Edit : Jrue and his wife used the money to launch their own social justice fund, targeting primarily black owned businesses, non - profits and "initiatives to bring "equitable outcomes" in Black communities in several U.S. cities" But the Knicks have at least shown they have the formula to play good teams hard. Enter: Chris Paul. 2 months ago – via Arizona Republic. Chris Paul dishes to Devin Booker to pass Magic Johnson for 5th all-time on the assists list, then dishes a ridiculous dime to Jae Crowder for a 3-pointer. Add to your favorites to get information about games, news and more. They were teammates on the New Orleans Hornets from 2010 to '11 and again on the Clippers from 2012 to '14. Since they acquired him via trade in November, they've transformed from a team that missed the playoffs 10 straight seasons into a title contender with the second-best record in the NBA, at 41-16. Historically, at that point in the season, the most games a team had overcome to make the playoffs was five games behind the eighth seed, which was pretty much the position of the Suns. Fox Sports™ and © 2021 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. He has a balance of knowing when to get on guys, knowing when to listen and not talk and knowing when to be vocal.". The Bucks were without Jrue Holiday due … That's the way he was, and we all understood it and understood that it was about being competitive and going out and trying to win games.". "Hopefully we can continue to surprise everyone," Green said. The Phoenix Suns overcame a 15-point deficit on Monday and ended the New York Knicks' win streak at nine with a 118-110 win at Madison Square Garden. Paul has a knack for making every team he's on better. “There’s nothing that Book can’t do,” Paul said after the Suns defeated the Western Conference leaders the Utah Jazz. The Knicks are 1 1/2 games up on the Celtics, who are a half-game ahead of the Heat for the sixth-best record in the East. Chris Paul and Devin Booker garnered some respect but aren’t among the top-tier Most Valuable Player candidates even as their Phoenix Suns (40-15) sit second in … In one of the conference rooms, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton were watching film, analyzing their pick-and-rolls. https://www.si.com/nba/2021/03/10/suns-chris-paul-devin-booker-connection Before the season began, he invited all of his teammates to his home to build chemistry. Devin Booker (left) and Chris Paul … He scored the team's last seven points and assisted on Bridges' last basket to hold off the Knicks. Devin Booker wasn't having a great night shooting, but kept chucking the ball toward the rim anyway. Now they're one of the most feared teams in the league. Green says Paul's leadership style in Phoenix is much more nuanced. The Suns continued to dominate offensively in the fourth, thanks in part to Booker (team-high 30 points) and Chris Paul (28 points, seven assists). Devin Booker led all players with 33 points on 14-of-26 shooting. Of course, Suns coach Monty Williams has helped create that culture. But, after playing with the 24-year-old guard, Paul admits he is impressed. Behind eight straight wins, the Washington Wizards have become one of the scariest teams in the NBA as the play-in approaches. Before a practice earlier this season, Phoenix Suns assistant coach Willie Green arrived at the facility first thing in the morning to get some work done. The effortlessness of their relationship was on full display during a recent game against the Utah Jazz, who have the top record in the league (43-15) and are 1.5 games ahead of the Suns. Chris Paul made history. The Knicks showed that their formula of a hearty, physical defense and an offense centered around Julius Randle can win consistently and should make them a tough out in the playoffs. Apr 8, 2021 5:28 PM PHT. With the Suns, Paul has helped them go from a team that had the worst record in the league just two seasons ago to the biggest surprise of this season. They'll probably need to finish out around .500 to retain a top-six seed. For the Suns, Paul's impact has been immeasurable. With an extremely talented young core and Paul, there's no telling what they could accomplish in the postseason. The Clippers, for example, imploded amid chemistry concerns, leading the franchise's talented yet underperforming "Big 3" of Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan to blow up. But with the Suns, there's a different sense of excitement. Chris Paul finished the game with 20 points, six assists and five rebounds. April 11, 2021 Devin Booker and Chris Paul were already both on the bench as the Phoenix Suns were wrapping up their 134-106 blowout win over the … "We're building from the ground up, and it's really rewarding to see where we are as a team and the possibilities of where we can get to," Green said. "I think through his trials in the NBA, he's come to the point where he has balance with that," Green said. He turned the LA Clippers into playoff contenders six straight seasons. Vorkunov: The Bulls, Wednesday at MSG. "He got on his teammates probably a little bit more than he does now — or a lot more than