As the Clippers won game 3, they were able to limit Devin Booker to just 15 points. There’s a reason why he shot just 5 for 16 in game 2 and 5 for 21 in game 3. And it sure coincides with Patrick Beverley’s increased minutes and defense on Book. Let me show you how Pat Bev is making life difficult right now for the Suns superstar. What up everybody my name is Stefan and this is Heat Check. Let’s get into it. Right off the bat, check out this statistic: When Beverley is on the floor this series, Booker is shooting 10/32 which is a horrific 31.3% from the field. He also has 10 turnovers and is -12. I mean, who wouldn’t be when you have a pitbull like this hounding you on every inch of the court. Although Russell Westbrook had that famous comment saying: I completely disagree and you can really see it with your very eyes how much of an impact he has defensively. Look at these 2 shots for example: They both rimmed out and he could have made them of course, but as a defender the most you can do is fight over the screens, try to contest, and try to make things as difficult as possible for an otherwise elite scorer. But then look at this chasedown, staying attached, going around the Ayton screen, and ultimately swiping the ball on the shot. And check out this beautiful angle, the front row seats that we have on this phenomenal play. When you have a guy chasing you like this all over the court, it just makes things uncomfortable and gets you off your flow. You constantly need to think about the fact that he’s right there, he’s pesky, and might snatch the ball away at any moment. And when you have more things to think about and be careful off, the possibility of missing a shot goes up. Even the possessions that were ultimately called a foul, like this right here. Book is now aware that he might got the call this time, but Beverley was right there. And of course not to mention the fact that he’s all up in your face at times excessively, as Devin himself found that out the hard way, on this collision that resulted in 3 stitches and a broken nose, so he’ll likely play out the rest of the playoffs with a mask on. Anyway Ty Lue had high praise for Beverley in the postgame interview. TY LUE INTERVIEW Speaking of the job against Donovan Mitchell, look at this frightening sequence, my goodness, he’s all over him. Incredible. And the passionate reaction afterwards of course. So yeah, Pat Bev also made his presence felt in the last series as well. He was bothering not only Mitchell but all of the Jazz perimeter players with his defense and also forced a bunch of tough shots and turnovers. Getting a must win in game 3, you could definitely see the celebration, and the excitement on the faces of the Clippers. Even Kawhi was beyond exhilarated watching from the stands. Yeah extremely emotional whatever... But look at Pat, keeping that same intensity even after he was subbed out with the game already decided. Maaan, say what you want about him but I always want a guy on my team that I know will always play all out 100% each and every possession. That’s all I would ask for. In fact that’s all that any coach wants from his players. And this is exactly why he’s been one of my favorite players to watch. That’s it for now, subscribe and talk to you in the next one. Peace out.