The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns, 106-92, at Staples Center in Game 3 of their Western Conference Finals series on Thursday night. The Suns lead the series, 2-1.

The Clippers (1-2) entered the game knowing they'd be playing truly short-handed for the first time in the series, as Chris Paul was confirmed to be returning for the Suns (2-1) while Los Angeles was still missing Kawhi Leonard (knee). However, as they've done since losing Leonard in the latter portion of the semifinal-round series against the Jazz, L.A. was competitive from the opening tip and scrapped its way to just a narrow two-point deficit at halftime. Tyronn Lue's squad then changed the tone of the contest for good during a dominant third quarter in which they outscored Phoenix, 34-21. Armed with an 11-point edge going into the final period, the hosts never saw their advantage dip below six points on their way to their first win of the series.

Deandre Ayton paced the Suns with 18 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Paul generated a 15-point, 12-assist double-double that also included two rebounds and three steals. Devin Booker matched Paul's scoring tally and added five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Mikal Bridges supplied 13 points, six boards and two assists. Cameron Johnson registered 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Paul George led the Clippers with 27 points, supplementing them with 15 rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Reggie Jackson registered 23 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Ivica Zubac furnished a 15-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Terance Mann turned in 12 points, five boards, two assists and one block.

The two teams reconvene for Game 4 at Staples Center on Saturday.