Can(ada) You Believe It?

L.A. Clippers Win Game 3 (106-92) After Facing 3rd 2-0 Series Deficit of NBA Playoffs

Where have we seen this movie before? The L.A. Clippers fell behind 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals, just like each of the two series before. And once again, they won Game 3 to stop the bleeding as they attempt to mount another comeback. Paul George (27 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists) was the star of Game 3, but the Clippers’ defense shut down the Suns in Chris Paul’s return. Both Paul and Devin Booker went 0-for-9 from the floor in the first quarter. Phoenix climbed back before halftime, but the Clippers cruised in the second half. It’s 2-1, and the Clippers have life.

The Clipper Comebacks

No team in NBA history had ever overcome multiple 0-2 series deficits in one postseason until the Clippers did it in Rounds 1 and 2. Everyone assumed the West Finals would be a different story, especially with Chris Paul’s return in Game 3 and no Kawhi Leonard for L.A. A total of 433 NBA playoff series have started 2-0, and only 6.9 percent of trailing teams have come back to win. Somehow, Clippers’ coach Tyronn Lue has an eye-popping 4-2 record (.667 win pct.) when trailing 0-2 in the playoffs.

Clippers 2021 Playoff Record

In Games 1-2: 0-6

In Games 3-7: 9-1

Watch: Clippers-Suns Game 3 Highlights

Tonight’s Schedule

ECF Gm 2: Hawks at Bucks (8:30 pm ET)

Additional Storylines

FOX Sports: Top Moments From Suns-Clippers Game 3

B/R: Paul George Powers Clippers to Game 3 Win Over Suns in Chris Paul’s Return

 OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

️ CWS: #2 Texas Advances to Semifinals

The No. 2 seed in the College Baseball World Series is moving on to the semis after a 6-2 win over Virginia on Thursday. The Longhorns face Mississippi State tonight for a shot at the title against the winner of Vanderbilt-NC State.

️ LPGA: Salas Leads LPGA Championship After 1

Lizette Salas shot a 5-under 67 on Thursday to lead Round 1 of the LPGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club. The 31-year-old California native played a bogey-free round and holds a one-stroke lead. Her last LPGA Tour victory came in 2014.

THE STORYLINES 

 The Biggest Questions for Team USA

Group play at the Tokyo Olympics is set to tip off on July 25, just three days after the NBA playoffs are scheduled to end. Despite the tight window, a number of players who are still at it have committed to Team USA’s 12-man roster for the international tournament. (Bleacher Report)

 NCAA Changing Stance on NIL Laws

The NCAA appears headed toward a temporary solution regarding college athletes’ ability to make money from their name, image and likeness that will involve schools in states with NIL laws to follow them, and those without to set their own policies. (USA Today)

 Where Have All the Cutouts Gone?

There were few, if any, fans in NFL stadiums last season. Taking their place were thousands of cardboard cutouts representing fans, former players, celebrities, and even pets. As the league returns to business as usual, what happened to them all? (The Ringer)