Clippers (78) @ Suns (81)

If you look at the last 12 years in composite, across the entire NBA, Steve Nash actually ranks third in the NBA in clutch shooting* in terms of field goal percentage and first in 3-pt% while having the lowest overall percentage of those shots being set up by someone else (Ast'd rate).

The Clippers allowed a poor rebounding team that doesn't get to the line to get 6 more rebounds and 20 more free throws.

The Clippers fell to the Suns, 81-78

The Phoenix Suns won with defense, offsetting 34% shooting with 52 rebounds and 8 blocked shots.

Come join the conversation at Clips Nation for the second half of Clips-Suns

Unbelievable how bad the Suns are shooting tonight. I mean, come on really? The good news? Suns are within 3 points, despite awful shooting - close and far away equally bad. A little better...

While the Clippers are flashier and star-studded, these two teams' numbers are strikingly similar across the board. The big difference between the two teams, besides highlight-reel plays, is the game-ending finishing ability of Chris Paul and the crazy threat of Blake Griffin making defenses over-rotate to keep themselves off SportsCenter.

The Clippers continue their road trip with a stop in Phoenix where they rarely win.

In anticipation of Clippers-Suns, I had a chance to ask some questions of Suns blogger Seth Pollack.