*THE SUNS GAME-WINNER WAS A TEAM EFFORT: The Deandre Ayton dunk at the rim occurred after a perfect screen by Devin Booker and the necessary pinpoint pass by Jai Crowder. Plus, the play was designed by Monty Williams who throughout the season has frequently lauded Crowder’s passing skills.

        *IT WAS FITTING THE GAME-WINNER CAME AT THE RIM: The Suns finished Game Two with a 60-30 points in the paint advantage. The Suns had a 54-34 paint edge in Game One.

        *THE SUNS EXTENDED THEIR FRANCHISE-RECORD PLAYOFF WINNING STREAK TO NINE STRAIGHT: The Suns did not trail during the fourth quarter in any of those games until tonight at 101-100 and 103-102.

        *CAMERON PAYNE ALMOST PITCHED A PERFECT GAME AT THE OFFENSIVE END: His 29 points were a career-high (regular season and post-season) and just as impressive were his nine assists with zero turnovers.

        *THE SUNS HAVE MISSED CHRIS PAUL DOWN THE STRETCH: In Game One, the Suns blew eight of their 10-point lead in the final 1:58 before closing out with the last four points. In Game Two, they led 96-90 before allowing 11 of the next 15 points to fall down 101-100 with 30.9 seconds remaining.

        *THE CLIPPERS ARE IN A FAMILIAR SPOT: They are down 0-2 for a third consecutive series. With their series win over the Jazz, the Clippers became the first team ever to rally from down 0-2 to win two playoffs series in the same season.