As for the Western Conference, the Suns are no juggernaut, and the Jazz will now return to Utah following a 118-104 defeat on Monday night.
The Clippers are not necessarily a Brooklyn-esque juggernaut in a traditional sense, though head coach Tyronn Lue has a much deeper rotation at his disposal than he did with the 2018 Cavaliers.
The lack of a true impact point guard was a significant reason behind last year’s bubble exit, and it’s not as though the addition of Rajon Rondo has alleviated such concerns.
Lue opted to forego a traditional center in the starting lineup in Game 4, starting Morris as the nominal five alongside Leonard, George, Jackson and the resurgent Nic Batum.
The Clippers’ defense held Utah to just 13 points in the first quarter, and Donovan Mitchell finished the night with 37 points on 26 shots as his supporting cast struggled.
Not to slight Doc Rivers, but Lue could very well serve as the missing piece for Los Angeles as it seeks redemption from last year’s collapse.
Leonard is currently battling Kevin Durant for the title of Best Player Alive, and he’s tallied 65 points on 53 percent shooting over the last two games.