USA Today via Reuters
Jun 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) center Deandre Ayton (22) guard Cameron Payne (15) and guard Devin Booker (1) celebrate the 130-103 series victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in game six of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) center Deandre Ayton (22) guard Cameron Payne (15) and guard Devin Booker (1) celebrate the 130-103 series victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in game six of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks are holding on to two wins each in the NBA Finals at the moment. The series stands tied and the finalists will be moving on to a crucial Game 5 tomorrow. With the Bucks redeeming themselves from a 0-2 deficit, Chris Paul and co. are on a difficult run to the title.
Monty William’s bunch has been impressive all along this season, ripping out prominent teams on the way. The Suns finished second in the western standings behind Utah Jazz with a 51-21 record in the regular season. After advancing to the postseason, their star duo – Chris Paul and Devin Booker dominated every round to reach the finals.
It’s Paul’s first appearance in the NBA Finals after 16 years in the league. The closest he’s been to the finals was in 2018 when he made it to the conference finals with Houston Rockets. Unfortunately, injuries again pulled Paul back from clinching that trophy.
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The first time when Chris Paul is closest to the NBA title
The 36-YO point god is two wins away from winning his first NBA championship. However, if the Phoenix Suns do not make it past the Bucks, how’s it going to be like for Chris Paul? Chris Haynes, Yahoo Sports’ Senior NBA Insider, discussed the repercussions of the same on the Dan Patrick Show.
“It’s going to be tough. We’ve seen Chris Paul play at a higher level, fizzle out towards the end. His best run before this point was in Houston, we got to the conference finals. He was a hamstring away from advancing…”
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USA Today via Reuters
Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half in game one of the 2021NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Clutch times are at stake for superstar Paul
Haynes believes that the Phoenix star will lose out on the tag of being a clutch player if he doesn’t get through this time. “This (Suns not winning the 2021 finals) would amplify all the talk that people saying that Chris Paul can’t get it done in clutch times and clutch moments. Got still lot of time left for him to rectify that, but it’s going to be a bad look if the Suns aren’t able to get this done.”
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Chris Paul is in the books as one of the most intelligent players, but that may not prove to be enough without a title. Phoenix started the series with a 2-0 lead but Giannis Antetokounmpo made it even in Game 4. Both anticipation and excitement are high amongst fans for this Finals. Who is winning the ring this season? Let us know in the comments.
WATCH THIS STORY: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Historic Night – Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns Game 3 NBA Finals Highlights
