The Phoenix Suns have come a long way from last season where they struggled to get to the playoffs and then had a great surge in the bubble in Orlando. Although they eventually did not make the playoffs they have rejuvenated themselves with the inclusion of Chris Paul on their roster.
Paul’s arrival has suddenly made them a contender in the Western Conference as they are only behind the Utah Jazz in rankings with a great record of 42-18. With just 12 games to go in the season, the Suns are placed perfectly to not only make the playoffs but also reign supreme in the West. Most of the credit though goes to Chris Paul as he has elevated the whole team with his presence on the court.
Even the Suns’ superstar Devin Booker is a big admirer of CP3 and he recently sang his praises in an interview and also made a case for his team in the West.
The 24-year-old shooting guard recently had an interaction with ESPN’s Malika Andrews and explained how they are aiming for a big postseason. He also touched upon the various aspects that have improved with Paul’s arrival.
Booker revealed that CP3 made them believe in their abilities and that has changed the whole scenario. He said, “I remember we’re talking about the playoffs and Chris yelled out in the locker room. He was like, ‘16 teams make the playoffs, I think we’re going for it’. His energy and his passion behind that statement, I was like, oh yeah, we’re on the same page.”
It is astonishing how the Suns have not qualified for the playoffs since 2010. It has been 10 long years of misery for the franchise but now finally they are assured of a playoffs spot.
Even Booker has also evolved a lot after playing with CP3 and also sharing the dressing room with him and even working out with him. He revealed that those sessions were really intense. “The iron sharpens iron mentality. Chris is not gonna take a day off, he is not gonna take the possession off. I’m inspired by him in so many different ways. This man just passed Magic Johnson on the all-time, Booker detailed.
While Paul is leading the charge for the Suns, for now, they need to put up a big performance in the playoffs and that’s an area where CP3’s brand of basketball is yet to make a big mark. So it will be interesting to see how they turn out this season. With talents like DeAndre Ayton, Torrey Craig, Mikal Bridges and Booker himself the Suns definitely have the roster to make it big this season.
