ESPN’s Jay Williams believes Suns in 4 with return of PG Chris Paul
Jun 24, 2021, 9:27 AM
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns passes the ball against the Denver Nuggets in Game Three of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Count Jay Williams as a Phoenix Suns believer.
With Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul returning to a 2-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Clippers, the co-host of ESPN’s Keyshawn, JWill and Zubin was quick to give his pick for the Western Conference Finals.
“CP3’s coming back today, it might be a sweep,” Williams said Thursday morning. “When you had a difficult time guarding Devin Booker, you’re gonna have a difficult time guarding CP3, who is the maestro for the Phoenix Suns.
“Their offense is 16 points better … when he is on the floor, so let’s see how that works out for the Clippers.”
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Paul quickly made his presence felt in his first season with the Suns, averaging 16.4 points and 8.9 assists during the regular season. For his efforts, he earned an All-NBA Second Team nod.
His impressive play poured over into the postseason, as he’s put up 15.7 points and 8.7 assists through 10 playoff games. In the team’s sweep of the Denver Nuggets, Paul averaged 25.5 points and 10.3 assists per outing.
And while Paul appears to be on track to play for the first time this series, the same can’t be said for one of the Clippers’ top performers in Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard, who has dealt with a reported ACL injury this postseason, has already been ruled out of Thursday’s contest.
With Paul expected back and Leonard on the shelf, oddsmakers have Phoenix as a slim 1.5-point favorite for Game 3.
“It’s looking [like a wrap] when you’re down 0-2 with the Klaw (Kawhi Leonard) out, Key,” Williams added. “First two rounds, OK, but now without Kawhi Leonard and everything falls on Paul George.”
