LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS. PHOENIX SUNS

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 127-107, in Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix on Monday, May 22.Â

"Los Angeles isn't going to win Game 7 of this series against the Suns," predicted Phoenix Fox Sports Radio host Bruce Jacobs on his talk show prior to the contest. "I think Suns point guard Steve Nash is going to have a monster performance."Â

Nash did indeed have a big game, finishing with 29 points and 11 assists, while forward Shawn Marion added 30 points and nine rebounds. Phoenix also received strong performances from Leandro Barbosa (18 points), Tim Thomas (16 points, six rebounds, six assists), Boris Diaw (14 points, eight rebounds, five assists), Raja Bell (10 points, six assists), and James Jones (10 points).Â

"The Clippers (who finished with their best record in franchise history) have had a nice season," continued Jacobs. "Their consolation prize is that they took this series to a seventh game."Â

There haven't been too many seventh games for the L.A. Clippers. In fact, this was their first one ever.Â

This season also marked the furthest the Clippers have ever gone in the playoffs and the first time they got past the first round when they defeated the Denver Nuggets in four games.Â

Against the Suns, Los Angeles was paced by Elton Brand (36 points, nine rebounds), Corey Maggette (18 points, nine rebounds), Shaun Livingston (14 points), Sam Cassell (11 points, six assists), Cuttino Mobley (10 points, five rebounds), and Chris Kaman (10 points).Â

Phoenix led 32-28 at the end of the first quarter, 65-57 at halftime, and 94-79 at the end of the third quarter.