Phoenix (USA), Apr 28 (EFE) .- Veteran point guard Chris Paul shone in a special way and achieved a double-double of 28 points, including four triples, and distributed 10 assists that left him in front of the attack of the Phoenix Suns, who beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-101.
The victory allowed them to consolidate in second place in the Western Conference (44-18), stay just one game behind the leader, which is the Utah Jazz (45-17), and secure a place in the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons.
Along with Paul, the Hispanic guard Devin Booker also stood out in the attack, scoring 21 points that helped the Suns find a way to overcome the Clippers (43-21) who are still in third place in the Western Conference, now three Jazz games and two Suns games.
Phoenix was not at a disadvantage during this game. However, he had to work hard in the fourth quarter to stop Los Angeles’ attempted reaction.
The Suns took an 86-80 lead at the start of the final quarter. The Clippers came close to 93-92 at the half, but Paul hit three tough baskets to save Phoenix.
The 35-year veteran point guard continued to display excellent basketball in his 16th NBA season and his physical condition is the best in a decade. Paul made 10 of his 15 shots from the field and led the attack of the Suns, which caused that at the end of the game, the public asked a chorus that he be named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season.
Forward Paul George with a double-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three turnovers topped a list of the five Clippers starters who had double-digit numbers.
But the absences of forward Kawhi Leonard and Spanish Congolese center Serge Ibaka, due to injury, cost them their second consecutive loss after having a four-game winning streak.
(c) EFE Agency