Veteran point guard Chris Paul has finally realized his dream after reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 playoffs campaigns but he was all about the team after the Phoenix Suns’ win.
Paul shot 41 points, including seven-from-eight three-pointers in a remarkable display as the Suns knocked out the Los Angeles Clippers 130-103 on the road to seal a 4-2 Western Conference finals triumph.
The Suns have qualified for their first NBA Finals since 1993, while Paul ends his own drought after coming close in the past.
Paul debuted in 2005 in the NBA, almost reaching the NBA Finals with both the Clippers and the Houston Rockets, when he was infamously injured in the Conference finals with his side 3-2 up.
“I was just happy and proud of our team,” Paul said. “Monty (Williams), not winning coach of the year, but we know who he is.
“I experienced COVID, just a week ago. I was at home and couldnt be there with my teammates. That’s what you call next man up. They won two games in the series without me. It just shows you how crazy it is.
“In the first series, I got this nerve thing. Won the second series and end up with the COVID. It’s been a lot. I want it, not just for myself, but for everyone in that locker room.”
The veteran stepped up when it mattered on Wednesday, shooting 14 of Phoenix’s 16 points after the Clippers drew within seven points late in the third, as well as a career-high 31 for the second half.
“You always see the Clippers, they make a run,” Paul added. “It seemed like that was happening.”
Paul also revealed he underwent an MRI on his wrist in the lead-up to Game 6, amid another dramatic tale in his journey.
The Suns will play either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Finals with their series tied at 2-2.
Both sides are injury impacted with Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo having issues, meaning Phoenix arguably go into the finals as the favourites.
