PHEONIX — The Phoenix Suns sent the injury-riddled Los Angeles Clippers back to Southern California.
The Suns defeated the Clippers, 136-130, to win the series at 4-1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Shooting guard Devin Booker tied playoff career-high 47 points and Kevin Durant poured in 31 in the series-clinching win.
It’s the third straight season that the Suns have advanced to at least the Western Conference semifinals.
Norman Powell paced the Clippers with 27 points in the loss.
Devin Booker catches fire in third quarter
Booker caught fire in the third quarter. The shooting guard engineered a Suns rally by scoring 25 points in the quarter on 10-of-11 shooting. Booker hit three 3s and was money from midrange.
Phoenix went on an 18-0 run to break the game open. Phoenix outscored Los Angeles 50-24 in the third quarter. The Suns’ 50-point third quarter set a new franchise record for points in a single quarter in a playoff game.
The Suns had a 111-94 advantage entering the final period.
Booker’s 25-point third quarter paved the way for his 47-point night. He now has a franchise record six 40-plus postseason games.
Undermanned Clippers
Los Angeles did make things interesting in the fourth quarter by cutting the deficit to 132-130 with just over a minute to play, but Los Angeles had two turnovers in the final 62 seconds that spoiled its rally attempt.
The absence of Kawhi Leonard was critical. Leonard missed his third straight game. The star small forward was out due to a right knee sprain. Leonard injured his knee in Game 2 and was sidelined ever since. His injury was a brutal blow to the Clippers’ chances, especially with co-star Paul George out with a sprain right knee of his own.
Leonard and George were both on the bench in street clothes in what wound up to be the Clippers’ final game of the season.
What victory means for Suns
The Suns will face the top-seeded Denver Nuggets in a Western Conference semifinals showdown.
Phoenix avoided the Clippers’ best players due to injury. They won’t have a reprieve against Denver. MVP candidate Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and the Nuggets are entering the matchup healthy.
Denver eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
Game 1 is Saturday in Denver.
The Suns are 12-1 (including playoffs) since Durant was acquired in a blockbuster trade in February. The Nuggets should be Phoenix’s toughest test since Durant’s arrival.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phoenix Suns advance to Western Conference semifinals