Stephen A. Smith has been dishing out some hot takes in recent times, and the latest was the reason behind the Phoenix Suns’ admirable comeback against the Denver Nuggets to tie the series after training 0-2.
Speaking on First Take, Smith credited the Suns for their comeback, but also shed light on how the absence of Chris Paul benefited Phoenix. “If he were playing, the pace would have been slower,” the analyst explained.
Stephen A. Smith says the Suns are playing better without Chris Paul and it’s a big reason why Phoenix tied the series at 2-2
“If he were playing, the pace would have been slower.”
(Via @FirstTake ) pic.twitter.com/wrPU6V6pdu
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 8, 2023
Paul has missed Games 3 and 4 due to left groin tightness, leaving Cameron Payne to take his place in the starting five. While Devin Booker and Kevin Durant were instrumental in the Suns getting back to contention, Smith opined that Paul might have been detrimental to the team’s pace, which was one of the reasons behind them breezing past the Nuggets’ defense.
With the series tied 2-2, the onus will be on Booker and Durant to steer the side as the Nuggets look to be on shaky ground after two consecutive losses.
Can The Suns Close The Series Out In Chris Paul’s Absence?
With three games left in the series, the Suns will now look to start on an equal note after squaring up the series, but with Paul’s condition not too promising, the Suns will need to step up on the playmaking front.
While Payne has held his own and has been instrumental in pushing the pace of the game, the Suns will hope that he can do a bit more offensively to help them reduce the stress on Booker and Durant. Not to mention, his playmaking isn’t close to what Paul brings to the table.
The Suns will hope that Paul can take the floor for the next game, and give them their much-need boost on the playmaking and scoring end.
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