Payne Stepping Up for CP3 Shows Phoenix is the Best TEAM in Basketball

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals was an exciting one. The Clippers were up one with Paul George at the line shooting two, but he missed both to give Phoenix a chance to win it with eight seconds left. After a missed three, LA knocked the ball out of bounds giving the Suns one more chance with a second remaining, and they tossed it for Deandre Ayton from out of bounds for the game-winning alley-oop. This was two of Ayton’s 24 points, while backup PG Cameron Payne added 29 in place of CP3. The Clips will have to battle back from down 2-0 like they have in each of the two previous rounds.

INTERESTING FACTS

Cam Payne has averaged 9.0 APG in WCF Games 1-2, while CP3 has averaged 8.7 this postseason
Payne recorded his playoff career-high in PTS in Game 2 (29). Before this postseason, his record was 5 PTS
Phoenix Suns have now won their most consecutive playoff GP (9) in franchise history

Odds vs. LAC: PHX -190 (Spread -4.5)
TM Stock Price: $0.00 (via FANDEX)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

PAYNE STEPPING UP FOR CP3 SHOWS PHOENIX IS THE BEST TEAM IN BASKETBALL

COLORS KEY | FULL SUNS OUTLOOK

The MVP of the Suns, Chris Paul, has missed both games of the WCF due to COVID, and Cameron Payne has been starting in his place, doing an exceptional job. He led all scorers in Game 2 with 29 points, but has also been distributing the ball well, as CP3 does better than anyone this century.

Payne has had 9 assists in both contests, which is the most on the team over that stretch. The way Phoenix was able to overcome adversity without their most valuable player and still win their two biggest games of the season shows why they are looking like the best team in basketball.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Ayton’s game winner

DEANDRE AYTON GAME-WINNER!! 😱 pic.twitter.com/xFyxvmNtNx
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 23, 2021

Payne’s big night

Cam Payne drains it from deep 🎯
He’s up to 16 PTS already! pic.twitter.com/FaINcHpy0M
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 23, 2021

Cam Payne showing off the moves 👀 pic.twitter.com/GIXvmnzDrq
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 23, 2021

🔥 @campayne goes off for an #NBAPlayoffs career-high 29 PTS to go with 9 AST, powering the @Suns‘ Game 2 victory! #ThatsGame
Game 3 – Thursday, 9pm/et, ESPN pic.twitter.com/Tz4CumvBul
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2021