Phoenix Suns take 2-0 lead over Clippers

Through chippiness and timely shots, the Phoenix Suns put the Los Angeles Clippers in a familiar position.

The Suns finished with a 104-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday, becoming the third team to storm out to a 2-0 series lead against the Clippers.

With 0.9 seconds left, Suns forward Jae Crowder threw an inbounds pass to center Deandre Ayton for the lob. After a lengthy video review, officials determined that the basket counted. The Clippers had 0.7 seconds to throw a full-court inbounds pass. But after Nicolas Batum passed the ball to Paul George, he did not have time to get a shot off in time.

The Clippers overcame 2-0 deficits against the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Though it remains to be seen if Suns guard Chris Paul will return after missing the first two games of the series because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the Suns have adjusted well without him.

The Clippers will host Game 3 on Thursday in Los Angeles.