Just 2 weeks ago Chris Paul was having trouble dribbling the ball, mishandling it, and flat out struggling to even pass half court. His injury was bothering him so much that he even needed assistance in taking off his warm up shirt.
But now we see him crossing over, and completely faking out defenders like he did against Milsap, and one of his signature moves last night against Jokic, to put a cap on a phenomenal series for him.
It’s official! The point god is 100% back and he makes the Phoenix Suns extremely dangerous. What up everybody, my name is Stefan and this is Heat Check. Let’s get into it.
When you see the 14/19 shooting which is 73.7%, and especially when you see this chart with all of this activity on the right wing, you know that CP3 is in his bag, operating at full capacity.
A lot of these are his go-to moves.
First you got the double screen to attack Jokic, and with this much space to shoot, you know that one of the best midrange shooters in NBA history is going to knock this down.
Again, another right side screen, goes to his favorite spot, shoots and scores.
This was especially noticeable in the second half where the Suns literally killed the Nuggets with the high screen for CP and there was no adjustment, so Chris just went there time after time and swished shot after shot.
Then, to keep the defense guessing, we got the pick on the left side, and he does his famous snake dribble, where you see the S-motion sort of like a snake, again to that right side elbow and another bucket.
Again, same thing, left side screen, snakes to the right Jokic is helpless and you see the result.
He briefly touched on this and explained how he got it to a point where he’s automatic with it.
CP3 INTERVIEW
What I’m trying to say is that this looks a lot different than the previous series where you could clearly see him deferring to other guys and being on the court strictly as a leader.
He simply couldn’t make shots, but more important than that- he couldn’t take them because of the limitations of his injury.
And we can clearly see that in the numbers.
CP3 vs Lakers: 28.2 MPG / 9.2 PPG / 38.6% FG
CP3 vs Nuggets: 35.5 MPG / 25.5 PPG / 62.7% FG
28.2 minutes per game, just 9.2 points, on 38.6% shooting. Compare that to 35.5 minutes, and 25.5 points per game on 62.7% from the field.
Most points scored in any game since May 2018
The 37 points in game 4 are actually the most he’s scored in any game since May of 2018. That’s crazy. But what’s crazier is that dude even had a game with 15 assists and 0 turnovers. Not a single one. Again, you remember how he looked just 2 weeks ago right? This is how I dribble with my right hand, so I was extremely worried and with a good reason.
I think it’s safe to say that not only the numbers suggest that he’s back, but also the eye test as well. You see the difference in the body language, you see the movin and groovin on the court, he definitely got his mojo back.
And the result is evident- a sweep. Surprisingly this is the first one in his career. At least the first one where he’s on the winning end of it. And he doesn’t plan on stopping now.
I guess the only doubt that I have left in regards to Chris, is the same one that Chuck and Kenny had. But thankfully Devin Booker cleared the air. Take a look.
BOOKER INTERVIEW
So yeah, the Point God did the unthinkable and came all the way back to 100% from an injury that looked bad, and had some serious consequences on him the days after.
One of a kind competitor and leader. Chris Paul.
That’s it for now, subscribe and talk to you in the next one. Peace out.