Clippers guard Russell Westbrook shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, left, handles the ball as Clippers forward Nicolas Batum defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Eric Gordon tries to shoot while under pressure from Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, left, during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue motions to his players during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns fans hold a sign prior to Game 1 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (0) is fouled by Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker celebrates after a basket during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul looks to pass as Clippers guard Eric Gordon defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Bones Hyland chases a loose ball during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker lays up a shot over Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker signals to teammates during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo shoots around Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
The Clippers’ Terance Mann takes a 3-point shot over Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard hangs from the rim after he was fouled while driving to the basket by Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, right, during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker waits for play to resume during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant handles the ball as the Clippers’ Terance Mann defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac puts up a shot as the Phoenix Suns’ Torrey Craig defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Norman Powell drives around Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker lays up a shot past Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Norman Powell shoots as Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo (18) defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant handles the ball as the Clippers’ Terance Mann defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant smiles as he waits for play to resume during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is fouled by Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook brings the ball up the court as Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Norman Powell handles the ball as the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, left, and Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard pursue a loose ball during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, left, and Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard dive for a loose ball during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook waits for play to resume during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard handles the ball during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac reaches for a loose ball during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, left, drives as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reacts on the sideline during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac attempts a shot as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, right, defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard looks to pass as Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, and Clippers guard Eric Gordon reach for the ball during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook takes a 3-point shot over the Phoenix Suns’ Torrey Craig during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, center, talks with teammate Chris Paul during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Eric Gordon lays up a shot past Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 16: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers is fouled by Josh Okogie #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Nicolas Batum puts up a 3-point shot over the Phoenix Suns’ Landry Shamet during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Eric Gordon attempts a shot in front of Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, left, and Devin Booker, center, during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker smiles during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, passes around Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is fouled by Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook cheers from the bench during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker drives as Clippers guard Eric Gordon defends during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker drives as Clippers guard Eric Gordon defends during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, and forward Kevin Durant celebrate a basket during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook watches during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook lays up a shot past Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant drives as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook pursues him during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard looks to pass as the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, left, defends during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. Leonard scored 38 points and made a pair of key 3-pointers in the final minutes of a 115-110 win. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant brings the ball up the court during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook backs down Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton drives against Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac strips the ball from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) defends during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook takes a shot during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Eric Gordon waits for play to resume during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker saves the ball from going out of bounds as Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) looks on during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard handles the ball as the Phoenix Suns’ Torrey Craig defends during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams looks on from the sideline during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant backs down Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Landry Shamet dunks the ball in front of the Clippers’ Terance Mann during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook grimaces after a foul call during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Eric Gordon celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ bench cheers during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant takes a 3-point shot as Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard defends during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant makes a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue reacts from the sideline during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, attempts a shot as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook blocks it during the final minute of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ bench cheers during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
The Clippers’ Terance Mann celebrates after they defeated the Phoenix Suns, 115-110, in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns stars Devin Booker, left, and Kevin Durant during the second half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Terance Mann smiles during the final moments of their 115-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Terance Mann, center, celebrates with Kawhi Leonard, right, and Nicolas Batum, second from left, after they defeated the Phoenix Suns, 115-110, in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook celebrates after they defeated the Phoenix Suns, 115-110, in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Clippers players celebrate after they defeated the Phoenix Suns, 115-110, in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard celebrates with fans as he walks off the court after they defeated the Phoenix Suns, 115-110, in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns are introduced before Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns fans cheer prior to Game 1 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook watches warm-ups before Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and Clippers center Ivica Zubac reach for the opening tip during the first half of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX — Kawhi Leonard had a great shooting night while Russell Westbrook had a horrible one.
Both players nonetheless had a huge impact for the Clippers in their 115-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday.
Leonard poured in 38 points, including two late 3-pointers, while Westbrook was a menace everywhere except the scoring column. The veteran guard shot just 3 for 19 from the field, but he finished with nine points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, three blocked shots and two steals.
“My whole career, I pride myself every season on doing everything,” Westbrook said. “Whatever is needed of me to win the game, I’ll do it.”
That’s exactly what happened in the final 30 seconds. Westbrook made a pair of free throws with 17.7 seconds left for a three-point lead, then blocked Devin Booker’s layup attempt at the other end and swatted the ball off Booker to give the Clippers the ball with 10.1 seconds remaining.
Eric Gordon added 19 points and hit a late 3-pointer that kept the Clippers ahead.
Kevin Durant scored 27 points for the Suns, who lost for the first time with him on the floor. Phoenix acquired the two-time NBA Finals MVP from Brooklyn in February, and injuries limited him to eight games – all Suns wins.
Devin Booker added 26 points for Phoenix, which will try to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole at home on Tuesday.
The fourth-seeded Suns trailed 109-103 with 1:33 remaining but scored the next five points. The fifth-seeded Clippers grabbed multiple offensive rebounds on the ensuing possession before Westbrook made his critical free throws.
“Making winning plays, getting deflections on balls, offensive rebounding, getting us into our sets – that is playoff basketball,” Leonard said. “You might not have the best night shooting, but you’ve got to impact the game some type of way and he did that tonight.”
The Clippers led for much of the evening until midway through the third quarter. Torrey Craig made back-to-back buckets, including one on a powerful fast-break dunk, to push Phoenix ahead 70-68.
It was part of a 15-0 run that put the Suns ahead 77-68. The Clippers, led by Leonard’s 12 points in the third, recovered to tie the game at 81-all heading into the fourth.
“They’re going to make a run at home, we understood that,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “We built a lead, they made a run, and now we’ve got to keep our composure and be ready to fight back. I thought everyone who played tonight was great.”
Leonard – a two-time Finals MVP playing his first playoff game since June 14, 2021 – did much of his damage from the mid-range, but moved behind the 3-point arc in the game’s late moments. He hit a 3-pointer with 2:36 left and another at the 2-minute mark, finishing 13 for 24 from the field.
The Clippers, playing without eight-time All-Star Paul George (sprained knee), started fast.
Gordon scored 12 points as the Clippers jumped to a 30-18 lead after one quarter. The Suns shot just 31.8% from the field in the first quarter and Durant was held scoreless.
“We definitely would like to have better starts but sometimes that happens,” Durant said. “It is all about how you bounce back from it.”
Durant missed his first five shots from the field before finally connecting on a mid-range jumper early in the second quarter. That seemed to shake the nerves and the 34-year-old poured in 17 points before the break, helping cut the Clippers’ lead to 59-54.
Clippers know Suns’ Kevin Durant is a significant obstacle
The Suns had their six-game winning streak in series openers snapped.
“It’s one game,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “We will look at the film and regroup.”
Booker, who helped lead the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, kept it in perspective.
“We understand it is not going to be easy,” Booker said. “It gets harder from here. Thinking back to my first (playoffs), every loss is the worst thing ever and every win you are going to win the rest of them. That’s just how the playoffs go.”
TIP-INS
Clippers: George hasn’t played since March 21. … Center Ivica Zubac had a double-double by halftime with 10 points and 11 rebounds and finished with 12 points and 15 boards.
Suns: Guard Cam Payne (low back soreness) was not available. He was hurt in the next-to-last game of the regular season. … Phoenix was playing its first home playoff game since a 33-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of last year’s Western Conference semifinals.