he does now. Devin Booker Talks Chris Paul, Suns' Title Expectations, Kobe Bryant, More. Paul was so impressed by Booker that he approached his then-agent, Leon Rose, and asked him how old Booker was at the time. The Suns are only seven games into the season, but Paul, Booker and Ayton are already proving to be a difficult trio for teams to slow down. Vorkunov: They sure can. Follow her on Twitter @melissarohlin. "Chris is all about that.". Naveen Ganglani. Suns end Knicks' win streak behind Devin Booker, Chris Paul. Bleacher Report - Rob Goldberg • 1d. "Just being around him every day and learning from him, learning through conversations, learning through stories that he's told," Booker said. With Devin Booker entering the prime of his career, that homerun at-bat had become a necessity. They started believing in themselves and the team's potential. Cameron Johnson sank two clutch 3-pointers and Mikal Bridges added a couple of baskets. Even before Paul came to the Suns, the team's trajectory had begun to shift. We love that Chris is that type of leader. That's a really hard way to finish out the 2020-21 season. That worked for Green, who calls Paul his brother and always knew he had the best of intentions. He's not at the stage in his career where he wants to take on the heavy load night in and night out.". The Phoenix Suns have exceeded all expectations so far this season, but Devin Booker believes this is just the beginning. Getty Chris Paul is now a member of the Phoenix Suns teaming up with Devin Booker in the backcourt. Good guy Jrue Holiday. He keys in to what each guy needs and adjusts his approach accordingly. Featured Columnist April 25, 2021 Comments. Booker, Paul explode in final quarter blitz to end Knicks nine-game streak: NBA wrap NBA results 2021, scores, Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers, Devin Booker, Chris Paul… 7 Comments. Luckily for them, the league decided to allow 22 teams to resume the season. Paul helped them take things to the next level. Their relationship began long before they were teammates. He invited all three young men to his house that day, and he and Booker stayed in touch over the next five years. Paul and Booker also have history. The Suns’ metamorphosis started in the NBA bubble, where Booker's silky offense and Ayton's raw talent coalesced as the team went 8-0, despite eventually missing the playoffs. Deeper insight. "But Chris needs them. They were lingering there in that morass of teams that could seemingly go anywhere from fourth to the play-in tournament, but this winning streak might have propelled them to safely avoiding play-in games. Meanwhile, the Suns' talented young core of Ayton, Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges has never been to the playoffs and needed the guidance of a savvy veteran. "That momentum I truly believe is the reason why we're having success this season," Green said. In the end, the Suns clinched the game 117-113 behind a combined 64 points from Chris Paul and Devin Booker. That could be a scary prospect for LeBron James & Co. Is "The Block" the greatest defensive play of all time? ... Devin Booker and Mikal … NBA rumors: Chris Paul upset by Devin Booker's All-Star snub. With Ayton, Paul is helping him learn how to stay aggressive on a consistent basis. Paul, Booker lead Suns past undermanned 76ers, 116-113 actionnewsjax.com - DAN GELSTON • 1d (AP) — Chris Paul scored 28 points, Devin Booker had 19 and Mikal Bridges 18 to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 116-113 victory over the Philadelphia … With Paul specifically, there was immediate ease and trust between the two men dating to 2010-11, when Paul played under Williams on the Hornets. Green has watched Paul evolve over the years, especially in his role as a leader. If we're talking literally. Devin Booker Devin Booker has been able to play more freely due to the presence of Chris Paul. We'll see how that works in the playoffs, where everything will be tighter. Mike Vorkunov, Knicks beat writer: That they're a real, honest-to-goodness playoff team. "And Deandre is explaining to Chris what he sees. He’s constantly pulling guys aside during timeouts and telling them what he sees in addition to being vocal on the team's group chat. And Devin Booker hit the biggest shot of the night. Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and the Suns walked off winners on the road for the second time this week against one of the top teams in the East. The Suns are now 43-18 this season and trail the West-leading Jazz by just one game. "He understands that to get the best out of your teammates, you've got to have a relationship with them," Green said. It's just such a great group of guys.". For hours, they dissected their footwork, screening angles and the best timing to set screens. When Chris Paul joined the Phoenix Suns this past offseason he did not know what to expect from his new teammate Devin Booker. Their relationship has grown into a powerful mentorship. They couldn't beat the Suns, but they gave them a strong run, leading by 15 at one point. SIZZLING SUNS. 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