NBA Finals: 3 takeaways from Suns-Bucks Game 4
NBA Finals: 3 takeaways from Suns-Bucks Game 4 – No. 2: Devin Booker has progressed offensively for the Phoenix Suns, but Chris Paul has suddenly regressed.
Although the Phoenix Suns fell short on Wednesday night, Devin Booker was absolutely outstanding. Unfortunately, his co-star and backcourt partner, Chris Paul, was the opposite.
It seemed as if Booker made every tough, contested jumper that was attempted over Milwaukee’s versatile defense, and finished with 42 points on 60.7 percent field goals without making a single 3-pointer. It was an impressive mid-range and shot-making outburst but didn’t get much help from the rest of the Suns, especially from Paul.
Outside of Booker’s 42, Phoenix’s starters combined for a whopping 38 points. CP3 was held to just 10 points, seven assists, and five turnovers, including one costly turnover in crunch time that led to a fast-break layup for the Bucks. It was an unusual game from Paul, who had been favored as the Finals MVP heading into Game 4.
Credit must be given to Milwaukee’s All-NBA point guard Jrue Holiday though. Holiday’s offensive struggles continued as well, but his impact defensively to disrupt the flow of Paul was elite. He’s proved that he’s among the best defenders in the league and arguably the best among guards with his strength, quickness adaptability, high-end instincts, and awareness, which has been showcased against the ‘Point God’ now throughout the previous two contests.
Holiday’s impact has played a key role in defining this series thus far, and Chris Paul’s ability to overcome his relentlessness will be something to keep an eye on moving forward. Both Paul and Booker will need to be at least close to their best if the Suns want to claim its first championship in franchise history.
When Phoenix’s superstars both develop a comfortable rhythm, the rest of the supporting cast feeds off of it and efficiently contributes. It’ll be essential for Paul to regain his established swagger while setting the tone and controlling the pace at the superior level that he’s made a career out of. If he can’t, the Suns are in deep trouble and CP3 likely still won’t earn his first ring after 16 seasons in the NBA.