Josh Okogie in action as nuclear Devin Booker inspires Phoenix Suns beat LA Clippers in Game 3

The Phoenix Suns recorded a 129-124 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3 of an NBA Western Conference round one Playoff fixture in the early hours of Friday, April 21, 2023.

The Suns and the Clippers split the series in Arizona setting up an intense Game 3.

The Los Angeles Clippers were without star player Kawhi Leonard for Game 3.

After aggravating his right knee sprain at the conclusion of Game 1, Leonard played through it in Game 2, but it didn't get better after that, so he missed Game 3.

Despite missing Leonard, the Clippers went toe to toe with the Suns as the first quarter ended even.

It was more of the same in the second quarter but the Suns were able to establish a three-point lead at the halftime break.

The Suns turned it up in the third quarter as they put up 40 points stretching their advantage to 9.

The Clippers responded to several runs in the fourth quarter but was not enough as the Suns made clutch free throws late to hold on for a five-point victory and go up 2-1 in the series.

Suns shooting guard Devin Booker again produced a monster performance against the Clippers.

Coming off a 38-point performance to win game two for the Suns, Booker put up 45 points, six rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and three assists.

In 45 minutes of action, he made 18 of 29 shots was three of seven from three-point range, and six of seven from the free throw line.

Nigerian professional basketball player Joshua Aloiye Okogie was in action for the Suns against the Clippers.

Okogie recorded six points, seven rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

In 21 minutes of action, he made one of his five shots missed from three-point range and was four of five from the free throw line.

The Suns now have a series lead as the Clippers expect Leonard back for Game 4 scheduled for Sunday, April 23, 2023.