Three Takeaways From Suns' Game 4 Win vs Clippers

The Phoenix Suns are up 3-1 in their series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Here's three takeaways from Game 4.
Three Takeaways From Suns' Game 4 Win vs Clippers
Three Takeaways From Suns' Game 4 Win vs Clippers /
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The Phoenix Suns are now in a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Clippers after a 112-100 dominant win over the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday.

It was a game that featured plenty of ups and downs for both sides, as both Phoenix and Los Angeles took double-digit leads at one point.

Now, the Clippers hope to extend the series past a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday while the Suns would love to wrap things up in the friendly walls of the Footprint Center.

With the first period of multiple days of rest in the series, both sides will look to take advantage of the time off and bring their best to finish the series.

Three Takeaways From Suns' Game 4 Win vs Clippers

LA Won't Go Down Easily

The Clippers have been down Paul George to begin the series before losing Kawhi Leonard the last two games. Los Angeles were already underdogs heading into the series against a Suns team that featured Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, but injuries even further buried the Clippers' chances in the view of the public.

However, the Clippers have managed to still play tremendously hard under head coach Tyronn Lue. Don't let the 3-1 series lead fool you: Nothing has been relatively close to easy for a stacked Suns starting lineup this far. Russell Westbrook has found his old form. Role players have stepped up. If fully healthy, this Clippers team would be something.

Yet hypotheticals don't win games, and the Suns are likely to move on to the second round. However, the Clippers have earned the respect of nearly everybody for their fight this series.

Chris Paul Flashes Old Form

Suns point guard Chris Paul really hasn't had to flash his scoring abilities, especially with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker next to him. Paul- set to turn 38 soon - has often been criticized for his play, whether that be his lack of aggression or scoring in general.

Entering the fourth quarter with just seven points yesterday, Paul managed to take things upon himself by scoring 12 clutch points down the stretch of the final period of play. Just when things looked as if the Clippers could threaten their way back into the game, Paul would either slice his way to the basket, nail a three-pointer or even hitting a ridiculous shot at the buzzer.

Paul flashed that Point God ability reminiscent of his time in New Orleans, and the Suns will need more of that as they crawl deeper into the postseason.

Bench Blues Continue

The Suns continue to be heavily reliant on their star-studded lineup, though it's hard not to when you have Paul, Booker and Durant on the floor.

However, part of Monty Williams' problem is the lack of production he's received from the bench. Game 4 saw just nine points from Phoenix's rotation players while LA - filling two spots in their starting lineup for George/Leonard - still managed to score 26 bench points.

Landry Shamet continues to get great cardio in while giving nothing in the scoring department. The Suns clearly need Cameron Payne back on the court sooner rather than later.

Bismack Biyombo doesn't provide a ton of scoring prowess himself, but at least he's a very elite shot-blocker and overall rim protector. Josh Okogie has progressively earned more minutes after seeing his starting position handed over to Torrey Craig and has given arguably the best sign of life out of the group.

We're in the postseason, so starters will play heavier minutes than normal. However, championship teams are able to rely on their secondary unit when called upon, and that simply isn't a luxury the Suns have at the moment. 


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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!