Chris Paul led the Phoenix Suns to a much-needed Game 3 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Without Devin Booker and with “F–k Chris Paul” chants coming down, he put on a show in the final period to take a 2-1 series lead in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
In a 114-111 win, Paul scored 28 points and tallied 14 assists while shooting 10-18 from the field. Deandre Ayton shined, as well, recording 28 points, 17 rebounds and three steals. Despite Phoenix shooting a paltry 4-26 from the 3-point arc, they seized a huge victory.
Over the last two Suns games, Paul has dished out 28 assists and recorded zero turnovers. Since turnovers became an official stat, those 28 assists without a turnover through two games are a record for the NBA playoffs.
Chris Paul finished with 28 assist in his last 2 games (including Friday), the most in a 2-game playoff span without a turnover & 2nd most in any 2-game span (reg. season or postseason) since the stat became official in 1977-78 pic.twitter.com/2pZhVj0hrz
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 23, 2022




The Suns have benefitted tremendously from Paul's playmaking. His ability to make passes only a few can make while being so careful with the ball is a unique set of skills that have earned him countless records.
Paul notched his seventh playoff game with 10 assists and not a single turnover. The feat is so rare that you could combine six of the greatest playmakers in NBA history and they would still not have as many as the Suns' star does.
Playoff games with 10+ assists and 0 turnovers:
7 — Chris Paul
6 — Magic, Stockton, Kidd, Steph, Nash, Zeke combined pic.twitter.com/BM80Qgs3ok— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 23, 2022
Additionally, Paul passed Jason Kidd for fourth all-time in playoff games with 10 assists. He only needs four more to pass former Suns superstar Steve Nash. Phoenix will need every Chris Paul assists and clutch bucket they can get against the upstart Pelicans.