The Phoenix Suns have made it to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, largely thanks to the impact of veteran point guard Chris Paul. Since joining the team in November 2022, Paul has brought his leadership, experience, and playmaking skills to a young and talented team, helping to transform them into title contenders.
Before joining the Suns, Paul led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a surprise playoff appearance in the previous season. He was then reunited with his former coach, Monty Williams, who had coached him in New Orleans from 2010 to 2012.
The Suns had shown promise in the previous season, with budding star Devin Booker and promising big man Deandre Ayton, but lacked a proven leader and floor general. This is where Paul came in, immediately making an impact on and off the court.
Paul's stats speak for themselves, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 49.9 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range. He ranked second in the league in assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio and fourth in clutch scoring.
Beyond his stats, Paul has also mentored Booker, Ayton, and the other young Suns, instilling a culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellence that has elevated the entire team. The Suns finished the regular season with the second-best record in the NBA and impressive wins over some of the top teams in the league.
As they begin their playoff journey against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Suns have a legitimate chance to contend for their first NBA title in franchise history. While the Clippers are a tough opponent, the Suns have a home-court advantage and a balanced, cohesive team that can score, defend, and share the ball.
Paul's playoff experience and clutch performances give the Suns an additional advantage, though he has also faced heartbreaks and setbacks throughout his career. Despite playing for strong teams in the past, Paul has never reached the NBA Finals in his 17-year career and has faced injuries that have impacted his performance or availability at crucial moments.