Kawhi Leonard finished with 38 points, including a pair of late 3-pointers, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 115-110 in the opener of the Western Conference playoff series on Sunday.
Eric Gordon added 19 points and hit a twilight 3-pointer that kept the Clippers ahead. Russell Westbrook was just 3-for-19 from the floor for Los Angeles, but made a pair of free throws with 17.7 seconds left for a three-point lead and then blocked a layup attempt by Devin Booker to get the ball back to Los Angeles. Angels with 10.1 on the clock
Kevin Durant scored 27 points for the Suns, who lost for the first time with him on the floor. Phoenix acquired the two-time NBA Finals MVP from Brooklyn in February and injuries limited him to eight games, all wins for the Suns.
Devin Booker added 26 points for Phoenix, which will try to avoid trailing 2-0 at home on Tuesday.
The Suns trailed 109-103 with 1:33 to play, but they scored their next five points. The Clippers grabbed multiple offensive rebounds on the next possession before Westbrook hit his critical free throws. He finished with nine points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and two steals.
The Angels led for much of the game until midway through the third quarter. Torrey Craig hit back-to-back baskets, including a powerful fast break, to give Phoenix a 70-68 lead.
