After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank started looking ahead to how the team can improve its roster and reach its expectations and it all begins with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Frank addressed the media Thursday in a postseason session that touched on a wide range of subjects, from injuries to their two biggest stars, whether the team will try to re-sign Russell Westbrook and what it will take to be one of the top-seeded teams going into next season’s playoffs.

For starters, Leonard is expected to be healthy and ready to start the 2023-24 season, Frank said, after the two-time NBA Finals MVP suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during their series-opening win against the Phoenix Suns. He said the team learned the extent of the injury after viewing MRI results following their Game 2 loss. Frank said the surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament Leonard tore during the 2021 playoffs remains intact and that he will be ready for next year, regardless of what treatment is needed for the meniscus injury. Rest or surgery are among a wide range of treatments for the common injury.

“It’s agonizing not to be able to help your team, and he was pushing all the limits and boundaries to try to be ready to play,” Frank said of Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP. “He was going to be on the fastest of fast tracks to get back and help us.”

George, too, was working to be ready if the Clippers had advanced to the second round. He had been sidelined since March 21 because of a right knee sprain, but his projected date to be medically cleared is May 6 and he will be ready to go when training camp starts in the fall.

“Injuries suck, but they happen,” Frank said. “And for Kawhi and PG, for everything they put into their bodies to be healthy at this time and to be injured, it’s devastating for them. They’re agonized, it’s painful. But I feel for our fans who’ve been there every step of the way and for Steve (Ballmer, owner) who’s given us all the resources to try to achieve our goal each, and every year, which is to win a championship. So that’s hard.”

Injuries aside, Frank hinted at possible contract extensions for both. Leonard and George are set to earn more than $45 million each next season with a player option year, in essence expiring contracts. Should the two decline player options, they would be eligible to enter free agency in 2024.

“We want to keep them as Clippers for a long time,” Frank said. “So, we’ll look forward to those conversations.”

Frank said he was impressed with the way Westbrook adapted to being the third option behind Leonard and George, then became the on-court leader during the playoffs.

Westbrook, 34, signed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum in late February after being traded by the Lakers to the Utah Jazz, who then waived the future Hall of Fame point guard. A free agent for the first time in his career, Westbrook said he will explore his options after he averaged 23.6 points and 7.6 assists in the Clippers’ five postseason games.

“We want to bring Russell back,” Frank said. “I give him a ton of credit. You love when guys get second chances and just knock it out of the park. You guys get to see what he brings on the floor, but he brings a great energy and spirit every single day to the team, around the building, and it’s good because it filled something that we needed.

“He embodies what a Clipper is. He’s tough, he’s reliable, he competes every night, and he’s about all the right stuff.”

Frank reiterated his support for Coach Tyronn Lue and said he will be back for a fifth season.

“Why wouldn’t he be back? Of course, he’s back,” Frank said. “Ty’s a terrific coach, and we’re excited to have him as our coach.”

Frank said the roster could see changes once he evaluates the players’ strengths.

The Clippers finished fifth in the Western Conference at 44-38. They went 33-19 in games with Leonard and 24-14 in games when both Leonard and George played.

“What I don’t want to do is to have the injuries or how hard we fought in the postseason to mask a disappointing regular season,” Lawrence said. “We have to get back to honoring and respecting the regular season. We have to compete harder, more consistently and we have to earn it.”

History has shown that NBA championship teams are more likely to have finished the regular season as one of the top three seeds in their respective conferences. The Clippers finished this season as the No. 5 seed, and moving up is a priority next season which could mean roster moves.

“You have to have a very open mind and be creative about ways we can get the team better,” Frank said. “You have a series of truth-telling. We don’t try to fool ourselves and try to figure out, okay, how can we get this team better?

“I’m optimistic that we will get better, both internally and what the different possibilities are outside of our team.”

Many of the team’s younger players – Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac, Bones Hyland, Brandon Boston Jr. and Amir Coffey are expected to remain. Frank also said he hopes to keep Eric Gordon and Mason Plumlee, both free agents.

Others, such as veterans Robert Covington, Marcus Morris Sr. and Nicolas Batum could be on the trade block.

A lot of the Clippers’ moves could depend on the new CBA, which states that teams that go beyond the second tax apron will not be able to use the taxpayer mid-level exception to add a player or receive more money in a trade than the money they spent. Frank didn’t seem worried.

“We’re blessed to have a chairman (Ballmer) who’s all in to try to capitalize on the window we’re in. At the same time, it’s our job to be responsible and make responsible decisions,” Frank said.

“The new CBA will have implications, not just this year, but over the next couple years, and hard decisions will always have to be made. We’ll make those hard decisions, but we’re very fortunate to have Steve and his commitment to building a championship roster.”

Will Lue, who has been at the helm of the Clippers for three seasons, be back for a fourth?

“Yes, sir,” Lue said Tuesday night in Phoenix after they were eliminated from the playoffs with a 136-130 loss to the Suns in Game 5 of their first-round series.

But then, Lue thanked the fans, the coaching staff, the players and then the organization, including owner Steve Ballmer, President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank and General Manager Michael Winger, in something sounding a lot like a farewell speech.

“(To) Mr. Ballmer, Lawrence, Winger, just thank you to those guys for the opportunity, putting me in this position, all the support they’ve given me the last three years. It’s a collective group that’s put in hard work for a lot of days. It’s good to have that feeling,” Lue said.

Would anyone blame Lue if he left after the three rocky seasons he has endured while trying to bring a championship amid the promises and injuries?

When All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined the Clippers in 2019, talk immediately turned to ending the years of futility and winning an NBA title. And by the second year (Lue’s first), the Clippers reached the Western Conference finals.

