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The Phoenix Suns have made it to the NBA Finals for the first time in over two decades. They clinched their finals berth after an emphatic 130-103 win over the LA Clippers in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals.
It was a rigorous journey to the finals as the Phoenix Suns had to overcome formidable opponents. It was more of a daunting task when the team played without Chris Paul due to health and safety protocols as well as injuries.
The Phoenix Suns squared off against the defending champions, LA Lakers, but held their own, sending LeBron James home in the first round for the first time in his illustrious career. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets met a worse fate after they were swept in the conference semifinals.
The LA Clippers, who were known in the 2021 NBA playoffs as the comeback kings, failed to replicate the same performance against the Phoenix Suns. They came from a 2-0 deficit against the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz in the earlier rounds but could not complete the comeback this time.
On that note, let's look at the five individual performances that were instrumental in getting the Phoenix Suns into the 2021 NBA Finals.
#5 Cameron Payne 29 points, 9 assists in Game 2 against LA Clippers
Cameron Payne put together what could perhaps be the most noteworthy victory for the Phoenix Suns in the second round. Paul was unavailable for selection due to covid-19 protocol, and Payne was called upon to take his place in the starting lineup.
Even as it was an incredibly big role to fill, Payne did an exceptional job bringing the ball up the court. Surprisingly, he led both teams in points and assists despite the presence of heavyweights like Booker and the LA Clippers' Paul George.
Payne recorded 29 points and 9 assists with a 12 of 24 shooting from the field. His execution of assists was also awe-inspiring, as it looked like the youngster channeled the point god.
#4 Chris Paul, 37 points against Denver Nuggets in Game 4
The Phoenix Suns took advantage of another opportunity to close out a series in the second round against the Denver Nuggets. Going 3-0 was the ultimate boost, and Chris Paul put the icing on the cake.
Paul ensured his team gets extra rest days ahead of the conference finals after an incredible Game 4 performance. He put 37 past the Nuggets, who had to finish the game without Jokic. So far in the 2021 NBA playoffs, that is the only fixture that ended in a sweep.
#3 Devin Booker, 40 points against LA Clippers in Game 1
As good as the Phoenix Suns have been in closing out series, they have applied the same intensity in starting each series. They have won all Game 1's in each of the three rounds they have featured in so far.
Devin Booker took it upon himself to show the LA Clippers a glimpse of what they are in for in the series. A sublime display from Booker, coupled with Kawhi Leonard's absence for the Clippers, resulted in a win for the Phoenix Suns.
The guard recorded his first triple-double in the 2021 NBA playoffs, registering 40 points, 11 assists, and 13 rebounds. It was complete domination as he led both teams in those three parameters.
#2 Chris Paul, 41 points against LA Clippers in Game 6
The Phoenix Suns had an opportunity to close out the 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals and did so in fine fashion. It was imperative to end the series as quickly as possible to stop the LA Clippers from building momentum and forcing a Game 7. Although Paul missed the first two games in the series due to COVID-19 protocol, he returned in Game 3 to help his team.
The LA Clippers showed glimpses of their comeback ability after comfortably taking Game 3 at Staples Center. The Phoenix Suns reasserted their dominance in a low-scoring Game 4 to go 3-1 up in the series.
With the LA Clippers building momentum after a Game 5 victory away from home, Paul championed the Phoenix Suns' campaign to close out the series in Game 6. Although he played only 35 minutes, he tied his career-high playoff points (41) with eight assists and four rebounds. He punched his ticket to his first NBA Finals in a 16-year career.
#1 Devin Booker, 47 points against LA Lakers in Game 6
Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns to a decisive 113-103 victory over LeBron James and the LA Lakers in Game 6 of the first round. In a series that was greatly affected by injuries, the Suns stayed composed to secure their conference semi-finals berth.
Chris Paul's minutes were limited because he was nursing a right shoulder strain. However, Booker activated god-mode and put 47 past the Lakers. He also registered 11 rebounds and three assists in the 46 minutes he spent on the court.
Booker was perfect from the free-throw line, scoring nine of nine. However, his 3-point shooting was even more impressive as he converted 8 of 10 attempts.
