Paul Needs to Ball

By Mark Halpern (Written 7/20/2021 12:00 pm in case this posts after the game)

So, tonight is game six of the NBA finals. The Milwaukee Bucks won a crucial game on the road in Phoenix to bring game six back home. We all know home-court advantage always gives the home team an upper advantage. Can the Suns force a game seven tonight? It’s possible, but only if their star point guard shows up?
Chris Paul is a 16-year veteran in the NBA, has been a leader on any team he has played for, and has played in many big games. In the first two games of this series, he was excellent. Paul created tons of opportunities for other players like Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Jae Crowder. He is one of the best passers in the game, and when he is not dishing, he usually is swishing.

He is a great shooter from in the paint to beyond the arc. Paul has been averaging close to five a game, and while that does not seem like a lot to some people, it means a lot in the game. However, over the last three games, he has been very sloppy. Quietly we do not hear about one stat from him, and that is his turnovers. Each turnover costs the team points. So, you have to figure that are 10 points of missed opportunities. When he last played in Milwaukee, Jrue Holiday played terrific defense against him, and we expect that to be the same tonight.The Suns need to develop a plan to make sure Paul can capitalize on those opportunities, whether it is setting up screens or the old fashion pick and roll. All that matters is that he is given the time to create opportunities so the suns can force a game seven. Paul needs to be the player he was during the first two games of this series, and if he cannot, then the Bucks could end it tonight. I, for one, would love nothing more than to see a game 7 in this series. Both teams are full of talent, and anything can happen. I believe I had picked the Bucks in 6, so I am hoping for it to happen. If Paul does show up, then we will see that game seven in Phoenix later this week, and that is how the old man sees it.