The next season brought injuries, sitting out games and disappointment. This season was more of the same as Leonard (33 games) and George (31) missed significant portions of the season. George missed all of the series against the Suns and Leonard missed the last three games, because of injuries.

The team had announced both players had right knee sprains and George was ruled out of the series. It was reported Wednesday that Leonard didn’t have a sprained knee but played the first two games of the series despite suffering a torn meniscus in Game 1.

“I feel bad for those guys,” Lue said. “(But) it is what it is. It’s back to the drawing board. Come back next year and hopefully we can have a healthy team.”

But what will that team look like? Leonard and George will presumably be back.

Leonard, who will be 32 next season, and George, who will turn 33 next week, are both under contract for $45 million with player options for the final year. And with expiring contracts, they would be eligible for free agency in 2024. Moving either one still seems unlikely.

Could they shake up the roster again, months after shipping out Reggie Jackson, John Wall and Luke Kennard before the trade deadline? The Clippers’ options are limited given that they have 10 players on guaranteed contracts next season and the team is well over the salary cap.

Their focus then turns to Russell Westbrook, 34, who has proven to be an asset but will be a free agent who could demand more than the veteran’s minimum salary that he signed for in February.

However, Westbrook also said, “I love it here. I love the people, just the fans overall embracing not just me but my family and close friends. I know at the end of the year, a lot of things have happened, but I’m grateful. I definitely love being here.”

Lue was asked after the season-ending loss whether there was anything he wished he would have done differently and he paused and said no.

“Probably a lot of things, but I don’t know right now,” said Lue, whose short-handed team fought valiantly throughout the series. “Any time you lose a game, you think about what I could have done differently, what I could have done better. It starts with me first. That’s how I look at everything. It starts with me first, then you kind of go down the line.

“I mean, probably a lot of things, but I don’t know right offhand.”

On Wednesday morning, hours after the fourth-seeded Phoenix Suns eliminated the Clippers in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series, The Athletic’s Shams Charania tweeted that Leonard “has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee.”

He added: “Leonard averaged (34.5) points in first two games of this postseason vs. Suns before the meniscus injury was revealed and he was shut down by medical staff.”

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Leonard averaged 35 points in first two games of this postseason vs. Suns before the meniscus injury was revealed and he was shut down by medical staff.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2023

Leonard missed all of last season with a torn right anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in the Clippers’ second-round playoff series against Utah in 2021.

In his first season back from that injury, he played in 52 regular-season games and averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. In two postseason games in Phoenix, including a Game 1 victory over the favored Suns, Leonard was shooting 54.5% from the field and averaging 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and two steals in those games.

The Clippers expressed regret on Leonard’s behalf that he’d been sidelined by an injury without revealing specifics.

“The fact that he got hurt Game 1, tried to play through it Game 2 and people think that he’s out ’cause he doesn’t want to play,” fellow Clippers star Paul George said Tuesday morning before shootaround. “I think it just attacks his character, where people don’t understand. Like, he’ll play through it. It’s got to be a reason why he’s out.”

But the day before, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue hedged Monday when asked if there was any possibility Leonard could play Tuesday in Game 5: “I mean, there’s always a possibility, yes.”

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook brings the ball up the court during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44) moves the ball up the court during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Eric Gordon passes the ball around Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, left, during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul watches a free throw during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell looks to pass during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Bones Hyland shoots the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell loses the ball while under pressure from Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo, left, and guard Landry Shamet, right, during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul and Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr., left, collide during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant drives as Clippers guard Eric Gordon defends during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant gestures after a basket during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue yells from the sideline during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook attempts a 3-point shot during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo, right, fouls Clippers center Mason Plumlee during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. drives on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, left, looks toward the court as center Deandre Ayton walks to the bench during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket as the Phoenix Suns’ Cameron Payne defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker handles the ball as Clippers guard Terance Mann defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook looks to pass during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Eric Gordon drives as Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig defends during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, left, celebrates a basket with teammate Chris Paul during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr., right, talks with center Ivica Zubac during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell shoots between Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, right, and guard Chris Paul during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell reacts during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Terance Mann takes a 3-point shot during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook loses the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul defends during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook motions to a teammate during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) tries to shoot while under pressure from Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo, left, and forward Josh Okogie during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell loses the ball while under pressure from Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo, left, and guard Landry Shamet, right, during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, and Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo chase down a loose ball during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant shoots during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers coach Tyronn Lue gestures on the sidelines during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Terance Mann attempts a 3-point shot as Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook handles the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker defends during the first quarter in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. Westbrook and the short-handed Clippers pushed the Suns again, but their season came to an end with a 136-130 loss. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket as the Phoenix Suns’ Damion Lee defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo looks to referee Zach Zarba after a foul call during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Bones Hyland shoots the ball over the Phoenix Suns’ Damion Lee during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant celebrates a basket during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers center Mason Plumlee passes the ball as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Bones Hyland dribbles as the Phoenix Suns’ Damion Lee defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker shoots as Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker calls a play as he handles the ball during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker dunks in front of Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44), forward Nicolas Batum (33), and guard Norman Powell (24) during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. Booker had 47 points (25 in the third quarter) and 10 assists to lead the Suns to a 136-130 win that clinched the series. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker dunks in front of Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44), forward Nicolas Batum (33), and guard Norman Powell (24) during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. Booker had 47 points (25 in the third quarter) and 10 assists to lead the Suns to a 136-130 win that clinched the series. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker celebrates a basket during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns fans cheer during the second half of Game 5 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, looks to pass as Clippers guard Terance Mann defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker shoots the ball as he is defended by Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44) during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul celebrates a basket during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  The Clippers’ bench looks toward Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) after Paul made a basket during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers center Mason Plumlee drives to the basket during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, celebrates a basket in front of his bench during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker celebrates a basket during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers players, including injured Paul George, second from left, Russell Westbrook, center, and injured Kawhi Leonard, second from right, watch from the bench during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Clippers lost, 136-130, ending their season. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell drives to the basket as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton looks to shoot as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  The Clippers and the Phoenix Suns compete during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Terance Mann handles the ball as the Phoenix Suns’ Bismack Biyombo defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) high-fives teammate Eric Gordon, left, during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  The Clippers’ Norman Powell, right, celebrates in front of teammate Nicolas Batum after scoring during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant watches a free throw during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is fouled by Clippers guard Eric Gordon during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant celebrates a basket during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant gestures after making a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, greets Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker after Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, visits with Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker after Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, right, greets Clippers guard Terance Mann after Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns fans reach toward Suns forward Kevin Durant after their Game 5 victory over the Clippers on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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  Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant leaves the court after their victory over the Clippers in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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  The Clippers and the Phoenix Suns tip off to begin Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

