Charles Barkley Raves About Chris Paul and Suns? Elite Defense vs Pelicans

Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns’ quest for a maiden NBA title seems to have started off with a bang. After finishing the regular season as the best team in the NBA, the Suns took on the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the playoffs. And they started the playoffs with one of the greatest defensive performances seen in a half. Even the great Charles Barkley was impressed by it.

The Suns took on the Pelicans at the Footprint Center for game 1 of the series. The Pelicans were coming off two victories against the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers. But they faced an entirely different beast with the Suns. The Suns held the Pelicans to just 34 points in the first half. Doing so in the modern game is just incredible. Moreover, the Suns held them to just 22% shooting from the field.

Charles Barkley is impressed with Chris Paul and the Sun’s defensive effort

The game was being broadcasted on TNT and at the halftime show, Chuck raved about the Suns. He said, “I don’t want to get carried away, but that is arguably one of the greatest defensive performances I’ve ever seen. To hold an NBA team to 34 points in a half, I mean like, everybody plays defense on that team.

“Bridges is up for defensive player of the year, but Jar Crowder, you got Booker playing great defense, I mean Ayton is blocking everything. That was impressive to watch”

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The Suns finished number 1 in defensive rating and that’s a credit to their hard work. Mikal Bridges has been a leader on this squad and he has elevated his game to the next level. Jae Crowder has shown why he is one of the best two-way players in the game. Booker and Paul have become extremely good defenders. And they have strong centers like DeAndre Ayton, JaVale McGee, and Bismack Biyombo. Even their bench mob plays excellent defense.

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The Suns fell short on the last step last year, but they do not want to make the same mistake again. And as the saying goes, defense wins championships and the Suns are definitely playing to win.