CP3, Phoenix Suns advance to NBA Finals

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After 16 years, Chris Paul is finally in the NBA Finals.

All the post-season heartbreaking losses, devastating injuries, and roller-coaster rides dramatically ended with a masterful performance in Game 6 of the 2021 Western Conference Finals after dropping 41 points in the Phoenix Suns’ 130-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

After knocking down a three-pointer as the third frame was about to end, Paul immediately went berserk and took matters into his own hands in the last 12 minutes of the game.

As what NBA analyst Reggie Miller and some fanatics call him, “Mr. Game Manager” once again took control in the fourth and erupted for a quick 16 points in just six minutes.

Paul was masterful in the fourth quarter as he controlled the pace of the game and made sure that the Suns always had a good look with each possession.

The Clippers’ resiliency showed again when they cut the lead to seven but they just couldn’t handle Paul’s offensive clinic with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton also playing big and contributed 22 points and 16 points respectively.

Aside from Paul’s 41 points, he also dished out eight assists, rebounded the ball four times, and called the right plays for his teammates down the stretch.

Jae Crowder also came up huge and knocked down five triples in the game to finish with 19 points and five rebounds and will be in his second-straight NBA finals appearance after his stint with the Miami Heat.

Phoenix will then face the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks with their series tied at 2-2.