The Phoenix Suns return to Arizona with a 3-1 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers. It was a end-to-end victory for the visitors who used a fierce defense to outlast the Suns in a slugfest at Staples Center. Devin Booker led the charge before committing a foul as the Suns held on for an 84-80 win in LA.

Kawhi still absent due to knee injury

For the sixth consecutive game Kawhi Leonard’s injured knee kept him out, as the shorthanded Clippers even watched the series at home.

The Suns got off to a flying start take a 14-2 lead in the opening minutes of the match. Deandre Ayton set the tone for Phoenix by getting some good looks up close at the start.

Cold clippers in the first half

After Thursday’s victory, the Clippers entered the frosty game 4, especially long distance. They shot just 4 for 22 from three points, while entering the half-time break shooting less than 30 percent from the field. There was a six-minute streak in the second quarter when Los Angeles failed to score a single point, which allowed the Suns to build up a double-digit lead at halftime.

While the home side struggled to find the back of the basket, the Suns failed to deliver the knockout blow in the first half, leaving the door open for another offer to return from Clipper.

No Return of Clipper in Game 4

The Clippers were the kids back from those playoffs. They not only overcame their 0-2 loss in the first two series playoffs, but they’ve also made big comebacks in a handful of games. The most notable return was the 22-point deficit at halftime which was erased in Game 6 against Jazz.

LA appeared to be on course for another third-quarter comeback effort when Paul George and Reggie Jackson put the team on their backs and reduced the lead from 16 points to two in the third quarter.

The D suns are enough to seal the victory end to end

It was a three-point game before the fourth after a 30-19 quarterback for Los Angeles. The Suns continued to fend off the Clippers with incredible late defense and free throws in the dying minutes.

LA moved closer to a tie in the fourth quarter, but Monty Williams’ strategy to put the Clippers on the line with a three-point lead in the final possessions paid off as the The Suns start from Staples Center with a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference final.

Booker and Ayton wear Phoenix

Devin Booker carried the Suns scoring 25 points in a defensive slugfest. He only went 8 of 22 from the field, but his nine free throws, many of them late, were enough for Phoenix. Deandre Ayton scored 19 and had a monster game on the glass resulting in 22 rebounds, including nine offensive. Chris Paul finished with 18 points and 7 assists, but struggled again on the pitch shooting just 6 of 22.

Another game without Kawhi Leonard meant Paul George was going to have to have a big Game 4. George scored 23 points but only managed five of his 20 field goal attempts. Ivica Zubac achieved another double-double while setting a season record for minutes played. Reggie Jackson caught fire in the third quarter and finished with 20 points, but the Clippers never managed to take the advantage over the Suns.

Suns at an NBA Finals game

The series will now return to Arizona, where the Suns can close Western Conference Finals and brand their name in NBA Finals. Game 5 kicks off at the Phoenix Suns Arena on Monday at 9 p.m. ET.