The Phoenix Suns, led by Chris Paul, defeat the LA Clippers to win the Western Conference Finals. Moreover, they booked their ticket to the NBA finals for the first time in almost 30 years.
The last Phoenix team to reach the finals the 1993 squad led by Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. They lost to MJ and the Bulls in the Finals.
Chris Paul made game 6 his own, scoring a mammoth 41 points to guide the Suns to victory. He scored 19 of those points in the 4th quarter including an and-1 three over Clippers’ Reggie Jackson.
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Moreover, he also led the team in assists with 8. Phoenix played as a complete unit and emerged as the better basketball team on the day.
They ended their 10-year playoff drought and are now the first team into the NBA finals.
Chris Paul’s relationship with the young guns
CP3 joined the Phoenix Suns from OKC and has proven that he made the right decision. He has been the leader on this team, while also being their best player.
Post-game, Chris Paul was asked what made him join the Phoenix Suns. The 36-year-old said, “The big reason was the light skin guy right here, No. 1 Devin Booker. … He is a dog.”
"The big reason was the light skin guy right here, No. 1 Devin Booker. … He is a dog."
—Chris Paul on why he wanted to play for the Suns pic.twitter.com/jcqIqiT3Xp
— ESPN (@espn) July 1, 2021
We have seen the relationship that CP3 shares with Booker, as the latter would video call him after every game when Chris was out. CP3 also mentioned that Booker was the oldest 24-year-old that he has played with.
He was impressed with Booker’s mindset and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win. Booker also played a great game, ending with 22 points.
Recently, DeAndre Ayton also said that CP3 is the best thing that had happened to him in his career. It only goes to show how Paul has impacted the whole Phoenix side.
He constantly pushes the team to keep winning and do better. Paul has shown them how to compete. Likewise, the Suns helped CP3 reach his first-ever NBA finals.
What lies ahead for the Phoenix Suns
Suns have inched one step closer to capturing that elusive title and will now prepare themselves for the finals. They have plenty of rest days, which will be a huge advantage and will allow them to recover, while also mentally lock-in.
That’s been one of their biggest strengths this season. They have had the necessary rest days before every series which has allowed them to be fully fit for battle.
With Chris finding his footing again, Phoenix Suns will be very confident going into these finals. They will face either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Atlanta Hawks.
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Big names of both these franchises, Giannis and Trae Young, have picked up injuries, and are questionable. This will be a huge boost for the Suns.
The Suns have great chemistry amongst them, with every player performing their role. They have different players who have stepped up in these playoffs. Notably, Cameron Payne has been their find of the season, who took the role of CP3 in his absence.
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To sum up, Phoenix Suns have a great chance to win the first championship in franchise history. With a leader like Chris Paul, the Suns look as dominant as ever. Do you think Chris Paul will finally win a championship? Share your views in the comments.
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