BBNBA: Boogie comes up big as Clippers take Game 5 of WCF

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Once again the Los Angeles Clippers were pushed to the brink and once again they responded with a win. It appears this depleted Clippers squad is just at its best when their backs are against the wall.

Paul George was the best player on the court, playing 41 minutes and scoring 41 points on 15-20 shooting while also hauling in 13 rebounds. A season-saving performance in every facet of the game from George, who’s developed a knack for playing his best in the latter half of playoff series.

During Game 5’s, 6’s and 7’s so far this postseason, he’s scoring 28.5 points a game and grabbing 11.5 boards while shooting close to 50% from the field. He was the pumpkin of the postseason just months ago, the scapegoat for an epic collapse at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. Now, he’s earned the respect back.

Enough of PG13. Let’s talk about the Clipper that actually swung the game: DeMarcus Cousins. Usual starting center Ivica Zubac was sidelined with injury for LAC, which meant Boogie would fill in the spot minutes at center. He only played for two small spurts amounting to 11 total minutes, but he made his presence felt while in the game.

12 seconds into his first stint, Boogie wound back the clock with this two-hand slam.

He scored a layup near the end of the first and then had the first two buckets for LA in the second quarter before coming out–8 points in 6 minutes, nothing to complain about.

His other spurt of playing time came during the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. He whipped a pass into Nic Batum’s pocket for an easy two and tipped in his own miss at the end of the third to help build a 13-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes.

Batum returned the favor, finding Boogie for an and-one at the beginning of the fourth and Cousins left the game for good with about 9 minutes to go but was a +6 during his 11 minutes on the court and tallied 15 points and 3 assists. His best postseason outing by far.

The Clippers led by 10 at numerous points throughout the game and the Suns were never able to maintain a tie or lead at any point.

Booker had his best game since busting his nose, scoring 31 on 22 shots, including a trio of threes to help keep Phoenix afloat in the second quarter. Alas, George and Reggie Jackson combined for 64 points on 23-34 (67%) shooting, which gets the job done more often than not.

The series moves back to Los Angeles with the Clippers owning the momentum and the Suns still in front 3-2. Huge game ahead for D-Book and the Suns as they’ll try to escape enemy territory with a Finals spot all locked up.

Game 5 of Bucks-Hawks tonight and the Suns-Clippers will resume play Wednesday night.