Bookers 47 Points Not Enough As Clippers Take 2 1 Series Lead

Westbrook's Triple-Double Powers Clippers to Game 3 Win over Suns

Booker's 47 Points Not Enough as Clippers Take 2-1 Series Lead

Westbrook's Historic Night Fuels Clippers' Comeback

PHOENIX, Ariz. (AP) - Russell Westbrook notched his first triple-double of the season and the 199th of his career on Thursday night, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 106-92 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.

Westbrook finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists, becoming just the second player in NBA history to record multiple triple-doubles in the Western Conference finals. The other player to accomplish that feat is Magic Johnson.

The Clippers, who trailed by 10 points at halftime, stormed back in the third quarter behind Westbrook's playmaking and the inspired shooting of Paul George. George scored 13 of his 27 points in the third, including a pair of three-pointers that gave the Clippers their first lead of the night.

The Suns, who were led by Devin Booker's 47 points, never fully recovered from the Clippers' run in the third quarter. Booker, who scored 25 points in the third, was held to just 10 points in the fourth as the Clippers tightened their defense.

The victory gives the Clippers a 2-1 lead in the series, which continues with Game 4 in Phoenix on Saturday night.

In the post-game press conference, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised Westbrook's performance, saying, "Russell was sensational tonight. He controlled the game from start to finish and made everyone around him better."

Westbrook, who was acquired by the Clippers in a trade with the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline, said he was "just trying to do my part to help the team win." He added, "It's a great feeling to contribute in a big way to a big win like this."