Mistakes by the Suns cost them Game 5,116-102

Phoenix, AZ- The Suns could not close out the series against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5.

With a chance to finish off the Clippers and to advance to the NBA Finals, the Suns struggled to find their offense early on. Within the first three minutes of the game, Phoenix had three turnovers, which sprung a 13-5 run for the Clippers. Devin Booker and Chris Paul started to come alive in the quarter and got the Suns within six, but the Clippers ended the first on a 12-4 run to go back up double digits.

Early in the second quarter, the Suns had trouble stopping DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins had 10 points in his first six minutes of play. The Suns' offense started rolling midway in the quarter with Cameron Payne, Booker, and Cameron Johnson hitting shots from behind the arc. Phoenix was shooting around 57% form behind the arc and once again got within two points late in the half, but the Clippers went on a 10-3 run to close out the quarter. At the end of the break, Phoenix was down seven, 59-52.

For the first time in the game, the Suns took the lead at the eight minute mark of the third, but Paul George started to come alive. George hit three consecutive shots and put his team back up in double figures at the end of the quarter.

Booker started to heat up at the start of the fourth. After being down 12, Booker hit three consecutive shots to cut the margin down to seven at the nine minute mark. Crucial turnovers and missed assignments late in the game by the Suns, sparked 10-2 run started by Reggie Jackson and crew. The Clippers went on to win and fight another day.

Booker finished with 31 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds.