The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns, 116-102, at Phoenix Suns Arena in Game 5 of their Western Conference Finals series on Monday night. The Suns lead the series, 3-2.

The Clippers (2-3) have gotten used to playing the underdog role this postseason due to the extended absence of Kawhi Leonard (knee), but Monday afternoon brought the news that they'd be even more short-handed for a do-or-die Game 5 due to Ivica Zubac being sidelined with his own knee issue. Los Angeles impressively shook off the adversity right from the opening tip, jumping out to a 20-5 first-quarter lead at one point and eventually taking a seven-point advantage into halftime. However, the visitors put together a critically effective third quarter in which they managed to add six points to their edge, giving them some invaluable cushion that helped them withstand Phoenix's surges in the final period.

Paul George unsurprisingly led the way for the Clippers with 41 points, complementing them with 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson supplied 23 points, five boards, three assists and one block. Marcus Morris enjoyed his best game of the series by compiling 22 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Demarcus Cousins contributed 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal off the bench.

Devin Booker paced the Suns (3-2) with 31 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Chris Paul followed with 22 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Cameron Johnson turned in 14 points, four rebounds and three steals. Deandre Ayton generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block.

The series now shifts back to Staples Center for Game 6 on Wednesday night.