PHOENIX — Hope is a four-letter word.

Sticks, stones, and four little letters with the power to break hearts and wreck dreams and spoil the best-laid plans.

The fifth-seeded Clippers mounted a wild, willful comeback on Tuesday night but finished just short, 136-130, against the fourth-seeded Phoenix Suns in Game 5 at the Footprint Center.

That wrapped up a valiant, undermanned effort in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round playoff series that was reminiscent of scrappy efforts of years past. It also ended probably the most frustrating season in Clippers’ history – leaving them 0-4 since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined the team.

The Clippers, you remember, raised hopes precariously on July 5, 2019, the night the news that All-Stars Leonard and George were teaming up in L.A. It turned a historically downtrodden franchise into something previously unimaginable: A bona fide championship contender. The odds-on favorite, in fact.

But for all the excitement surrounding that announcement – for all the hope – there remained a streak of hard-boiled trepidation running through a fan base conditioned by nearly 50 years of failure and discord: “There’s really no reason for Clippers fans to think this is going to work out the way it should,” longtime Clippers devotee Matt Johnson told me a couple of days after the deal got done, a prescient sentiment shared by other fans too.

Four years – a presidential term – in, and there’s been no joint NBA Finals appearance for Leonard (No. 2) and George (No. 13).

Four years, a whole high school career, and only one Western Conference finals appearance.

Four years, an entire Olympic cycle, that will be remembered for Leonard’s torn anterior cruciate ligament, for George’s sprained UCL in his elbow, for Leonard’s on-off routine in back-to-back sets of games, for George’s hamstring issues. …

Year 4 started with the greatest expectations yet, Leonard and George both professing to be healthy, ready to lead their deepest supporting cast so far.

It ended Tuesday night in the desert with Leonard, the five-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP, and George, an eight-time All-Star, on the bench, nursing a pair of right knee sprains, the billboards around L.A. also proving prescient: “One of a kind, but we’ve got two!”

Without them, the Suns’ 50-24 third-quarter explosion served as the buffer to boost them into the second round for a showdown with the top-seeded Denver Nuggets, despite the Clippers’ desperate 36-25 fourth-quarter surge.

It’s wrong, it is, to feel any sort of way but bummed about injuries – though not about the Clippers’ bedside manner, the organization’s unsteady drip-drip-drip of painful news. Just tell your long-suffering fans: Is the patient going to make it back soon or what? By season’s end, or not!?

It’s not wrong to lament what coulda been. This season, the Clippers were 24-14 when Leonard and George both played. They were 3-9 when neither did – and 0-3 in three hard-fought postseason games, following Leonard’s surprise scratch hours before Game 3.

Said Coach Tyronn Lue postgame: “The encouraging thing, with PG and Kawhi healthy, we haven’t lost a series yet.”

That left Russell Westbrook – in a plot twist no one could have seen coming to start the season, when he was still a Laker and the Clippers’ roster seemed impeccably set – sparking a short-handed Clippers contingent against a star-studded Suns squad that proved too much.

On Tuesday, the Clippers built a nine-point halftime lead, lost it and then clawed with all their might to save their season in the final few minutes, cutting a 20-point lead to 132-130 with 1:02 to play. They missed multiple chances to tie the score in the final three minutes.

So what now? How are the Clippers ever going to get over the hump?

Norman Powell, a champion with Leonard in Toronto, expects it will happen eventually – if the Clippers can stay healthy.

“In those teams when we (could finally) break through, we had a full healthy team,” he said. “We could figure out what happened this series, who do we need to bring in, what improvements we need to make. … This group, even before I got here, haven’t had that togetherness and health to make a deep run and see what happens.”

As it stands, Leonard and George, the Clippers’ reliably unreliable top-tier talents, are signed for at least another season, with player options for 2024-25 – when Intuit Dome opens in Inglewood. They’re owed $94 million apiece in that span.

And the Clippers will continue paying Oklahoma City for trading them George, a bill that still includes three first-round draft picks and another possible first-round pick swap – and the ignominy of however many points former Clippers phenom Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops on them going forward.

It’s hard to imagine that trading either of their injury-prone stars now would return players of commensurate skill sets or abilities – save for the crucial one: availability.

But rebuilding? In a new building? Seems unlikely.

On Tuesday morning, before the Clippers’ final shootaround of the season, George said he thinks the 213 Era still has legs. He talked about the team’s future more like a marathon than a dash, the smooth-operating wing professing patience shared by few of the fans who let themselves hope four years ago, whether a lot or a little.

