The Los Angeles Clippers got the Game 1 win over the Phoenix Suns after Russell Westbrook’s incredible defensive effort against Devin Booker in crunch time.
On Sunday, the NBA playoffs had some bad luck in terms of injuries, with big stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant leaving their respective games. But the third game of the slate of games that day featured pure entertainment.
Of course, that was Game 1 between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers. This contest came down to the wire, and one player ensure the victory for their team.
Russell Westbrook.
With the Clippers up 111-108 with 17.7 seconds remaining, Suns guard Chris Paul inbounded the basketball to star Devin Booker, who was met by Westbrook on defense. As Booker drove to the basket looking for a layup, Westbrook swatted the ball away. But in that same sequence, he was able to throw the ball at Booker, causing it to fall out of bounds. That gave Los Angeles possession and essentially won the game for them.
Take a look at the clutch defensive sequence for yourself.
Russell Westbrook’s clutch defense on Devin Booker gives Clippers Game 1 win
It truly was incredible defensive awareness by Westbrook not just to block the basketball but also get it to bounce off of Booker so that he would last touch it before going out of bounds.
Paul would take a personal foul, which sent Eric Gordon to the free throw line, who was successful on both attempts. While Booker did cut the deficit to 113-110 on a driving layup, the Clippers pulled away for the 115-110 win on a dunk by Terance Mann, assisted by Westbrook.
Westbrook scored nine points on the night (3-for-19 from field), but recorded 10 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and two steals.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers, scoring 38 points while making 13-of-24 field goal attempts and 9-of-10 free throws.
As for Booker, he dropped 26 points while shooting 10-for-19 from the field. However, he recorded a team-high five turnovers in the game.
Game 2 between the Clippers and Suns takes place on Tuesday, Apr. 18 at 10:00 p.m. ET on TNT. Will Los Angeles take a 2-0 series lead? Or will Phoenix even up the series before heading on the road?