Suns Beat Clippers 120-114 Without Chris Paul, Take 1-0 Series Lead

Even without Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard, the Suns still beat the Clippers 120-114 in a shootout and took a 1-0 series lead. For anyone who thought the Suns would be rusty -- think again. The story was Devin Booker, who led Phoenix with a 40-point triple-double.

A bonafide superstar.

Booker and Ayton answer the bell

Booker is showing up big and proving he can lead, at least temporarily. Paul's leadership probably rubbed off on the 24-year-old shooting guard, and now the Suns can burn teams regardless of who leads.

DeAndre Ayton served as Booker's Robin today with 20 points and nine rebounds. Cam Johnson and Torrey Craig also came off the bench with +14 and +18. Killer for the Clippers in Game 1.

There's been no update on the status of Chris Paul (COVID protocols) or Kawhi Leonard (knee), but we do know those losses will have a heavy impact. If Paul goes and the Klaw doesn't...we're just not sure how the Clippers answer that duo on the defensive end.

Phoenix shot 40% with13 threes today, and that's likely an appetizer for what's to come as this series progresses. The Clippers need Kawhi if they want any hope of containing this Suns team on the break. And oh yeah, that Suns crowd...

Saved the best for last

And thanks to the generosity of Devin Booker, "Suns in 4" guy was in attendance!