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The Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker and Chris Paul pulled one of the biggest no-shows in NBA history in Game 7 against the Dallas Mavericks. They lost the game 123-90 on Sunday.
CP3 and “Book” were at the forefront of the Suns’ franchise-best 64-win season. That was the case until their epic collapse in Phoenix’s most important game of the season.
Paul and Booker limped to a total of three first-half points in several analysts termed one of the biggest choke jobs in pro sports. In a win-or-go-home situation, the Phoenix Suns’ two MVP candidates spectacularly bombed out after just 24 minutes.
Skip Bayless, The Undisputed co-host who predicted the Suns would win Game 7 by a blowout, called out Chris Paul and Devin Booker’s nightmarish performances:
“Chris Paul has 1 point at half. Devin Booker has 2. Together, they were 0-11. Just pathetic. Legacy-damaging.”
Chris Paul limped to another disastrous Game 7 performance as the Phoenix Suns were run off the court by the Dallas Mavericks. CP3’s first-half numbers were a huge reason why the Suns were down 30 when the first half ended.
Paul had one point, missing all four of his shots, to go with two assists, three fouls and a net rating of minus-28 in 19 minutes. He was booed by the home fans during the halftime break.
Devin Booker was just as bad in the first half. He clunked all seven of his field-goal attempts, including two 3-point shots. “Book” added 1 rebound and an assist in 20 minutes of action. For someone who repeatedly talked trash the whole postseason, Sunday night's performance will surely affect him.
Facing the Mavericks’ blistering intensity and focus, Chris Paul and Devin Booker unimaginably and spectacularly wilted. They looked out of sorts and repeatedly complained about the non-calls the following year.
CP3 and “Book” have been clutch all year but disappeared when the Phoenix Suns badly needed their two superstars.
Chris Paul and Devin Booker vow to be back next season for the Phoenix Suns
![CP3 and "Book" are relishing the chance to prove themselves again next season. [Photo: Valley of the Suns]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/05/e3835-16526833524408-1920.jpg)
The Phoenix Suns missed the postseason for 10 straight years before Chris Paul’s arrival in 2020. He eventually led the team to the NBA Finals. Paul and Devin Booker were also at the helm when they went up 2-0 against the Milwaukee Bucks. That was before Giannis Antetokounmpo carried Milwaukee to the championship last season.
Having Paul and Booker in the lineup next season, however, does not guarantee a trip back to the playoffs, let alone the NBA Finals. Deandre Ayton will be a hot name in the summer and could end up signing for a different team. The Suns will also have some big decisions to make on a few of their most important role players.
More importantly, Chris Paul will be 38 years old soon. Based on what he’s shown in the playoffs, he could decline further when the 2022-23 season opens. CP3 has been alternating between good and bad games in the playoffs this year.
If that’s the trend during the 82-game schedule next season, the Phoenix Suns will be in trouble even with Devin Booker around.
Guess the Lakers players!
