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Chris Paul has been a godsend for Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns this season. After a gutsy finish to their 2019-20 campaign with an undefeated bubble run, Paul's arrival helped catapult the Suns to great heights this year.
For Booker, the veteran presence brought by Paul elevated his game but the road was not a rosy one, initially. Speaking to reporters prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the All-Star shooting guard recounts the tension from the Suns' first practice with CP3.
"I don't think it's really about to throw hands, but you know the closest thing you can do without doing it."
Devin Booker spoke about the competitiveness with Chris Paul in their very first practice as a team 😳 pic.twitter.com/gm7WTraje7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 5, 2021
Chris Paul's influence on Devin Booker has been evident, especially in these playoffs. The former 3-point champion has led the Suns' scoring attack in the postseason, delivering the goods when needed most. Booker enters the NBA Finals with playoff marks of 27.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 44% from the field, 34% from downtown, and 91% from the charity stripe.
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Despite being a young team, Paul was able to fuel the competitive fire in his teammates. Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Payne, Torrey Craig, and Dario Saric all played with edge and feistiness in the first three rounds. It all started in practice.
Interestingly, inexperience will not be a disadvantage in the Finals as both Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks lack enough runs as a collective. However, Booker and co. may lean on Jae Crowder and Paul to provide leadership.
The Suns won their two regular-season matchups against the Bucks, both in thrilling fashion. All eyes will be on Giannis Antetokounmpo as he tries to make a return for Milwaukee while Paul and Booker have been dealing with injuries of their own.