“I think I got a lot of good years in me,” George said. “I know Kawhi thinks he’s got a lot of good years in him. I mean, I’m not going to put any pressure on that anytime soon. The only thing I can do is continue to just work on my game, work on myself, and just try to be available as much as possible.”

Forgive Clippers fans if they don’t hold their breath, hoping.

As Johnson, who once penned a song about his Clipper fandom under the moniker Mattafact, rapped: “You think you got it bad / your team is making you sad / I’m a Clipper fan / sadness is all that I’ve ever had.”

Ty Lue shares his gratitude during his press conference with the media following game 5@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/Xz7FJT5phc

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 26, 2023

Norm shares his thoughts with the media in Phoenix@LAClippers | #ClippersLive pic.twitter.com/1f6SUO5OnG

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 26, 2023

Russ shows love to the Clippers organization during his postgame press conference@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/sZnuAZfSZL

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 26, 2023

"We'll see what happens."@LAClippers | #ClippersLive pic.twitter.com/TptJciu54X

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 26, 2023

PHOENIX — Devin Booker unleashed a torrent of offense in the third quarter rarely seen in NBA playoff history, hitting shots from every corner of the gym.

The Phoenix Suns needed just about every one of them.

Booker scored 47 points, including 25 in a spectacular third quarter, to lead the Suns past the Clippers, 136-130, on Tuesday night and win the Western Conference first-round playoff series in five games.

“It was spiritual,” Suns forward Kevin Durant said of watching Booker’s third quarter. “I don’t scream too much in games as I get older, but when he hit that (3-pointer) at the top of the key, I felt that energy and I know everyone in the crowd felt it. We feed off his aggression.”

The Clippers didn’t go quietly, nearly coming back from a 20-point deficit early in the fourth, hitting four straight 3-pointers at one point to quickly close the gap.

The Clippers had multiple chances to tie in the final three minutes, but could never convert. Durant made a layup to push Phoenix’s lead to 134-130 and then made two free throws to put the Suns up six with 31.3 seconds left.

“I think it’s a good lesson for us moving forward,” Booker said. “Don’t play with your food. Finish out as strong as you can. Keep playing all the way until the whistle blows.”

Durant finished with 31 points while Deandre Ayton had 21 points and 11 rebounds. Booker shot 19 for 27 from the field, including 4 for 7 from 3-point range.

Durant’s final free throws capped a wild back-and-forth second half that saw the Clippers take a 71-61 lead early in the third.

But the Suns – led by Booker’s stellar shot-making – unleashed a powerful wave of offense, pouring in 50 points in the third quarter to take a 111-94 lead into the fourth. Booker made 10 of 11 shots in the rally, including three 3-pointers and a tomahawk fast-break dunk.

“When he’s going like that, we’re not calling any plays,” Suns coach Monty Williams said.

Said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue: “We couldn’t stop him. We had no answer for him. We tried to blitz him, we couldn’t blitz him.”

The flustered Clippers had no answer until it was too late. Norman Powell led the Clippers with 27 points while Mason Plumlee scored 20 off the bench.

It was a tough night for Russell Westbrook, who scored 14 points on 3-of-18 shooting and had a costly turnover in the final minute, dishing a pass to Terance Mann, who wasn’t expecting the ball. Westbrook also missed a contested layup with 2:19 left that could have tied the score.

Westbrook said he was proud of the team’s effort. He added eight rebounds and eight assists.

“We stayed with our principles and kept fighting,” the nine-time All-Star said. “Kept competing. Didn’t give up on the next play and gave ourselves a chance.”

The Suns will play the top-seeded Denver Nuggets in the second round. Game 1 is Saturday in Denver.

LEONARD’S ABSENCE

The series took a turn last week when the Clippers announced Leonard had a sprained right knee. The two-time NBA Finals MVP suffered the injury in Game 1 and played through it in Game 2, but his condition worsened.

He missed Games 3 and 4 and the Clippers lost both contests. They were already playing without eight-time All-Star Paul George, who also had a sprained right knee and last played on March 21.

But the Clippers stayed competitive despite those absences and Tuesday night continued that trend.

“We just ran up against a really good opponent,” Lue said.

HISTORIC BOOK

Booker became just the third player in the past 25 seasons to score at least 25 points in a quarter during a playoff game. The others were Damian Lillard (25 in 2019) and Allen Iverson (26 in 2001).

TIP-INS

Clippers: Had a 26-16 rebounding advantage in the first half. … Backup guard Bones Hyland scored nine points in the first half.

Suns: Backup guard Cam Payne played for the first time in the playoffs. He missed the first four games with a sore back. He played three minutes but didn’t score. … Phoenix hosted its 77th consecutive sellout, combining regular season and postseason games.

DEVIN. BOOKER.

47 PTS
8 REB
10 AST
70% FG

Suns win Game 5 and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/NqMHE1pSEX

— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2023

KD balled out as the Suns won Game 5

31 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST

PHX advances to the Western Conference Semifinals.#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/HNHsEjklQv

— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2023

BATUM FOR THREE. 12-0 CLIPPERS RUN.

4 POINT GAME ON TNT pic.twitter.com/EO5gZdNM5z

— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2023

MANN O' MANN@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/YCfdsGQxIq

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 26, 2023

NORMAN POWELL@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/pKW9tKXaMy

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 26, 2023

RUSS pic.twitter.com/ddzEssEZrq

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 26, 2023

Stormin' Norman at his finest@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/UGIrffozPq

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 26, 2023

In his first interview with reporters since he suffered a frightening right knee sprain in a March 21 loss to Oklahoma City, George bemoaned being unable to contribute on the court to a Clippers team that found itself trailing the heavily favored Phoenix Suns, 3-1 – without its two best players

Kawhi Leonard joined George on the sideline last week, out with what’s also being characterized as a sprained right knee. He played in the first two games of the Western Conference first-round playoff series, leading the Clippers to a Game 1 victory, before being ruled out.

