Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Phoenix Suns put the NBA on notice as they reached their first NBA finals since 1993. It all started in Orlando where they were undefeated in 8 games. However, they failed to make the playoffs that season. After that, with the addition of Chris Paul to the roster, Phoenix showed no signs of stopping.

Phoenix finished as the #2 seed in the Western Conference. They then stunned the defending champions, the LA Lakers, in round 1 of the playoffs. Moreover, they swept the MVP Jokic and his Denver Nuggets. The Suns then beat the Clippers in six games to qualify for the NBA finals.

The backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul has proved to be too much on their rivals, as they march into game 1 tomorrow. Phoenix is also the favorite to win it all this year, and Kendrick Perkins agrees with the odds.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

ALSO READ- The Chris Paul Effect: Unique Stat Proves How CP3 Led Hornets, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, and Suns to Success

Kendrick Perkins picks Phoenix Suns

On an episode of The Jump, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins picked Phoenix to win. He said:

“This is how much I believe in the Phoenix Suns. I wish you would have told me before we got on the show that you went to Vegas you know yesterday and half of the time because I would have told you to bet my house on it. That’s how much faith I have in the Phoenix Suns right now.”

Perkins explained that it is Phoenix’s depth that comes up big. He said, “Yeah, for the simple fact that they are not lacking at anything. When you look at their depth, they have you know two awesome backcourts in Devin Booker and Chris Paul. They have shooting, they have a defensive identity, they have a young star in DeAndre Ayton that anchors the defense and who’s everything you want in a center position. And then when you look at their bench Cameron Payne, Cam Johnson, Saric. They have a lot of depth.”

USA Today via Reuters

The Suns have truly been ruthless in these playoffs. In his first-ever playoff appearance, Devin Booker is averaging 27 points per game. Chris Paul has come up big in both series clinchers as he scored 37 and 41 points in those. Young stars such as DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges have also emerged.

ALSO READ- Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Crucial Injury Update Ahead of NBA Finals Against Suns

Are the odds right?

Phoenix Suns have shown the fight necessary to go this far. Even at 36, Chris Paul is still as competitive as ever and has empowered this team into competing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In addition, the Suns have a brilliant coach in Monty Williams. They have one of the best basketball minds in Chris Paul, along with a prolific young scorer in Devin Booker. And they also have a lot of depth in this team. Their bench runs deep as well.

USA Today via Reuters

They have a perfect balance of experience and youth in their team. Phoenix Suns know how to win and with Giannis being questionable, it is no wonder Phoenix is the favorite to win the NBA finals. If they do manage to win, it will be their first championship in franchise history.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It is only a matter of 4 games for the Phoenix Suns to be called champions. Do you think Chris Paul & co have what it takes?’

WATCH THIS STORY-  Trae Young’s Bow, Larry Bird’s Steal & Other Iconic NBA Playoff Moments