Main Reasons Why the Phoenix Suns Made it to the 2021 NBA Finals

The Phoenix Suns have exceeded everyone’s expectations this year, and now find themselves in their first Finals since 1993. They’ve gotten this far with a consistent, well-rounded lineup that has great leaders at the helm. The signing of CP3 has proven to be monumental, as he has helped turn Phoenix into a winning franchise with his skillset both on and off the court.

Devin Booker has performed phenomenally during his first taste of postseason action and can give them a bucket when they need it most. Additionally, former first overall pick Deandre Ayton has come into his own as of late as he continues to set NBA records with his efficient scoring from the post while producing like an all-time great big man.

Acquiring Chris Paul

During the regular season, CP3 was top-three among Phoenix Suns in PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, FG%, and FT%. He did it all for the Suns, but it was also his intangibles that pushed Phoenix to be so great. 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. This goes to show that although Booker scores more points throughout the game, Paul is the true MVP of this Phoenix squad.

The 35-year-old turned a team that hadn’t made the playoffs for an entire decade into a top-2 seed in the loaded Western Conference. This is a roster that hasn’t seen major improvements in recent years, but with the addition of Chris Paul, is now a force to be reckoned with. The leadership, IQ, and clutch play Paul has brought to this squad is the main reason Phoenix is on the cusp of their first championship victory in franchise history.

Deandre's Development

Deandre Ayton’s performances this postseason are showing why he was drafted first overall. He’s been averaging 16.2 points per game this postseason, third on the team behind his two All-Star teammates. His presence on the interior and improvement when switching onto quicker players like Guards and Wings has also helped him become a force on that side of the ball as well.

The No.1 pick has been overshadowed by Luka Doncic (#3) and Trae Young‘s (#5) early excellence but Ayton is emerging as a future All-Star and potential future MVP candidate in his own right. Kendrick Perkins referred to him as a modern-day David Robinson which shows the high praise the former top pick is receiving amidst a breakout 2021 postseason.

If Ayton can fully develop his outside shot that he showcased at the collegiate level, there’s nothing stopping him from evolving into that Joel Embiid/Karl-Anthony Towns type big man that has an unlimited offensive game, can rebound among the best in the league, and can anchor the defense at the rim. He’s not there yet by any means, but Suns fans are optimistic that they’re witnessing the growth of their No.1 pick right in front of their eyes, and his confidence will only grow if they can win it all.

Devin Booker's Evolution

Who’s the greatest Suns player of all-time? Most would agree it’s currently 2x NBA MVP Steve Nash with Charles Barkley getting an honorable mention for his MVP and four All-Star seasons in the desert. While it’s too early to tell if Devin Booker ever reaches the MVP heights those Hall of Famers did, he’s already the greatest scorer in Suns history and has been the best scorer remaining in the playoffs since Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant was eliminated in the second round.

Booker has averaged 27 PPG this postseason, including two 40+ point outings. The Kentucky hooper is only 24 years old and still has plenty of years to develop his skills and elevate himself amongst the NBA’s elite. NBA top-10 player conversations currently don’t include Booker but he has to take it one step at a time. He was awarded an All-Star bid for the second time in his career this year and is now the scoring leader of a winning team for the first time as a pro.

Not many people expected Phoenix to do much damage in the 2021 postseason due to their lack of continuity and playoff experience but Booker has that x-factor trait to him that helped him thrive in the kind of environment that is playoff basketball. Considering Booker is already the greatest scorer in Suns history, and is now finding new dimensions to his game to elevate the team around him, it seems inevitable the 6’5 Shooting Guard from Michigan will one day be considered the Suns GOAT, especially if he can help them win their first title.