The team is calling Leonard day to day, but there’s been little indication he’s close to returning. He was ruled for Game 5 on Monday evening.

George, an eight-time All-Star wing, has been spotted going through basketball drills at Clippers’ practices and shootaround, but he said he’s been eyeing a six-week minimum timeframe for a possible return: “It’ll ultimately be me fighting the medical on being cleared or can I play or can I give it a go. But … just from a standpoint of the minimum time that I needed to recover, if I feel good right at that six-week mark, I’m lacin’ ’em up.”

That hope, of course, might be moot if the Clippers lose Tuesday night at Footprint Center.

“Praying,” George said, “these guys extend it for me and buy me a little more time and be able to be back to full strength.”

Paul George suffered a knee sprain exactly five weeks ago: “If I feel good right at that six-week mark, I’m lacin’ ‘em up.”

The Clippers play an elimination Game 5 in Phoenix without both PG and Kawhi Leonard tonight. pic.twitter.com/yNk0bvqbZu

— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) April 25, 2023

If the Clippers’ season ends before George can return, he was philosophical about the team’s future prospects, despite several seasons of disappointment since he and Leonard teamed up in 2019, both homegrown Southern California talents hoping to bring a championship to a team that has yet to win one. Ill-timed injuries have been at the root of most of the team’s shortcomings in their four seasons together.

After the Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead in their Western Conference semifinals matchup with the Denver Nuggets in the Florida bubble in 2020, George and Leonard’s first season together on the team, they’ve had injuries thwart any serious title contention.

In 2021, the Clippers lost Leonard to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the second round and advanced to the Western Conference finals, pushing the Suns to six games before petering out.

Without Leonard for all of last season and George for most of it – including when he was out because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols in their final fateful play-in game defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans – the Clippers missed the playoffs with a pair of play-in losses.

And this season, the Clippers have had to play the past 12 games without George – before being hit with the news of Leonard’s knee injury when this first-round series was knotted, 1-1. The two-time NBA Finals MVP showed no apparent signs of injury in the Game 2 loss, finishing with 31 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 39 minutes.

“It’s super frustrating,” George said before Clippers’ shootaround Tuesday. “To put so much into the season, put so much into this group, and (for) the organization to put so much into making a team that could compete and again, year after year, just getting zapped by injuries, it’s frustrating.

“That wasn’t the reason I came here, I know it wasn’t the reason (Leonard) came here. We obviously had big plans to win and do something special for Clipper Nation, but I’m a big believer of everything happens for a reason and you just pick up the pieces and try to make a hand out of what you dealt with. So that’s just how I remain positive. I’m very optimistic that our time will come.”

George also vouched for Leonard, whose injury designation, announced just hours before Game 3 at Crytpo.com Arena was a surprise to those outside of the organization.

“What people don’t understand is Kawhi is a trooper, man,” George said. “Kawhi is willing to put it on the line. The fact that he got hurt Game 1, tried to play through it Game 2 and people think that he’s out ’cause he doesn’t want to play – it just attacks his character, where people don’t understand: It’s got to be a reason why he’s out.

“He wants to be out there with us and he wants to be out there to lead. And at the end of the day, all of this is a part of our legacy and at the end of the day we want the best legacy that we can create for ourselves and for family. So I know it hurts him not to be able to be on that floor and continue to lead how he was.”

Paul George on injury frustrations: “I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason. You just pick up the piece and try to make a hand out of what you’re dealt.” pic.twitter.com/Ayr4Q79074

— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) April 25, 2023

Outside noise can be deafening, especially when the conversation centers on why one of the league’s biggest stars isn’t playing at a time when his team desperately needs a victory. Has Leonard’s right knee, which prevented him from playing in Games 3 and 4, recovered enough to help the Clippers avoid elimination?

With his team facing a 3-1 series deficit against the Suns, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue spent much of Monday’s practice trying to quiet the chatter and speculation. Leonard did not practice but was at the facility to receive treatment.

But that didn’t stop Lue from teasingly saying that Leonard would be ready to play (“There’s always a possibility, yes”) before getting real about the situation.

“He’s definitely hurt,” Lue said. “It’s not load management where he’s taking time off. He’s shown in his past that he’s played through injuries in the playoffs. If it’s something he can’t play through, then it has to be pretty serious.

“We’re not talking about him sitting out because he’s load managing or he’s tired or nothing like that. It’s an actual thing. What the outside is saying, who cares? My job is to make sure we’re in good spirits. I trust the guys that we have on the floor now.”

And that does not include Paul George, who amped up his workout Monday, and Leonard, both of whom are listed as out for Tuesday’s game, according to the team.

That leaves Lue to focus on who he will have on the court when the series resumes at the Footprint Center. Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell, both of whom have stepped up in the two stars’ absence, will again have the task of leading the Clippers against the tandem of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who continue to dominate offensively.

Durant and Booker are averaging a combined 62.6 points and 12.3 assists per game. As a team, the Suns are averaging 118.5 points, taking advantage of the Clippers’ numerous turnovers (14.8 per game) and wobbly shooting.

“I trust the guys we have on the floor now. We’re doing some good things, and there’s some things we’ve just got to clean up and get better with, especially when you’re playing a highly talented team like Phoenix,” Lue said.

