
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Chris Paul (3) hug as head coach Monty Williams looks on after beating the LA Clippers in game six 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 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Chris Paul (3) hug as head coach Monty Williams looks on after beating the LA Clippers in game six of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns have a lot to be thankful for this season but if there is one thing that trumps everything else, it was their decision to bring in Chris Paul to the franchise. Who knew that a team that went undefeated in the Orlando Bubble would be propelled to reach the NBA Finals the next time fans would see them on the court? And if it wasn’t for Chris Paul, this would never have been possible.
Chris Paul and Devin Booker’s first practice together
The Suns’ superstar Devin Booker needed someone to rely on and he found just that in CP3. Although their partnership on the court is seamless, it wasn’t that way when they started off. In a recent interview, Booker opened up about the tensions they had during practices before.
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He said, “I used to try bringing him to the post, every time he used to switch on me. So, while we’re walking down to the post, he would be like, ‘I am not going for that, I am not going for that.”
However, this eventually came to an end because Booker would still score on him and Paul would be able to defend too. But they also got into it with each other in their first practice as a team.
"I don't think it's really about to throw hands, but you know the closest thing you can do without doing it."
Devin Booker spoke about the competitiveness with Chris Paul in their very first practice as a team 😳 pic.twitter.com/gm7WTraje7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 5, 2021
Devin revealed, “We were doing a 3-on-3 drill, and it was kind of like the survival of the fittest mindset. I don’t think it’s really about to throw hands, but you know the closest thing you can do without doing it.”
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The Phoenix Suns duo are better with each other than without
Booker rose to another level with Chris on his side, especially in the playoffs. In fact, the entire offense of the Suns has changed since CP3 came in. As he makes his way to the NBA Finals, Booker is averaging 27 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists. He is now 34% from downtown and is shooting 44% from the field.
Even though the roster around Paul is filled with youngsters, his veteran leadership has played a vital role in their success. If inexperience is what Suns’ fans are worried about, they shouldn’t be. Because their rivals, Milwaukee Bucks haven’t played in the Finals since 1974.

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) celebrates with guard Devin Booker (1) after scoring a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half in game six of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Hence, Paul, who has far more experience, will play a big role in how this turns out for them. Well, only time can tell how leaning on CP3 will turn out for Suns.
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READ MORE: Devin Booker Dad; Who is Melvin Booker and Did He Play in the NBA?
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