The topic of the postseason is atonement. It's a term that doesn't start with a "L." Unfortunately, the Suns' playoff record does not bear this out.
Sunday night's 115-110 setback to the Clippers, which gave the opposition the advantage of playing at home, was a significant blemish in our quest for redemption.
The Suns have never dropped Game 1 of a postseason series under Devin Booker. Additionally, it is Kevin Durant's first defeat while playing for the Suns. Although there is no need to panic, it is acceptable to have a small amount of concern given our shared past.
Monty Williams, head coach of the Suns, remarked, "It's just one game. When we arrive here on Tuesday, we'll review the tape, refocus, and prepare for a crucial game."
In this strange, chaotic game, the Suns had numerous chances to triumph. In the third session, they ultimately took control of the situation with more intensity and defensive tenacity. They returned it all inexplicably quickly.
In the second half, their defence was tenacious and they did a great job of protecting the rim, but their offence faltered late.
Players with the names other than Booker or Durant took way too many shots. Then followed the possession that drained the building's life force and the enthusiasm of the home team.
The Clippers kept control of the ball for the following 51 seconds after taking a timeout with 1:08 left in the game. On three different missed jumpers, they generated offensive rebounds.
A respite from his bricklaying (3-of-19 shooting) allowed Russell Westbrook, who was likely the Suns' MVP for the majority of the game, to make a number of significant plays.
One of them was stopping Booker from driving to the basket strangely enough with the Suns behind by three points.
It was yet another disappointing playoff night at Footprint Centre, as the Suns' savage and sluggish start brought back bitter memories of that disastrous Game 7 loss to Dallas.