Western Conference Round 1, Game 3: Suns (1-1) @ Clippers (1-1), Thurs 4/20/23

[Superbone]

Time: 7:30 pm AZ (7:30 pm PT / 10:30 pm ET)
Place: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: BSAZ, NBATV

The Suns punched back in game two and are looking to deliver a body blow in game three. Devin Armani Booker looks to keep it rolling after his masterful performance in game two. Let's see what new wrinkles master strategist Tyron Lue throws at us this game.

‪https://www.nba.com/gamenotes/clippers.pdf
‪https://www.nba.com/gamenotes/suns.pdf

Go Suns!!!

Dis • cuss

[Nodack]

Aggression.

[Flagrant Fowl]

For all the hand winging about Scott Foster going into Game 2, I actually liked how most of the game was officiated from a physicality standpoint. I don't expect Ayton to loaf around the paint again so we should be good attacking Zubac/Plumlee as long as Ayton's not in foul trouble. OTOH, if the crew is going to be strict in the paint, then the same should apply to the perimeter where the Clippers have been really grabby off of the ball.

I'm interested to see what kind of defensive counter Ty Lue has schemed up. I can all but guarantee the Suns aren't going to shoot the absurd percentage again in this game. Maybe again later in the series, but I don't think it'll happen twice in a row. Maybe they'll try a small ball box-in-one with Kawhi in the free roam spot and length on the perimeter?

[Sunsfan4life]

Can we talk about how stupid the NBA is to put this game on NBATV? Not only that but at the same time as warriors/kings?? Good lord ..one of these should have been moved to Weds or Friday and put 1 of the crappy 1-8s on NBATV...why put 2 of the 3 most popular series on at the same time...it's not rocket science silver..what a gaffe (and I get NBATV)

[Mori Chu]

I'm interested to see what kind of defensive counter Ty Lue has schemed up. I can all but guarantee the Suns aren't going to shoot the absurd percentage again in this game. Maybe again later in the series, but I don't think it'll happen twice in a row. Maybe they'll try a small ball box-in-one with Kawhi in the free roam spot and length on the perimeter?

The adjustment everybody has been anticipating is for the Clips to stop using drop coverage against our good shooters. I think we'll probably have a lot tougher shooting night tonight.

[Mori Chu]

Can we talk about how stupid the NBA is to put this game on NBATV? Not only that but at the same time as warriors/kings?? Good lord ..one of these should have been moved to Weds or Friday and put 1 of the crappy 1-8s on NBATV...why put 2 of the 3 most popular series on at the same time...it's not rocket science silver..what a gaffe (and I get NBATV)

A travesty. We should have had another day off, due to the PHX -> LA travel.

[MightyMoog]

I get the gripes about the TV schedule. But extra days off would only help the Clippers in this series.

[Carno]

I'm interested to see what kind of defensive counter Ty Lue has schemed up. I can all but guarantee the Suns aren't going to shoot the absurd percentage again in this game. Maybe again later in the series, but I don't think it'll happen twice in a row. Maybe they'll try a small ball box-in-one with Kawhi in the free roam spot and length on the perimeter?

The adjustment everybody has been anticipating is for the Clips to stop using drop coverage against our good shooters. I think we'll probably have a lot tougher shooting night tonight.

The Clippers similarly played drop coverage during our series a couple of years ago. I don't believe they ever really went away from it. They may be more concerned about leaving the centers on an island against Book and KD.

[LazarusLong]

Haven't seen Morris yet. I wonder if Lue uses him instead of Batum, who's been largely ineffective.

[wpmiller42]

I'm interested to see what kind of defensive counter Ty Lue has schemed up. I can all but guarantee the Suns aren't going to shoot the absurd percentage again in this game. Maybe again later in the series, but I don't think it'll happen twice in a row. Maybe they'll try a small ball box-in-one with Kawhi in the free roam spot and length on the perimeter?

The adjustment everybody has been anticipating is for the Clips to stop using drop coverage against our good shooters. I think we'll probably have a lot tougher shooting night tonight.

The Clippers similarly played drop coverage during our series a couple of years ago. I don't believe they ever really went away from it. They may be more concerned about leaving the centers on an island against Book and KD.

I think if the Clips stop using drop coverage, that plays to our advantage I think? That probably forces Zubac to commit to Ayton or a weakside cutter who could very well be Booker or KD, or they're going to have to play a tight man and I'll take Booker and KD facing straight up man all day.

[Uncle_Gene]

I want Durant to be aggressive from the start.

Don't wait, impose your will early.

[AmareIsGod]

I want Durant to be aggressive from the start.

Don't wait, impose your will early.

He did that game 2. Hope he sticks with it.

[Superbone]

Aggression.

An eye for an eye.

[Superbone]

Can we talk about how stupid the NBA is to put this game on NBATV? Not only that but at the same time as warriors/kings?? Good lord ..one of these should have been moved to Weds or Friday and put 1 of the crappy 1-8s on NBATV...why put 2 of the 3 most popular series on at the same time...it's not rocket science silver..what a gaffe (and I get NBATV)

A travesty. We should have had another day off, due to the PHX -> LA travel.

Yeah, that hour trip... Hoo boy!

[Superbone]

Can we talk about how stupid the NBA is to put this game on NBATV? Not only that but at the same time as warriors/kings?? Good lord ..one of these should have been moved to Weds or Friday and put 1 of the crappy 1-8s on NBATV...why put 2 of the 3 most popular series on at the same time...it's not rocket science silver..what a gaffe (and I get NBATV)

Yep, two best series in the whole first round. I'll be watching both for sure. Good thing for DVRs.

[Superbone]

Haven't seen Morris yet. I wonder if Lue uses him instead of Batum, who's been largely ineffective.

Love the avatar, Laz! Not too many people like him in my life that aren't family.

[Superbone]

I want Durant to be aggressive from the start.

Don't wait, impose your will early.

Yup, no more deferring. I like the ball in his hands.

[Superbone]

[JeremyG]

I get the gripes about the TV schedule. But extra days off would only help the Clippers in this series.

How so?

And now we basically have a back-to-back in the playoffs--7:30 pm tonight and 12:30 pm on Saturday!

[JeremyG]

Well this changes everything.