After leading the Phoenix Suns to a 3-1 advantage over the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals, Chris Paul is just one win away from making his first NBA Finals appearance. The 36-year-old point guard played a pivotal role in his team’s gritty 84-80 win on Saturday night, executing down the stretch and sinking a series of game-clinching free throws to lock up the victory.
It’s no secret that Paul has been a major part of the Suns miraculous rise from fringe playoff team to championship contender in 2021. But he’s also impacted the development of his young teammates, including former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.
The Suns big man has been a beneficiary of Paul’s basketball IQ and wealth of experience. That was on clear display in Game 4, as Ayton was on the receiving end of pinpoint passes from the Phoenix point guard all night long. The 22-year-old center ended the game with 19 points, 22 rebounds, including nine offensive boards, and four blocks on 8-of-14 shooting.
After the Suns eked one game close to punching their ticket to the NBA Finals, Ayton lauded Paul’s veteran leadership. He also said that playing with 11-time All Star is the “best thing that happened” to him in his young career.
“I love CP, man,” Ayton said. “That’s really the only teammate that really pushed me. Like big-bro-type push.
“I think he was the best thing that happened to my career. I can say that every day.”
Deandre Ayton on Chris Paul: “He was the best thing that happened to my career.”
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) June 27, 2021
Ayton, a member of the star-studded 2018 draft class that included Luka Doncic and Trae Young, hadn’t blossomed into the star that many hoped he would be until Paul arrived in Phoenix this offseason. Although the 22-year-old Suns center saw a dip in his scoring totals on less shots per game, his efficient improved greatly as he should a career-high 64 percent on two-point attempts during the regular season. He remained a menace on the glass, averaging 10.5 rebounds per contest, and continued to improve as a defender, especially during the playoffs.
Ayton clearly attributes much of his success to the addition for Paul. Not only has the veteran point guard helped the former No. 1 overall pick on the court, but he’s instilled confidence in the young big man just in time for a deep playoff run.
Ayton, Paul and the rest of the Suns aren’t done just yet. The group will do its best to close out the Western Conference Finals in Game 5 against the Clippers on Monday night.
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