This archive report was first published on 6 July 2021.
July 5, 2021 - Chris Paul's perseverance has paid off as he prepares to make his NBA Finals debut with the Phoenix Suns.
At 36, Paul has led the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993, where they will face the Milwaukee Bucks in a best-of-seven series starting on Tuesday.
“Just enjoying the process and all the different moments of it, but ready to go,” Paul said in a recent interview.
Paul's journey to the NBA Finals has not been without its challenges. Despite being an 11-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic champion, he has faced doubters who questioned his ability to win a championship.
However, Paul has remained focused and driven, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game for the Suns since joining the team in a trade from Oklahoma City last November.
Phoenix guard Devin Booker has praised Paul's leadership and work ethic, saying that he has taken his game to a whole new level.
“It's just a whole other level of basketball and film study when you're with Chris,” Booker said. “He's always locked in. You're not watching it for entertainment anymore. You're scouting the whole time you're watching.”
Only one player on either team has played in an NBA Finals before - Phoenix's Jae Crowder, who played for Miami last year. Crowder is eager to help Paul achieve his dream of winning a championship.
“I'm happy to be part of it with him to help write his story,” Crowder said. “Chris deserves it. He's my brother and I'm going to give him everything I've got and have his back.”
