LA Times · Apr 9, 2021
Clippers pull away in chippy victory over streaking Suns
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard dunks over Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton during the second half on Thursday at Staples Center.When the Clippers arrived Thursday afternoon at Staples Center, they did so as the owner of the NBA’s second-easiest remaining schedule. It was a double-edged distinction.
What might be advantageous for solidifying playoff seeding — playing the woeful quartet of Houston, Oklahoma City, Detroit and Minnesota a combined seven times over the final 20 games — also makes opportunities to gauge how the Western Conference’s third-place team might fare against playoff-caliber competition scarce.