The Phoenix Suns are on the verge of doing something that they haven’t done since 1993, which is getting to play in the NBA finals. They currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the Clippers and have a shot at closing them out tonight on their home court in Phoenix. The Suns are 5.5 point favorites in tonight’s game against LA, partially because the Clippers best player Kawhi Leonard is ruled out for Game 5.

The Suns of gotten strong defense from their Center Deandre Ayton who leads the team in rebounds and is averaging over 5 offensive rebounds a game in this series with the Clippers. This is Ayton’s first postseason and it’s not disappointing…ever since Devin Booker’s 40 point performance in Game 1 vs LA, Ayton has stepped up and recorded double-doubles in each of Phoenix’s last 2 wins including a 22 rebound performance. The Suns were able to limit the Clippers to just 32.5% shooting overall on 3 point shots in Game 4. This is what really gave the Suns the advantage, because they didn’t shoot well themselves in Game 4 (36%).

The Clippers have their work cut out for them in a 3-1 hole. Only 3 teams have come back after being down 3-1 in a series in the conference finals. Golden State was the last team to do it back in 2016 when they overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Oklahoma City Thunder. LA has found themselves in a 2-0 hole in all 3 series so far this postseason, but they’ve never been down 3-1. This is a new test for the Clippers and not having Kawhi makes it even tougher. The Suns will be licking their chops to end this series at home tonight.