Shorthanded Clippers drop Game 3 versus hot Suns team

Even without Kawhi Leonard or Paul George, the Clippers put up a valiant effort on Thursday night against the Suns. It wasn't enough, however, as they fell in Game 3, 129-124, and trail the series 2-1.

Multiple teams have had stars miss time during the first week of the postseason but Los Angeles was the first to take a loss because of it.
Golden State's Draymond Green was suspended for Game 3 against Sacramento after stomping on Domantas Sabonis. Milwaukee small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) and Memphis point guard Ja Morant (hand) both missed Game 2s in their respective series.

In those instances, the Warriors, Bucks and Grizzlies were able to overcome their stars' absences. The Clippers, already without Paul George, had no such luck despite strong games from Norman Powell (42 points) and Russell Westbrook (30 points).

But the Suns can't be overlooked just because their opponent was shorthanded. After all, the Kings, Heat and Lakers failed to capitalize in each of their series. Instead of following suit, they proved why oddsmakers have them marked as the favorite to win the Western Conference.

On a roster with future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Chris Paul, it was Devin Booker, the longest-tenured member of the Suns, who led the team with 45 points.

He was a factor all-round, finishing the game with seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, two blocks and zero turnovers while shooting 62 percent from the field on 29 attempts. He was able to get whatever he wanted, from wherever he wanted, as this fadeaway three from the corner in the third demonstrates.