The Phoenix Suns have been a revelation this season. With Devin Booker finally coming of age, the Suns find themselves in the NBA Finals for only the second time in franchise history. The wheels of change started spinning in Phoenix’s favor well before the 2020-21 season or the acquisition of Chris Paul. In fact, Suns’ journey began in the Bubble restart, as some newfound belief saw them go 8-0 in Orlando.
However, CP3’s acquisition instantly elevated Phoenix to title contenders. In a power-packed Western Conference, Paul’s signing with the Suns saw them instantly leap-frog the competition. The franchise went from a below .500 team with a 34-39 record, to a .708 contender with a 51-21 record in the regular season.
The Suns played their first NBA Finals game in over 28 years. And while there were some nerves in the beginning, Paul has waited for this opportunity his entire career.
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Chris Paul took the game over with 32pts and 9asts, while running mates Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, and Cam Payne showed up in big moments. Safe to say, whether it be against the Lakers, Nuggets, Clippers, or the Bucks, Nate McMillan’s boys have exceeded expectations.
The Devin Booker – Chris Paul dynamic
DBook, in a post-game presser after Game 1, hailed CP3’s leadership as a driving force in the Suns’ journey to the finals.
D Book with the highest compliment for CP3. pic.twitter.com/tFVYUKEWPx
— ESPN (@espn) July 7, 2021
In just their first season together, the Booker-Paul chemistry is striking. Both stars complement each other’s games, as the Point God’s passing skills complement Booker’s raw scoring ability.
In fact, this relationship dates back to the last off-season, when just the day after signing with Phoenix, the duo were already putting in the work at the gym!
New teammates Chris Paul and Devin Booker already in the gym together 👀
(via nick_tuft7/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/RN3iZD0Z83
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 18, 2020
A few months later, they see themselves in possibly the biggest series of their careers yet to complete their journey to the promised land. Paul and Booker have been sensational these playoffs, averaging 19.0ppg/8.7apg & 27.0ppg/6.2rpg respectively.
Also Read – Revisiting The Unfortunate and Injury-Ridden Postseason History of Phoenix Suns Star Chris Paul
CP3 has exemplified the true meaning of a leader, with the younger players all crediting him for their improved performance. Even when the point guard was down with COVID-19, he was in virtual coaching mode on the sidelines.
Commander Paul the 3rd?
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Paul, considered one of the greatest point guards ever, looks to cement a place in the top 5 PGs of all time with a championship this season. As a leader, Paul took over in Game 6 of the WCF as he put up 41pts, with 0 turnovers, to send the Clippers home at his old hunting ground, the Staples Center.
In his Hall-of-Fame career, Paul has always wielded the ability to carry below-par teams into the playoffs, as he did with OKC last year.
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And even though the Suns were not a lottery team last season, Chris Paul’s ability as a floor general on the court and veteran leader off it is the reason the Suns have made it this far!
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