“There’s things you’ve got to clean up. Your margin for error is very slim, and if we clean up a few things, we’ve been in every game and we’ve been close. But we’ve got to be able to get over the hump and we do that by taking care of the basketball, rebounding the basketball, and then just try to keep these guys off the free-throw line as much as possible.”

The Suns are shooting 79.2% from the line and getting there 30 times per game, compared to the Clippers, who have made fewer trips to the line (23.8) but are making 82.1% of their foul shots.

The more important statistic is that 95.3% of teams facing a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-five series go home.

Still, the Clippers don’t sound like they are making vacation plans just yet. If they happen to get past the Suns on Tuesday, Game 6 would be Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.

“In the (past) two fourth quarters, I think we found something. We found a way to play, and I think if we continue to play like that while being smart on the defensive end, we’ll give ourselves a good shot to win the game,” Clippers guard Terance Mann said.

Mann said the team needs to be “conscious of how we need to play. Like keep reiterating it, talking about it in the huddles, and just playing like it.”

CLIPPERS AT SUNS

What: Western Conference first-round series, Game 5

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix

TV/Radio: Bally Sports SoCal, TNT, 1150 AM

“I’m pretty sure they’re going to throw an even bigger punch than the one they did (Saturday),” Ayton told azcentral.com after the Suns took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 112-100 victory against the Clippers.

The Clippers are going to need everything they can throw at the Suns considering they still are without their 1-2 punch. Barring any unforeseen developments, All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are expected to miss Game 5 when the series resumes Tuesday night in Phoenix.

Both Clippers stars are out with sprained right knees.

“Obviously with PG and Kawhi down, that changes the rotation, changes guys in and out of the lineup,” Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook said. “But we make no excuses around here. It’s the next-man-up mentality, and we’ve just got to make sure we rally around each other, keep competing and leave it on the floor, and that’s all you can do.”

The fifth-seeded Clippers have shown that kind of willingness in their past two games, challenging the fourth-seeded Suns in the latter stages before running out of steam to fall behind in the series.

Coach Tyronn Lue said facing that kind of deficit, especially without Leonard and George, leaves little room for mistakes, the kind of self-inflicted errors that cost them in their previous two games.

In both those losses, late-game effort could not erase sloppy play early. The Suns took 21 more free throws than the Clippers on Thursday and 17 more Saturday.

The Clippers, who have had trouble hanging onto the ball all season, turned the ball over 13 times in Game 4 against the Suns’ talented trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul, and 18 times in Game 3.

Booker is averaging 34.8 points, 5.5 assists and 2.1 steals in the first round of playoffs, and Durant is posting 27.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists. Paul leads the team with 8.5 assists and helped close out their Game 4 win with a strong fourth quarter.

“They are a great team, great players, great coach in Monty (Williams), so our margin for error is very slim,” Lue said. “We can’t turn the ball over eight times in one quarter. We can’t give up offensive rebounds. We can’t do things like that, especially when you’re shorthanded.

“So, those things we’ve just got to clean up, like I said. But I can’t fault these guys in the locker room. They give me everything they have got every single night and they have got to bring it again on Tuesday.”

In other words, the Clippers need to play near-perfect basketball if they want to stay alive in the postseason. Otherwise, the championship talk will be put on hold. Again.

“We just have to stay with it, keep being encouraging,” Lue said. “You know, don’t pull guys out when they make a mistake, when they don’t make shots. I think it’s more so about giving those guys confidence to play through it a little bit, and that’s pretty much my formula.

“You want to always breed confidence in your players and that’s what we try to do – not just me but my whole coaching staff.”

The future Hall of Fame guard, who has faced scrutiny since leaving Oklahoma City, was labeled a disruptor, toxic and the reason for the Lakers’ woes earlier this season – descriptions many other players couldn’t understand.

“I feel like the only people that do that are the people who don’t know basketball, you know what I’m saying?” Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant said after leading his team to a 112-100 victory over the Clippers in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena.

“And they don’t know what it’s like to compete,” Suns point guard Chris Paul said. “I know for me, Russ is one of my closest friends, you know what I’m saying? And so, people that do that, talk crazy, probably wish they could be in that situation, you know what I mean?”

Westbrook and Durant played eight seasons together in Oklahoma City, forging a lasting bond. The two were seen bro-hugging it out in the hallway of the Footprint Center in Phoenix after Game 2.

“When he retires, people are (going to) really tell the truth about how they feel about his game,” Durant said. “Right now, the fun thing to do is to make a joke out of Russ but the way he’s been playing since he got with the Clippers is showing everybody who he really is.”

Westbrook, who was voted the league MVP in 2017, turned in another big game Saturday, scoring 37 points on 17-for-29 shooting (3 for 6 from 3-point range). He had 30 points in Game 2 and scored 28 in Game 3. He averaged 15.8 points, 7.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 21 regular-season games with the Clippers after joining them in mid-February.

Suns coach Monty Williams called Westbrook a “tough cover” for his team, which makes the past criticisms that much more perplexing.

“There were a couple times where we had late switches and the bigs stepped up and we were able to take their big off the glass or force him to throw it out of bounds,” Williams said. “That’s why I’ve always laughed at all the criticism he’s gotten. It’s one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen an MVP get the kind of criticism that he’s received. And you’re seeing MVP-type play these last few games.”

MOVING FORWARD

Even though the Clippers trail the best-of-seven series 3-1 and face elimination Tuesday night in Phoenix, Westbrook said he isn’t giving up the season. Not yet.

“(I will keep) finding ways,” he said. “When I watch film, I’m so hard on myself, figuring out ways to be better, not just being more efficient, taking care of the ball, defending better, not giving up on plays.

