By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 104-103, jumping to a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals best-of-seven series on Tuesday night.
Deandre Ayton sealed the Game 2 win throwing down an out-of-bounds pass from Jae Crowder with 0.7 seconds remaining. He overcame the resistance of Croatian Ivica Zubac to the delight of the home crowd.
Ayton recorded a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double, while Cameron Payne went for 29 points and Devin Booker had 20 points. Croatian Dario Saric added 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists coming off the bench.
The visitors are in 2-0 hole for the third time in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. They are already the first team to come back twice after dropping the two first games.
Zubac wrapped up Game 2 on the losing end despite his 14-point, 11-rebound double-double plus one block. European teammate Nicolas Batum paired three points with two rebounds. Paul George scored a team-high 26 points.
Game 3 at the reverse venue is planned to be held on Thursday.
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