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‘Gotta Be MVP’: NBA Players React To Chris Paul Leading Phoenix Suns To First Playoff Appearance In 11 Years

Published 04/29/2021, 5:02 PM EDT

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The Phoenix Suns have truly been one of the biggest surprise packages this season. The Suns did not have the busiest of the off seasons in the NBA but managed to sign two significant names in Jae Crowder and Chris Paul.

Despite making minimal changes to their roster, the Suns have truly transcended to a different level all together. They are having an incredible season with a record of 44 wins and 18 losses. This positions them above the Clippers, Lakers & Nuggets as the second seed of the west.

NBA players react to Suns making it to the playoffs

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The Suns recently went up against the LA Clippers. While the Clippers were in fine form, the Suns were too hot to handle and cruised to a victory.

With their 44th win of the season, the Suns became the third team in the league to book their place in the playoffs.

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What makes this achievement more incredible is that they broke a streak of 11 seasons not advancing to the postseason. Understandably, multiple players like Kyle Kuzma and ex-players like Antoine Walker were absolutely stoked to see CP3 and co. finally make it to the playoffs.

While many congratulated the team for making it to the playoffs, others like Kendrick Perkins and Metta World Peace voiced their opinions on Paul’s impact on the team and making a case for him winning his first MVP trophy in the NBA.

The Suns are looking like a formidable team in the regular season and have the league’s best record of 24 wins and 9 losses against the teams with a record of .500 or above, indicating that they are ready to trump the best. Can they prove their mettle in the playoffs?

Phoenix Suns: contenders or pretenders?

The Suns have truly sent shock waves with their incredible performances in the regular season. They are only a game away from becoming the top seed in the West. Much of it has been because of the all round roster they have at their disposal.

With Devin Booker and Chris Paul, the Suns have one of the best backcourts in the NBA. While Booker provides electrifying scoring for the team, CP3 acts as the primary facilitator of the ball. This has been truly beneficial for the whole team but especially for DeAndre Ayton.

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With a lethal pick and roll partner in Paul, the 22-year-old has easy scoring opportunities. Apart from Booker, CP3 and Ayton, the Suns team possesses some of the best young players in the wing.

USA Today via Reuters

Players like Cameron Payne and Mikal Bridges are efficient cutters and decent shooters for the team. On the defensive end, they can guard against the best of the best and are unfazed by whoever their competition is.

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The Suns have all the ingredients to be a championship contender- a balanced roster with a great bench, but the biggest challenge the team might have is their lack of playoff experience. Can the Suns shock us all and win the chip or will the inexperience hurt them?

Irrespective of the result, the Suns are trending towards the right direction, and if they continue to tread in the same manner, a championship might just be a matter of time.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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