By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Phoenix Suns’ return to the NBA Finals for the first time in 28 years was a triumphant one.
Chris Paul scored 41 points as the Suns crushed the Los Angeles Clippers 130 – 103 to win the Western Conference Finals 4-2 and advance to the championship series where they last played in 1993. It will be Paul’s first trip to the NBA Finals in 16 years in the league.
“I was on a don’t-lose mission,” Paul said. “Just a lot of emotion. A lot of (things) going on.” The veteran guard had been struggling since his return to action after clearing the NBA’s health and safety protocols and last night he tied his best scoring performance ever in postseason.
Devin Booker added 22 points and seven rebounds while DeAndre Ayton had 17 points plus 16 assists. Dario Saric, who will also be playing in the NBA Finals for the first time, posted seven points off the bench.
Marcus Morris posted 26 points plus nine rebounds and Paul George scored 21 for the Clippers. Their team couldn’t hold back the Suns’ full force, with two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard still sidelined.
“You are talking about one of the best players being out and we are inches from being to the next round,” Paul George said. “It’s a lot of what-ifs, but we didn’t make it.”