“I really strive to do everything at an elite level. So, when I watch (film) tonight, maybe I could have done something better. Give guys more shots; make the game easy for them so they don’t have to work so hard with my abilities. I find ways to do more as much as I can to try to get us a win.”

FACING TALL ODDS

Only 11 NBA teams have come back from a 3-1 playoff deficit to win, and one should be noted. The Cleveland Cavaliers memorably overcame a 3-1 deficit in the 2016 NBA Finals to win their only title.

The coach? Tyronn Lue.

The Clippers also have been on the opposite side of that situation. In the 2015 Western Conference semifinals, the Houston Rockets won three games in a row to stop the Clippers from reaching what would have been their first trip to the conference finals.

In the 2021 playoffs, down 3-1 to Phoenix, the Clippers won an elimination game before falling in Game 6 on their home court.

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, right, shoots as Clippers center Mason Plumlee defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, shoots as Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, and guard Russell Westbrook defend during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr., right, shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, right, chats with Clippers center Ivica Zubac just before tipoff during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Eric Gordon, left, shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook scores on a layup in front of the Phoenix Suns’ Landry Shamet, right, and Kevin Durant during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig, left, goes up for a dunk as Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) and forward Nicolas Batum, right, defend during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Injured Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, watches from the bench during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell shoots a jumper in front of Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams gestures during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket as the Phoenix Suns’ Landry Shamet defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams speaks to Chris Paul, left, and Kevin Durant on the sidelines during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, shoots as Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant looks to pass as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook scores on a layup in front of the Phoenix Suns’ Landry Shamet during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, left, celebrates after a basket during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, right, and Clippers center Ivica Zubac reach for a rebound as Suns guards Chris Paul, left, and Devin Booker look on during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant reacts in front of an official after being called for a foul during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Chris Paul, left, reacts after blocking a shot by Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, right, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, right, shoots as Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo, left, defends and center Ivica Zubac, center, watches during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant stands on the court during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo, right, reaches in on Clippers center Mason Plumlee during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul shoots during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers coach Tyronn Lue Phoenix Suns coach watches from the sidelines during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr., left, blocks a shot by Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook pulls down a rebound in front of teammate Marcus Morris Sr. as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton looks on during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Josh Okogie defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Josh Okogie, right, grabs a rebound away from Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket between the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, left, and Josh Okogie during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket between the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, left, and Josh Okogie during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Eric Gordon drives to the basket between the Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant, left, and Torrey Craig during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams watches from the sidelines during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook looks to pass as he cuts between the Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant, left, and Devin Booker during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns stars Kevin Durant, left, and Devin Booker react toward the bench after a stop in play during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, scores in front of Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, center, shoots as Clippers center Mason Plumlee, left, and forward Robert Covington defend during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker attempts a layup as he is fouled by Clippers center Mason Plumlee during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  The Clippers’ Terance Mann, left, and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant react to a foul call during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, reacts as he is fouled by Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Josh Okogie defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker drives to the basket in front of Clippers center Ivica Zubac and Deandre Ayton, left, during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, right, is fouled by Clippers guard Russell Westbrook as he shoots during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook reacts as he waits for play to resume during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook reacts as he waits for play to resume during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Clippers center Mason Plumlee, center, has his shot blocked by Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, left, and forward Torrey Craig during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, right, shoots as Clippers center Mason Plumlee defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, soars to the basket for a layup as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, right, celebrates after scoring as guard Eric Gordon runs behind during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, right, shoots as Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker makes a pass as he saves the ball from going out of bounds in front of Clippers center Mason Plumlee, center, and Suns center Deandre Ayton during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul shoots a jumper in front of the Clippers’ Norman Powell and teammate Deandre Ayton during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Injured Clippers star Kawhi Leonard (black shirt), Russell Westbrook and others watch from the bench during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, left, shoots as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, reaches to try to catch a pass as he is fouled by the Phoenix Suns’ Torrey Craig during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, right, and Clippers guard Russell Westbrook reach for a rebound during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig, right, shoots as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, right, soars to the basket for a layup in front of Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, left, and guard Devin Booker during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook argues a foul call in front of Bones Hyland during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, right, and teammate Chris Paul talk during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul rises in traffic next to teammate Deandre Ayton (22) as Clippers guard Eric Gordon, left, defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, drives past Clippers guard Norman Powell during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker drives to the basket around Clippers guard Norman Powell during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, shoots as Clippers guard Bones Hyland defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul reacts after hitting an off-balance 3-point shot as teammates Bismack Biyombo, left, Josh Okogie and Landry Shamet celebrate behind and Clippers guard Russell Westbrook looks on during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, left, is congratulated by center Bismack Biyombo after hitting an off-balance 3-point shot during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul smiles after making an off-balance 3-point shot during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  From left, the Clippers’ Mason Plumlee, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, Nicolas Batum, Eric Gordon and Paul George watch from the bench during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, sets up a play in front of Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker holds his pose after hitting a 3-point shot as forward Kevin Durant, center, and guard Chris Paul congratulate each other while Clippers center Mason Plumlee, far left, walks away during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, right, congratulates teammate Devin Booker after he made a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook stands on the court in the closing seconds of the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker holds the ball as the Clippers’ Robert Covington defends during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant scores on a layup between Clippers center Mason Plumlee, left, and forward Robert Covington during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant holds his pose after making a 3-point shot during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, and forward Kevin Durant congratulate each other during the second half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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  Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker walks off the court after their 112-100 victory over the Clippers in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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  Clippers guard Russell Westbrook watches warm-ups before Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES — Clippers coach Tyronn Lue came to the podium after his team lost to the Phoenix Suns, liking what he witnessed on the court but not so much on the scoreboard.

