Ask and you shall receive. That seems to be the relationship between Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul and his coach Monty Williams.
Paul has been hobbled by his right shoulder in their first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Playoffs. He looked off in their last two defeats despite his valiant efforts to play through the pain. This had led to some difficult introspections for Williams if he should go in a different direction and have Paul come off the bench.
But before Game 4 on Sunday, with the Suns desperate to avoid a daunting 1-3 hole against the Lakers, Paul made his feelings known and issued an emotional appeal, according to Williams (via ESPN).
“He said, ‘Coach, let me start, and if you don’t think I’m looking like I normally do, then take me out and we'll have to go in a different direction. This is one of those situations that I had to trust the player.”
As Williams said, he put his complete trust in CP3, who is no stranger to having his back against the wall. And their mutual decision proved to be correct, as Paul had his best game of the series in their win over the Lakers to even up the series at 2-2. The veteran floor general had 18 points and nine assists while making key plays to fend off the last-gasp attempts of the defending champions.
After the game, Paul credited Williams for agreeing to his appeal but also noted that he wants his teammates to call him out if he's not being effective.
“I don't know how long it's going to be, but if you all feel like I’m out here looking like some trash, just tell me and I’ll get out.”
Chris Paul is not called The Point God for nothing.
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