Clippers beat Phoenix Suns in WCF Game 3 to avoid 3-game series hole

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Clippers’ Game 3 magic continues in the playoffs as they beat the Phoenix Suns 106-92 Thursday night.

Thursday’s much-needed win marks the third Game 3 win for the Clippers in these playoffs, this time at home in the Western Conference Finals.

Paul George rebounded from his nightmare Game 2 finish – where he missed two free throws late in regulation prior to Suns center Deandre Ayton's game-winning "Valley oop" – by scoring 27 points in Los Angeles' Game 3 win.

George’s teammate Reggie Jackson finished the game with 23 points.

Playoff fever hits Clipper Nation ahead of WCF Game 3

Playoff fever hits Clipper Nation as we are minutes from Game 3 tipping off at Staples Center.

Get your top stories delivered daily! Sign up for FOX 11’s Fast 5 newsletter. And, get breaking news alerts in the FOX 11 News app. Download for iOS or Android.

Los Angeles was once again without Kawhi Leonard, who suffered a knee injury against the Utah Jazz in the previous round. Ex-Clipper, now-Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul returned to action Thursday after missing the first two games in the conference finals due to a positive COVID-19 test.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suns' Chris Paul clears NBA's health and safety protocols ahead of Game 3

The Suns lost their offensive sparkplug in Cameron Payne in the first quarter after he suffered an ankle injury. Payne finished the previous game with 29 points in Phoenix’s Game 2 win.

The Clippers are hoping to knot the series at home for Game 4, which tips off Saturday, June 26 at 6 p.m. PT.