CP3's Intangibles is What Led the Phoenix Suns Beyond Their Ceiling

The first spot in the 2021 NBA Finals has been booked, and it belongs to the Phoenix Suns. They won every single quarter on their way to a 27-point victory over the LA Clippers in Game 6. Chris Paul went off for 41 points, leading the Suns to their first Finals appearance since 1993. Phoenix as a squad was lethal from beyond the arc, shooting over 50% from three. Devin Booker added 22 points and Deandre Ayton had a double-double to help lift the Western Conference Finals trophy.

INTERESTING FACTS

Chris Paul (36y, 55d) became the oldest player to score 40+ PTS during a closeout game in NBA postseason history
CP3 recorded the most PTS (31) during any half of his career (regular or postseason)
1st player with 35+ PTS on 66+ FG% during multiple series-clinching wins in a single postseason in the shot clock era (1955)
1st team to clinch multiple series in the same road building (Staples Center) during a single postseason in NBA history
Worst Win% (.302) over the 5 seasons prior to a championship round appearance in history among the NFL/NBA/MLB/NHL

Odds vs. LAC: PHX -115 (Spread -1.0)
PHX Stock Price: $14.78 (via FANDEX)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

CP3’S INTANGIBLES LED THE SUNS BEYOND THEIR CEILING

COLORS KEY | FULL SUNS OUTLOOK

Coming into the 2020-21 season, many thought Phoenix would be a borderline playoff team, but they are now appearing in their first NBA Finals since 1993, and that is largely due to the intangibles of Chris Paul. CP3 has proven to be the MVP of their squad all season, and showed it again with 41 points in the game to close out the series.

Besides his impressive production, Paul has been the leader this Suns team needed to push them past expectations. Deandre Ayton said himself that CP3 has helped him in so many ways and he owes a lot of his improvements to him. The 16-year veteran’s ability to push his teammates and get the best out of the players around him is the main reason for Phoenix’s incredible success this season. Without his leadership and mentoring, the Suns wouldn’t be even close to where they are now.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

CP3 leads Phoenix to the Finals

CP3 from DEEP 🎯 pic.twitter.com/hfwe8tPOCY
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 1, 2021

CP3 GOING OFF IN THE 4TH QTR 🔥 pic.twitter.com/l53TiVYTXj
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 1, 2021

CHRIS. PAUL. SHEESH. 😧 pic.twitter.com/uTjAZiSBlA
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 1, 2021

What a performance… Chris Paul erupts for an #NBAPlayoffs career-high tying 41 PTS, including 31 in the 2nd half, as the @Suns win Game 6 and advance to the #NBAFinals presented by YouTube TV for the first time since 1993. #ThatsGame
41 PTS | 16-24 FGM | 7 3PM | 8 AST pic.twitter.com/OiGaa0NGN2
— NBA (@NBA) July 1, 2021