Chris Paul, The Messiah of Phoenix: Can the veteran Point God take the Suns to the promised land?

“Chris Paul is the best leader in the NBA and deserves to be in the conversation for MVP,” said Hall of Famer Charles Barkley on Inside the NBA. The fans at the Phoenix Suns Arena stood on their feet and started “MVP” chants as Paul knocked down two free throws to secure not only a win against the Los Angeles Clippers, but also the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2010. Just last season, the Suns, a team full of young talents including center Deandre Ayton and all-star guard Devon Booker, fell short of making the playoffs. In the offseason, the Suns successfully landed Paul, or CP3, an experienced veteran and all-NBA point guard who filled the role of a leader on and off the court as well as a mentor to the team’s younger players. Last season, CP3’s winning mentality and ability to single-handedly orchestrate his team’s offense had willed the young Oklahoma City Thunder team to an unanticipated 44-28 record. Now, in just his first season in Phoenix, he spearheaded their blitz to prominent regular-season success and a 51-21 record. However, will his underappreciated impact help the Suns to continued success in the postseason? As the league’s powerhouse teams––the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers––continue to deal with persistent injuries, CP3 and the Suns have a legitimate shot at winning an NBA championship title.

Paul effectively orchestrates the Suns’ well-balanced and versatile offense––one that no team would want to face in the playoffs. The five-point, a positionless strategy that relies on spacing the floor, ensures ball movement, and most importantly, emphasizes team basketball, is the Suns’ go-to offense. He earned his nickname, “The Point God,” throughout his career by showcasing his elite playmaking prowess. Paul runs a deliberate and slow-paced half-court offense, and at times, he scores or sets his teammates up, off of quick high pick-and-rolls and pick-and-pops. What distinguishes him from other elite playmakers is his scoring threat. CP3 will toss a perfect lob to Ayton for an alley-oop dunk on one possession, then nail his signature mid-range pull-up jumper on the next. Furthermore, his scoring and playmaking threat forces the defense to pay close attention to him, which ensures sufficient spacing for his teammates to nail spot-up three-pointers. Paul’s veteran experience and ability to run an entire offense will greatly benefit the Suns come postseason.

The Sun’s backcourt duo, Booker and Paul, are efficient scorers and lead their team during crunch time. Nearing competitive, dead-even playoff matchups, both All-Star guards will be effective in the 4th quarter and help their team close games––they are known to be some of the clutchest players in the league. In their latest outing against the Clippers, Paul scored 25 points in the second half and set his teammates up for open looks. Nearing the end of the fourth quarter against a red-hot New York Knicks team that was on a nine-game winning streak, CP3 scored the Suns’ final seven points on three consecutive offensive possessions, which led the team to a tough-fought victory. Devin Booker, a talented, emerging superstar, has hit numerous big shots and game-winners. For instance, during the Orlando bubble last season, Booker hit a fadeaway jumper over Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, both superstars with elite defense, to win the game. He also joined Lebron James for the most game-winning buzzer-beaters since 2015. In the postseason, the Suns will be able to rely on two clutch players who will undoubtedly shine under pressure and help the team win close matches.

The Suns are well-rounded and have the necessary pieces for a successful playoff team. Paul understands the strengths and weaknesses of each teammate, and given his playoff experience, he will effectively utilize them to win. Aside from their dynamic backcourt duo of Paul and Booker, the roster has great depth. Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson are prototypical modern NBA wing players who can shoot the three and play formidable defense. Jae Crowder, who was traded to the Suns this year, is a veteran forward who was a key part of the Miami Heat’s run to the finals last season. He shoots three-pointers at an efficient rate and brings playoff experience to the team as well. Deandre Ayton, the former first overall pick in the 2018 draft, has developed into a commanding presence on both ends of the court. He uses his athleticism and length to throw down vicious dunks on offense and block shots on defense. Furthermore, the Suns’ versatile and well-rounded roster allows Coach Monty Williams to adapt to different matchups.

The Suns have Paul, one of the best floor generals in NBA history, spearheading a loaded roster full of talent, versatility, as well as leadership, and they are ready to make a statement run this postseason. Look out, NBA, the Point God is capable of taking Phoenix to the promised land.