The Suns pushed the Clippers to the brink of elimination with a 112-100 victory in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday afternoon. Phoenix has won three straight and leads the best-of-seven series 3-1.

“I hoped to see a win,” Lue said. “We are not playing to keep it close. I know y’all might think that, but we are playing to win.”

But they didn’t win, and the wishing and hoping now rests with Tuesday night’s Game 5 in Phoenix.

“We need big games again. Big games from Norm (Powell). Big games from Russell (Westbrook). Big games from everybody. We need everybody to play well,” Lue said. “Like I said, we are scrapping, and we are competing, but then we’ve got to be smarter. Just fouling, taking care of the basketball, good shot selection.

“But overall, I love exactly what we’re doing.”

Before Saturday’s matinee tipoff, Lue hoped his team would show the same passion they displayed in a losing effort in Game 3, when they overcame a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter before coming up short.

But like the previous game, the Clippers couldn’t overcome the Phoenix Suns’ duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who carried Phoenix with a finishing kick from former Clipper Chris Paul.

Durant had a team-high 31 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Booker added 30 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Paul added 19 points, nine assists and three steals (and no turnovers), quieting the arena with two big 3-pointers during his 12-point fourth quarter. Deandre Ayton had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

“Ty, as I’ve said before, he’s one of the best at changing defenses, putting the big strong guys on your scorers to frustrate you,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “And they push it to the legal limit. I thought Kev just stayed with it tonight. He fought for the ball a bit more than last game, I thought, and I think our guys did a much better job of finding him when he was open so he could attack. But I do still feel like it’s a work in progress.”

In turn, Lue praised the Suns and their coach, saying that their talent level is something the Clippers cannot take lightly.

“Our margin for error is very slim, and so we can’t turn the ball over eight times in one quarter,” Lue said. “We can’t give up offensive rebounds. We can’t do things like that, especially when you’re short-handed.”

The Clippers again played with a desperate intensity to stay afloat in the series, but it came in fits and starts. Several times, they grabbed the momentum with big scoring runs only to give it all back with turnovers and careless fouls.

And like the game two days ago, Clippers were without their two biggest stars – Kawhi Leonard and Paul George – both of whom sat on the bench with sprained right knees. Lue dismissed their absence playing any part in the Clippers trailing 2-1 coming into Saturday’s game.

“Because we’ve been in this position before a lot of times. Our guys are prideful guys in that locker room, and they are professionals as well,” Lue said. “We played well when PG and Kawhi have been out, and I just think that the addition with Russ, when he’s on the floor, we believe we can win every night, again.”

Westbrook had another big game – 37 points, six rebounds and four assists to become the sixth player in franchise history to score 30 points in back-to-back postseason games. He had 14 points in the fourth quarter, including nine in a row when the Clippers twice pulled within two points, but it wasn’t enough.

Eric Gordon disappeared after the first half, Norman Powell didn’t produce the same kind of 3-point fireworks he did in Game 3 and finished with just 14 points, and Terance Mann added 13.

The Clippers were in a good spot in the early going as the Suns shot 28% (7 for 25) in the first quarter. Durant picked up two fouls and the visitors had four turnovers.

The Clippers took advantage of the Suns’ rough opening. Mason Plumlee whipped passes like Magic Johnson. Gordon was in a groove from 3-point range (2 for 3), Westbrook was active, and the Clippers used a 19-5 run to open a 30-23 lead.

Then the second quarter happened. Turnovers, something Lue had warned about, crept into their game. The Clippers turned the ball over eight times in the quarter and had 10 by halftime – nine of them on steals by the Suns. And it turned out, they couldn’t hold onto the lead any better than they could hang onto the ball. They trailed 48-47 at halftime.

“We had opportunities in the second quarter,” Lue said. “I thought we had eight turnovers, kind of got easy baskets but our margin for error is slim.”

The Clippers scored nine straight points to open the third and take an eight-point lead. But Durant scored 11 points in the period, capped by a 3-pointer that sent the Suns into the fourth leading 83-78.

“This team is going to stick around the whole game,” Durant said of the Clippers. “They’re never out of a game. It was a back-and-forth battle. They threw punches, we threw punches. We threw the last one.”

Marcus Morris Sr. started in place of Nicolas Batum, who had struggled offensively throughout the series. Morris, playing in his second game since March 25, scored nine points and had three rebounds. His appearance was part of Lue’s plan to change things up.

“You know, just keep throwing fresh bodies on the floor, continue to keep playing the way we’ve been playing and then hopefully they slow down a little bit,” said Lue, who coached the Cleveland Cavaliers when they erased a 3-1 deficit in the 2016 NBA Finals to win their only title.

Expect more lineup changes for Game 5.

Asked if he was anything he saw in this game’s lineup that he might use in the next game, Lue shot back with a quick “No.”

KD and Russ showed OUT in Game 4

KD: 31 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST
Russ: 37 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST

Suns picked up the W and a 3-1 series lead.#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/s4sfU5z2pn

— NBA (@NBA) April 22, 2023

Devin Booker in the Suns Game 4 win:

30 PTS
9 REB
7 AST

3 straight Playoff 30 pieces. HOOPING.#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/9AektEIurY

— NBA (@NBA) April 22, 2023

FOR REAL, CP3

12 PTS IN THE FOURTH

16-5 SUNS RUN ON TNT pic.twitter.com/SyEBGFjoQK

— NBA (@NBA) April 22, 2023