In Chris Paul's homecoming from a broken thumb, the Phoenix Suns clinch the top seed in the NBA playoffs.
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The NBA GOAT point guard Chris Paul is back in the game after recovering from the thumb injury and is running wild. Chris Paul returned after a 15-game absence due to his injury. The Suns claimed the top overall seed in the playoffs with a 140-130 victory against the Denver Nuggets.
Replaying this over and over. pic.twitter.com/zdYBh6iIb6
— * – Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 25, 2022
Initial rumors were Paul would be missing for 6-8 weeks, possibly until the playoffs, but the seasoned point guard returned quicker than anticipated with him only missing five weeks. Also, the Suns’ victory over the Nuggets, gave the Suns their 60th win of the season.
After his 5 weeks, long return CP3 was his typical self, expertly guiding the Suns’ offence. Paul ended the game with 17 points (6-of-10 from the field), 13 assists, and four rebounds.
READ MORE: Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns: Suns clinch top seed with 140-130 win in Denver
Phoenix has succeeded to perform well in the absence of their 12-time All-Star. The Suns were 11-4 with them missing Paul, which includes a six-game winning run.
In CP3’s absence, the Suns posted an offensive efficiency of 119.2 (6th in the NBA), a defence rating of 109.5 (2nd), and a net rating of 9.8 (3rd).
It shows how well planned the roster is and because of the brilliance of Monty Williams’ coaching them they were able to secure, and even improve, their status in the Western conference without Paul, also Cam Johnson has been out for the past 11 games.
Booker and DeAndre Ayton have been two of the most important reasons for the Suns’ continued dominance in the conference.
Booker finished with 49 points and 10 rebounds against the Nuggets, continuing his strong play since Paul’s injury. This season, Booker has averaged 28.2 points, seven rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 52 per cent from the field in 11 games without Paul. In those contests, the Suns are 8-3. Booker’s currently in beast mode and he should be considered strongly for the MVP award at the end of the season.
When Ayton was sidelined with an injury earlier in the season, players like Bismack Biyombo and JaVale McGee filled in. He’s doing great now that he’s back.
Ayton has averaged 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds on 67.2 per cent shooting in his last 15 games, including a career-high 35 points and 14 rebounds against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.
The Suns have put in a whole team effort, with true next-man-up intensity.
So far, their diversity and the brilliance of Booker and Ayton have kept them afloat; now, with a relaxed and recovered Chris Paul there is no chance the suns can lose. But if they do, then it’s all them.
