Hot third quarter helps Suns advance to Western Conference semifinals

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.

Follow every game: Latest NBA Scores and Schedules

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.

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) in games Durant has started since he 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.

Article source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~/737326073/0/usatodaycomsports-topstories~Hot-third-quarter-helps-Suns-advance-to-Western-Conference-semifinals/