Western Conference Finals Clippers vs Suns Game 5: Preview and Prediction

Today we will preview game 5 of the Western Conference Finals as the Phoenix Suns are just one win away from a trip to the NBA Finals, something they have not achieved since 1993. The Clippers are of course in trouble as they search for their first-ever trip to the NBA Finals. Let’s take a look at this game 5 matchup.

The Clippers have to shoot better

I know this is an obvious statement but Saturday night the Clippers offense was horrid. Outside of the third quarter where they scored 30 points the Clippers offense was non-existent. The Clippers averaged just 10 points a quarter the other three quarters. The Clippers this season were the most proficient three-point shooting team in history and only made 5 out of 31 three-point attempts in game 4. What changes can be made? That’s easy just make shots, the Clippers will not shoot like that again, I can say that because the last time they did shoot like that was way back in a game in December.

Paul George

Paul George has a shot here to take his game to the next level with Kwahi Leonard being hurt since game 4 of the Utah series, a lot more pressure is on Paul to perform. George has averaged 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists in 17 games played this postseason, shooting 42.5% from the field. George will have to be a playmaker and scorer for the rest of this series for the Clippers to have a chance to win three straight games.

The Suns cannot play with too much emotion

Phoenix can not let the moment get to them. Playing at home with a shot to go to the finals for the first time in 28 years means and crazy crowd and a ton of emotions will be flowing during this contest. If the Suns can keep a level head and not force everything they will have a good shot at advancing. Sometimes being the home team can do more harm than good for a team.

Prediction

The Clippers have proven in this series that they are a resilient bunch and this to me looks like a very close game. At the end of the day, I would take the Clippers +5.5, But I think the Suns when a close game. Suns 110  Clippers 108

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