PHOENIX— The Clippers are officially heading to the playoffs after taking down the Suns, 105-92.
The first quarter set the tone for the entire game as the Clippers outscored the Suns 37-10.
The Clippers led by as much as 37 points and were able to withstand a late rally from the Suns in the second half.
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were unavailable, so the Clippers turned towards Russell Westbrook for production.
Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists.
“Regardless of whatever the team needs, that’s what I’m here for, lead for whatever the coaches need me to do,” Russell Westbrook said. “It’s been a long year, and we’re just getting started.”
Westbrook gave the Clippers the advantage in both the assists and rebounding battle.
Westbrook had 15 of the Clippers’ 28 total assists, which was more than the Suns’ 11 total assists.
The Clippers received great rebounding efforts from Westbrook, Zubac and Mann.
These three players accumulated 38 rebounds on the night. Which was the same total that the entire Suns team had.
The 63 rebounds from the Clippers helped Los Angeles dominate the tempo of the game.
Despite the loss, Royce O’Neal recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Suns.
The victory keeps the Clippers at the fourth seed with a 51-28 record. One more victory against the Suns will lock up homecourt advantage for the Clippers.
A rematch between the Clippers and Suns will take place tonight in Los Angeles. Playoff implications are on the line for both teams.
