The Los Angeles Clippers secured their playoff spot in style on Tuesday, powered by a stellar triple-double performance from Russell Westbrook. Their 105-92 victory over the Phoenix Suns ensured a top-five position in the competitive Western Conference, bypassing the NBA’s play-in tournament.

This achievement comes as no surprise, considering the Clippers’ consistent presence among the top 5 in the regular-season standings. They have achieved this feat nine times in the last twelve seasons, showcasing their enduring competitiveness.

Despite this regular-season success, the Clippers have historically struggled to advance deep into the playoffs, never reaching the conference finals. Tuesday’s victory marks the beginning of their postseason journey, poised for the challenges ahead.

Los Angeles Clippers Avoided the Play-In Tournament

The Suns, eager to avoid the Western Conference play-in round, faced a tough test against the Clippers. Despite a late opportunity to close the gap, they fell short, unable to overcome Los Angeles’ strong performance.

Led by Paul George’s impressive 23 points and 13 rebounds, the Clippers dominated the game. Ivica Zubac contributed 17 points, with each of the five starters reaching double-digit scoring, as reported by the NBA website.

On the Suns’ side, Kevin Durant led with 21 points, supported by Bradley Beal’s 19 points. However, Devin Booker struggled, managing only twelve points on one of eleven field goals.

The Clippers took control early in the game, building a commanding 17-point lead within the first 4 1/2 minutes. They maintained their dominance throughout, extending their lead to 51-14 at one point in the second quarter, their largest of the game.

Despite a brief Phoenix rally in the fourth quarter, the Clippers’ focused performance ensured a comfortable victory, solidifying their playoff berth and setting a positive tone for the postseason ahead.