Phoenix Suns: Three Keys to Wrapping Up Series vs Clippers
PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns have the opportunity to close out their series tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5.
Teams who take a 3-1 lead go on to win the series 95% of the time, and optics look good for the Suns to move on and (probably) take on the Denver Nuggets.
Still without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George tonight, the Suns are heavy favorites to win Game 5 as they're -12.5 point favorites.
However, the Clippers have continued to play hard despite being severely undermanned throughout the series, and surely won't go down without swinging tonight.
Here's three keys for tonight's Game 5:
Cam Payne's Arrival
The arrival of Cam Payne will be plenty of welcomed to a Suns bench that simply hasn't given any production to a Phoenix team that has heavily relied on their starters.
Landry Shamet has offered very little running the offense when Chris Paul isn't on the floor. To be fair, Shamet's not exactly equipped to run the offense like Payne, who is also viewed as spark plug for the team when on the floor - knowing how and when to push the tempo.
Can Payne fix Phoenix's offensive woes in their rotation? He certainly has the ability to.
Ayton Keeps "Dominayton"
The Suns can rely on the scoring of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker consistently, though Phoenix has really separated themselves thanks to the dirty work done on the glass.
The Clippers have often utilized smaller lineups to spread the floor, leaving guys such as Deandre Ayton the opportunity to completely patrol the paint and leave their mark. That was the case last game where Ayton walked away with 15 points and 13 rebounds - the most boards for anybody that played in Game 4.
Game 5 should bring another opportunity to do just that with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard again out.
Get Out The Gates
Basketball is a 48 minute game, and Devin Booker was quick to point that out at practice on Monday when asked about the team's slow starts.
The Suns have gotten off to awfully slow starts to begin games, and despite their current 3-1 advantage, life would simply be so much easier if they decided to play a complete four quarter game.
"Closing time" has been kind to Phoenix, especially after Game 1's loss. The additional support from the opening minutes of play would go a long way in lessening the load for the Suns' stars down the stretch, potentially even putting them in position to sit and gain some valuable rest ahead of what will likely be a rugged series against Denver.
In order for that to happen, the first three quarters would have to go swimmingly well.
