Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook Lift Clippers Past Suns in Gritty Game 1 Win

• The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns in their series opener
• Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook made critical plays down the stretch
• The Suns lost for the first time with Kevin Durant in their starting lineup

The first playoff meeting between former teammates, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant lived up to the hype.

The Los Angeles Clippers survived a late rally by the Phoenix Suns, recording a 115-110 win in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series.

Westbrook had a bad shooting night, but his play on the defensive end proved to be the difference in this contest.

Westbrook's defensive gem preserves win

He recorded three blocks and two steals in the series opener, per ESPN. Westbrook’s biggest defensive play came with 11 seconds left and the Clippers protecting a narrow three-point lead.

Dillon Brooks wants to knock LeBron James out of the NBA playoffs

NBA

Devin Booker drove strong to the basket as he attempted to cut LA’s lead to one point.

Westbrook had other ideas, blocking Booker’s layup attempt and then swatting the ball off the latter’s body as he was going out of bounds to hand the Clippers possession of the basketball with 10.1 seconds left.

Eric Gordon made a pair of free throws with 7.2 seconds remaining to seal the win for Los Angeles.

Westbrook struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 3 of 19 against the Suns.

Leonard erupts in Game 1

Fortunately for the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard carried the scoring cudgels for them in Game 1.

He scored 38 points, including two critical 3-pointers late in the game that helped LA keep the Suns at bay.

Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers series preview: Previous meetings, key players, and schedule

NBA

Leonard scored 12 of his 38 points in the third quarter. He kept the Clippers in the contest after the Suns went on a 15-0 run during that period to grab a 77-68 lead.

LA finished that quarter strong, unleashing a 13-4 run to even the score at 81 heading into the fourth quarter.

Durant dropped 27 points for the Suns, who lost for the first time with him in the starting lineup. Booker and Torrey Craig added 26 and 22 points, respectively.

Herro and Antetokounmpo suffer injuries 

Sports Brief recently reported on players picking up injuries in the series between the Bucks and the Heat.

Miami's Tyler Herro broke two fingers on his shooting hand while diving for a loose ball in the second quarter.

Milwaukee star, Giannis Antetokounmpo then injured his back after having a bad fall in the game's first quarter.