The first round for the Phoenix Suns isn’t going to be an easy one. The Los Angeles Clippers were expected to put up a fair match, but now it appears that the series could go the distance.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix dropped Game 1, and now, Game 2 seems to be in jeopardy. Even without Paul George, the Clippers have had multiple players step up.
The Suns are refusing to drop a second game at home, however. At the end of the first half, the score was tied at 59.
Kevin Durant Vs. Russell Westbrook
The long spoken-of feud between Durant and Westbrook apparently has cooled off. Despite that, the competitiveness between the two former MVPs is still alive and well.
Westbrook was able to spearhead the Clippers, ending the half with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He also had one block off a Durant shot attempt.
Durant looked to be aggressive more, ending the half with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. He also had two blocks in the first half.
What has hindered Durant’s ascension totally in the contest is his ability to take care of possessions. He committed four turnovers in the half.
Lack of Bench Productivity
The runs that are made in the postseason go as far as the reserves can sustain when starters sit. Head coach Monty Williams has made sure to mix his starters in with the bench unit to maintain some sort of firepower.
That method didn’t work fully on Tuesday. The bench combined for a total of five points in the half. Josh Okogie and Bismack Biyombo were responsible for the few points contributed.
The reserves only attempted three field goals in the half, signifying that Williams will have to emphasize more inclusion from his reserves in the next half.
