Chris Paul and Monty Williams shared a big hug together during Game 6 when they realized they were about to go to the NBA Finals.
The game is in hand by then, Paul has 41 points and he gets subbed out by Williams. The Clippers are waiving the white flag. It’s really over. The Suns are really going to the NBA Finals. And Williams and Paul are doing it together.
That hug was amazing. It was such a beautiful moment between the two, who’d been reunited this season for the first time since 2010.
But it became even better when we finally got to hear what was said in that exchange.
The NBA had Williams mic’d up and it caught the conversation between the two of them. It was so surreal.
Monty: "Chris, you're going to the Finals."
CP3: "Coach, I'm trying to calm down, coach."
Monty: "You don't have to calm down."This moment between CP3 and Monty Williams at the end of Game 6 is beautiful ❤️
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/SBqmrFjHJl
— ESPN (@espn) July 3, 2021
“Williams: Chris, you’re going to the Finals.
Paul: Coach, I’m trying to calm down, coach.
Williams: You don’t have to calm down.”
That’s just amazing. It’s such a simple exchange, but it’s so powerful. So liberating.
Chris Paul, the NBA’s ultimate surgeon known for always being about his business, is just about to absolutely lose his mind in the biggest moment of his career when he’s finally one step closer to accomplishing his ultimate goal of a title.
But, as always, he’s trying to stay composed. Trying to remain calm.
And Williams reminds him “you don’t have to calm down.” Go crazy. You just did the thing. They’re one step closer. You should be excited. Lose it for a second.
And that’s exactly what Paul did with that hug. It was so amazing to see. What a moment. What a season. Four more wins to go.
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