Western Conference Recaps, April 18: Kevin Durant and Devin Booker Led Phoenix Suns Past Los Angeles Clippers

After a disappointing Game 1, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker made sure the Phoenix Suns redeemed themselves to stay alive in the series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Booker scored 38 points to lead the Suns to a 123-109 victory. He contributed in other ways by getting his teammates involved, racking up nine assists.

“He's an all-around player,” Durant said. “He can do everything at an elite level on a basketball court.”

Durant had himself a night, as well. He recorded 25 points while Deandre Ayton had 14 points and 13 rebounds and Torrey Craig had five 3-pointers.

Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points.

“They switched their defense up like every possession,” Durant said. “They might double, they might triple, they might go zone, they might go full court press. So they're trying to throw us off with their coverages. I think we did a good job of (eventually) figuring it out. Just playing simple.”

After a rough scoring night in Game 1, Russell Westbrook scored 28 points on 56 percent shooting. He also had two blocks, one against his former teammate, Durant. Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Norman Powell, led all reserves with 12 points but shot poorly, shooting just 36 percent.

Game 3 is on Thursday in Los Angeles

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.

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