Each 2-guard out for their ball clubs, in Booker and McCollum. Suns shoot well in the 1st up 11, plenty of Paul to Ayton hookups. Ayton has such great touch around the rim for a big guy and does everything else a big guy should do too, Suns up 6 at the half. A good steal and 3 by Bridges. Lillard getting to the rim and the team getting something decent when he does, either looking to finish or making the pass, but feels the need to chuck up so many quick bad shots and they're not going in for him here. The Blazers do however take a 2-point lead going into the last, their bigs making plays. Snell hits back to back 3's, kicking the Blazers out to a lead in the 4th. Paul looks to assert himself more and hits a clutch basket to tie it up. Lillard looks to score, but help comes and he doesn't trust his teammates and loses the ball in a crowd, game goes to OT. Portland struggle to score in OT and trigger-happy refs help the Suns get the win. The Suns shot better from the field and 3, everything else pretty even. Ayton with an efficient 28 points, 13 boards, 2 steals. Paul 24 points, 14 assists, 8 boards, 3 steals. Payne with 17 points and 5 assists off the bench. Nurkic for the Blazers, 17 points, 13 boards , 4 offensive. Lillard 31 points, 10 assists.
3. (Phx) D. Ayton, 2. (Phx) C. Paul, 1. (Por) J. Nurkic.
3. (Phx) D. Ayton, 2. (Phx) C. Paul, 1. (Por) J. Nurkic.