NBA Finals by beating the Clippers 130-103 on Wednesday and ending the series 4-2 in their favor at Staples Center in Los Angeles. It’s the first time the Suns have reached an NBA Finals since 1993.
“This is not our end, our end is to return the trophy to Phoenix,” said franchise owner Robert Sarver after the game, warning that they are going for the jackpot in the league finals.
The Clippers, who played their 15th game in 29 days, showed a fatigue that finally took its toll and with more than nine minutes on the clock they were 20 points behind.
“We didn’t want to play Game 7. We wanted to finish it today,” said Devin Booker, who had 22 points.
Paul scored 41, followed by Jae Crowder with 19. Deandre Ayton had a double-double with 16 points and 17 rebounds. “CP3” was a demon in the second half, against a defense of the Clippers that had no response, in addition to being constantly outscored in rebounds. Paul received the award of champion of the West thanked all the people of Los Angeles, city where he played from 2011 to 2017.
“I’m happy for all the people around me,” said Paul, who will finally have a shot at winning an NBA title in his illustrious 16-year career.
The Clippers couldn’t count on injured Ivica Zubac and Kawhi Leonard, both with knee injuries.
