Chris Paul gets playoff festivities started with pregame slam dunk

May 23, 2021, 12:55 PM

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Sports

We have become accustomed to pregame mosh pits to start off regular season Phoenix Suns games, but for the playoffs they seem to be taking it up a notch.

By taking it up a notch, what we are saying is Chris Paul took things all the way up for Phoenix by hyping the home crowd with a rare pregame slam dunk, to the pleasure of Phoenix Suns Arena.

Chris Paul pre-game dunk alert. pic.twitter.com/PJlKIQbPr0

— Bill Oram (@billoram) May 23, 2021

Paul, in his first season with Phoenix, is not known for playing above the rim.

He showed flashes of his leaping ability this season in the All-Star Game, but he has only dunked a handful of times in the regular season.

The Suns also added a mild version of the mosh pit after starting lineups were announced. Here’s to hoping the tradition continues to bring team success.

Here we go pic.twitter.com/MAQgSvUu1f

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) May 23, 2021

Follow @GrandpaKeebs

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, forward Anthony Davis, second from left, and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, left, sit on the bench during a timeout during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, battles with Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, left, for a loose ball during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) argues with referee Rodney Mott (71) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) throws the basketball at Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) behind referee Bill Kennedy, right, during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

A Phoenix Suns fan cheers on his team during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, right, goes out to talk with Suns forward Jae Crowder, left, who smiles after scoring against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, right, is pulled away from an on-court shoving match by teammate Dario Saric, middle, during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, loses the ball as Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and Suns forward Jae Crowder, right, defend during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. T (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, right, leaps into the crowd to get a loose ball as Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) looks on during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma pauses on the court after causing a turnover during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns talks with Devin Booker #1 and Jae Crowder #99 during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a three-point shot over Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot against Anthony Davis #3 and Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns stand attended for the national anthem during Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Fans in attendance during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns rush for a loose ball during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot over Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Montrezl Harrell #15, Alex Caruso #4 and Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers come together with Dario Saric #20, Cameron Payne #15 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns in an altercation during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns is looked at by team trainers after an injury during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns falls to the floor after an injury during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers jump for the opening tip-off during Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot over Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot over Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) scores against Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99), forward Mikal Bridges, second from right, and center Deandre Ayton, right, during the first half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: General manager James Jones of the Phoenix Suns watches warm-ups to Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Fans gather outside of Phoenix Suns Arena before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: General managers Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers and James Jones of the Phoenix Suns talk before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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