Chris Paul often gets the bulk of the credit for the Suns’ miraculous turnaround as a franchise. As a brilliant veteran, strong leader, and floor general, it’s not hard to see how he would make such an enormous impact on the Suns, especially given what he did in OKC not long ago.
And while nobody is arguing that he doesn’t make the Suns better, there is a stat that suggests the Suns aren’t as dependant on CP3 as everyone would believe.
Check out this tweet by Justin Russo as it pertains to Paul’s impact in the Western Conference Finals:
Phoenix Suns have a 97.7 Offensive Rating with Chris Paul on the floor in these Western Conference Finals. It's been 112.5 when he's sat.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) June 29, 2021
Apparently, the team has also been playing at a slower pace with him on the floor:
The funny part is the pace. Since Game 3, Suns have a pace of 93.39 with Paul on. It's been 104.39 with him off.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) June 29, 2021
These numbers are contradictory to the narrative about Paul. Throughout the community, the veteran superstar is seen as the biggest difference-maker on the team, with some media members going so far as to say he should have won the MVP.
At least, on the surface, it appears as if this Suns squad is more than capable of doing this all on their own, with or without the help of Paul.
After missing their chance to make a Finals appearance, it will be up to the whole team, including CP3, to close this out and book their ticket to the Finals for the first time in years.
