Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

(2) PHOENIX SUNS

Steve Nash had one heck of a series, and he certainly needed one to beat the Los Angeles Lakers. For the suns it was a rough and tumble seven-game road to the second round.

Phoenix is a sound club, with a cadre of players that can score. In the first round, six of their guys scored an average of 12 or more points per game! Nash was a workhorse, averaging 40.6 PPG. He shot .509 from the field and .919 from the charity stripe. Nash led the team in assists and scoring.

Under the basket, Shawn Marion, who played 43.0 minutes per game, took down 9.40 RPG. Forward Tim Thomas also pounded the boards, swiping 7.90 rebounds while shooting a team high 55% from the field.

The Suns have a dynamic club that can run the floor, shoot and defend. But against the Lakers, four of their six top scores played an average of 41 or more minutes each game. Their starters have more versatility and overall are more skilled than the Clippers’ top five. But the Suns lack depth on their bench and after a seven-game first round that could be the difference in the long run. This could be a big problem for Phoenix if this series goes seven.

(6) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

The Clippers took it to the Nuggets, beating them in 5 games. Wow!

Forward Elton Brand had a great series, grabbing 10 RPG and hitting for an average of 17.8 points each contest. Guard Sam Cassell, with 5.4 APG, proved to be a determined playmaker, while Shaun Livingston passed off 6.0 APG.

With four players in double figures and team shooting at 46%, the Clippers looked good against Denver. Forward Vladimir Radmanovic was strong off the bench, hitting for 7.2 PPG and snaring 4.4 RPG. Cuttino Mobley, at guard, offered reliable play with an average of 16 points per contest.

The LA Clippers are sailing in uncharted territory as they push into the second round. They enter it well rested, unlike their next opponents, the Suns.

Do the Clippers have a chance? They tied the season series with the Suns, 2-2. The Clippers play sound basketball and have a strong bench. They’ll be fighting not only to get to the next round but to prove that their first series win in 30 years was no fluke.

Maddux Sports Series Picks

Phoenix wins series 4-3

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