Clippers will try Outgun Suns Again to Even Series 2-2

The Clippers won a playoff game because they outscored their opponent.

Trying to outscore the Suns makes as much sense as trying to outdrive Tiger Woods or outpunch Manny Pacquiao. But the Clippers thought outside the box. They didn't try to play in slow motion, drag the score down to the pre-shot clock era.

They beat an offensive powerhouse with offensive efficiency. They outslugged the slugger, putting up the type of numbers the Suns are used to posting in a 122-97 victory Wednesday that evened this series at a game apiece.''We can score and they can score,'' Cuttino Mobley said.

''We just wanted to pound it inside as much as possible. It worked out for us tonight,'' he added.

The Clippers did it with variety, with balance, even some daring and a little bit of fortune and probability swinging their way.This series will be about offense.

The Clippers can initiate their defense by playing smart offense. The Clippers cut their turnovers from 15 in Game 1 to 12 in Game 2, having only seven through the first three quarters. They emphasized the inside game, outscoring the Suns, 58-36, in the paint.

Yes, the Clippers played smarter defense, did a better job of staying in front of their men. The Suns were held under 100 points for the fourth time in the playoffs, all Phoenix losses. That's what the Clippers' coach and players raved about afterward.

The Suns won Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead over this OTHER team from the Staples Center. Game 4 will definitely be critical for Sam Cassell and Elton Brand as they try to bring this series down to a best-of-three.

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