Chris Paul, who had spent 15 years as one of the best players in the league — including one season with the Oklahoma City Thunder — has finally reached a new height.
Paul scored 41 points on Wednesday night to lead his Phoenix Suns to a Western Conference Series win over the Los Angeles Clippers, dominating Game 6 by a final score of 130-103.
Paul posted 31 points in the second half alone, shooting 12-for-16 during those 19 minutes of play and making five 3-pointers. The game crescendoed when, after Paul hit a 3 to put the Suns up by 26 points with 5:49 to play, Clippers guard Patrick Beverley shoved him from behind as Paul walked to the bench.
Beverley apologized on Twitter on Thursday, saying his emotions got the best of him.
The Clippers guard, known for his tough play that toes the line between aggressive and dirty – Thunder fans especially know this – was ejected from the game. After the play, Paul laughed and pumped his fists.
He had reason to be excited. That 3-pointer and the ensuing free throw extended the Suns’ run to 12 points in a row, which essentially capped the series and sent Phoenix to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.
This is Paul’s first Finals appearance as well.
The Suns will take on either the Atlanta Hawks or Milwaukee Bucks for the championship.
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