The Phoenix Suns lost a heartbreaker in their opening game against the Clippers. While the game was tied heading into the fourth quarter, a couple of missed rebounds allowed LA to pull away with a 115-110 victory.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Torrey Craig all finished with 20+ points, meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard put the Clippers offense on his back with 38.
As expected, there were plenty of fingers pointed at the Suns’ C Deandre Ayton, who finished with just eight rebounds in 33 minutes.
Suns: Deandre Ayton, please get that rebound
Ayton: pic.twitter.com/EV1DUSgtLZ
— Stadium (@Stadium) April 17, 2023
Suns fans watching Deandre Ayton trying to get a rebound pic.twitter.com/b4ZaxcRTL6
— RunYourPool (@RunYourPool_) April 17, 2023
For reference, Chris Paul, the Suns’ PG, led the team with 11 rebounds.
Deandre Ayton, max player, was outplayed in the paint by Jock Landale and Bismack Biyombo tonight. And Zubac. And Plumlee. And Chris Paul. And Russell Westbrook.
— Jody Oehler (@radiojody) April 17, 2023
Deandre Ayton grab a rebound challenge
— Taco Trey Kerby (@treykerby) April 17, 2023
However, this poor rebounding performance was not even the biggest killer for Phoenix. Instead, it was an extremely slow shooting start, which caused the Suns to have to work from behind until midway through the third quarter.
Suns starting 5 haven’t played since Denver i believe they weren’t gonna come in this game strong and that’s what hurt them that 1st quarter I don’t care what anyone says the suns will move past this game and come back stronger lol
— delusional sports fan (@Hoopsfan800) April 17, 2023
There wasn’t a moment where I thought the Suns would breeze through the LA Clippers in the 1st round. But I had no idea it would take PHX a quarter & a 1/2 to get up for their first home playoff game since getting embarrassed by Dallas last year.
Unacceptable. No way to spin it.— Anthony DeFalco (@addefalco) April 17, 2023
That was an all-around nightmare of a 1st quarter for the Suns.
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) April 17, 2023
The first quarter jitters even hit Kevin Durant as he began the game 0-5.
Kevin Durant failed to score in the 1st quarter despite playing 10:23.
It's the 3rd time in Durant's playoff career that he's gone scoreless in a quarter with 10+ minutes played. pic.twitter.com/zxLsXLJXB9
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 17, 2023
And of course, it would not truly be a playoff loss if fans were not calling for HC Monty Williams to be fired.
Monty Williams is done.
— Xin Varlock (@XinNBA) April 17, 2023
Monty Williams is the reason the Clippers are in this game.
— Alan ⁶ (@alaaldinalan) April 17, 2023
Absolute disasterclass by Monty Williams.
Tried to make adjustments before they were even needed and fooled himself.
— Xin Varlock (@XinNBA) April 17, 2023
Monty Williams is a horrible coach, what are these rotations??????? Ish Wainwright over Warren, Ross, and Lee?! What a joke
— SZN starts 4/16☀️ (@ValleyDommer) April 17, 2023
The Suns will not get where they want to go until Monty Williams is fired! Braindead!
— Roll Tide Roll!🐘 #BAZLEYSTAN (@YouknowMeMan1) April 17, 2023
The Suns will be back in action on Tuesday to attempt to even the series against the Clippers; tipoff is at 7 p.m.
