By: Stephen Garner

Sunday proved to be the best collective effort of the series from the Phoenix Suns, which unsurprisingly coincides with the best game that Chris Paul has had. This came at the most opportune time, allowing them to tie the series and make it a best of 3 with home-court advantage again.

Among those collective efforts were the resurfacing of near peak Chris Paul, who was able to showcase his Velcro-tight handle and snake dribble in pick and roll to his midrange layups at will, as well as play, make like the Point God he is with no turnovers as he led the team in scoring with 18 points, along with 9 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Also, Jae Crowder was effective offensively for the first time this series. He hit more 3’s (3-8) than he had all series (was 2-20 prior) and also chipped in with 4 assists.

The Suns would have 6 total players net double-digit performances offensively.

They also checked off on all my aforementioned points of emphasis in this game. 

DeAndre Ayton is 19.8 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1 BPG, and is shooting 80% from the field,. He’s been the Suns best and most consistent player. It is safe to say, at this point, that he will produce in that realm for the duration of this series.

What they’ll need in an all-important game 5 tonight is a replicated effort:

Wing production

Jae Crowder led game 4 in box score +/- with a +21. His aforementioned successes offensively were timely, and the way he defended played as big a role as any in the outcome. 

Mikal Bridges had his best game of the series as well, recording 11 points (3-8 from 3), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. 

Torrey Craig had a very solid showing as well. He recorded 5 points to match 5 rebounds but where he really made his presence felt was defensively. His minutes at the 5 were also effective and he had stretches where, defensively, he was just stellar.

Cam Johnson has yet to find his footing in his first season, if he can produce more that would be a great boost in this wing four-some’s production.

Torrey Craig with about 3 redirections & 3 deflections in 2 consecutive defensive stands

— Stephen PridGeon (@StayTrueSDot3) May 30, 2021

It’s no surprise that their efforts were as good as they’ve been all series, as their leaders health and production were the best they’ve been thus far.

They need those efforts, defensively and offensively from these 3, to garner another win at home tonight. 

The Point God to… Point God

Finishing with 31:41 productive minutes, Chris Paul finally looked like himself after the shoulder injury. Though still not 100%, he’s plenty good enough to play at a level that he can be one of (if not THE) most effective players on the floor.

That’s exactly what he was in game 4, and evident by the manner in which he did so, it looks like he can certainly sustain this level of play on both ends of the floor. That in itself is a significant bump up in Phoenix performing at their near peak potential.

The real Devin Booker needs to show up

Devin Booker was harassed by Alex Caruso, a stout defender, in game 4. That was a lowkey subplot in the collective success the Suns saw. The stage now, however, is set for Booker to take a big-time step in ascension here. His team can ill-afford another cold scoring night from him. This is a chance for him to register his first, in alignment with his mantra, “Be Legendary” moment. With CP3 back in the fold, he’s repositioned back as a secondary playmaker and primary scorer role. A 30+ point barrage, not unlike game 1, would be as apt as can be.

A tandem closing effort

We’ve yet to see, because of injury, tandem closing efforts from CP3 and Booker. The time has come for them to combine and put the team on their backs as they did nearly all season. At home, with a chance to take full control of the series, this is exactly what the Suns need.

In Conclusion

Regarding this season, there is a or on the line. LeBron has some of his best career playoff performances. He averages 30.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG, and 7.2 APG with a 22-13 record.

Needless to say, he’ll be ready to play regardless of who else from the Lakers is along for the ride in game 5.

Prediction

In the biggest game for their franchise since the Nash-Stoudamire era, the Suns hold down the fort and win this swing game, 113-96.

*All stats and information used come directly from basketball-reference or statmuse unless stated otherwise, and are accurate entering play on 6.1.21*