USA Today via Reuters
Jun 26, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) reacts as time runs out in the Suns victory over the LA Clippers in game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 26, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) reacts as time runs out in the Suns victory over the LA Clippers in game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Chris Paul led Phoenix Suns did the unthinkable. They sent both the LA-based teams packing and ensured their first finals appearance after Charles Barkley’s 1993 showdown against Michael Jordan.
The #2 seed closed Game 6 against the Clippers in a brutal fashion, winning every quarter and registering a 27-point blowout win. Although they had a formidable contribution coming from everyone, Chris Paul stood apart with his show. The man of the hour placed his body on the line to seize the glory.
Chris Paul beats LeBron James and other legends in a unique record
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The 36-YO league veteran defeated the same team that he represented for six long years before moving to the Rockets. This was the 13th time in his 16-year NBA career that the star point guard was playing in the postseason. However, he had never before qualified for the NBA Finals and this time, he ensured a memorable individual night.
CP3 scored 41 points, 4 rebs, 8 assists, and 3 steals in his mega show at the Staples Center. With this, he now has a unique record to his name –
Chris Paul is the oldest player in NBA history with 40+ points in a closeout game.
He is also the 2nd oldest player ever to drop 40 in any playoff game. pic.twitter.com/l6bnJd66Go
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 1, 2021
Now, the NBA Finals will give CP3 another chance to beat this record because given his form, anything is possible. Additionally, his 37-point night in Game 4 against the Nuggets and this one tonight meant back-to-back 35+ points games in close-out matches.
This made him the oldest ever to do it, ahead of MJ, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James.
After dropping 37 in the series-clincher against Denver, Chris Paul poured in 41 Wednesday night against the Clippers.
He became the oldest player in postseason history with 35 points in consecutive close-out games within a postseason.
The previous oldest? Michael Jordan. pic.twitter.com/NJ7oU6XW7Q
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 1, 2021
Read More – WATCH: Clippers’ Patrick Beverley Shoves Chris Paul from Behind in Frustration During Game 6 Loss vs Suns
The Phoenix Suns leader left Michael Jordan behind in yet another stat
Chris Paul averages close to 10 assists per night and his consistency with this playmaking has blessed him with yet another record. In Game 6, his eight assists meant he crossed Michael Jordan’s 1022 assists record.
Now, CP3 is just 40 or so assists away from beating four more legendary figures and reaching the coveted #7 position.
Congrats to @CP3 of the @Suns for moving up to 11th on the all-time #NBAPlayoffs ASSISTS list! #ThatsGame pic.twitter.com/QsCFmI4edg
— NBA (@NBA) July 1, 2021
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However, the highlight of Thursday night was not his playmaking but his crazy shooting and phenomenal defense. The man started the night with two daggers and went 7/8 from downtown.
He enjoyed a 19-point Q4 and that meant aggravating Pat Beverley and Paul George even more. It was one kingly night!
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Do you think CP3 can continue this form against Bucks/Hawks? Help us know your interesting opinion in the comments section below.
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