Veteran point guard Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns had an easy home game win against the undermanned Los Angeles Lakers, 130-104.
Monday’s matchup between the Lakers and the Suns was likely a foregone conclusion in the minds of most viewers. With star, Phoenix guards Devin Booker out with a groin injury and the Lakers severely undermanned due to Covid restrictions, everyone knew who would ultimately lead on the scoreboard.
With their beautiful purple throwback uniforms, Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton gave Phoenix an edge. At the same time, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Austin Reaves waited courtside donning stylish jackets and hoodies. From there it all fell into place as expected.
Just like what the oddsmakers from DraftKings Arizona online sportsbook expect, the Lakers-Suns showdown may have been one-sided but it definitely lived up to its bill.
Chris Paul Takes Over
Veteran point guard Chris Paul stepped up in a big way for the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night, scoring his season-high of 26 points to lead the team.
The Suns were missing six players due to injury and illness, including three-time All-Star Devin Booker (right groin soreness), who had just scored a season-high 58 points in Saturday’s victory over the Pelicans. With Booker out and the team shorthanded, Paul had to fill a more significant role on offense.
He didn’t disappoint, leading the Suns with a manageable lead in the fourth quarter, and sat down a few minutes before the game ends. Paul’s effectiveness was no surprise; even though he’d been slower than usual to get his season going—averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game before Wednesday—he’d been making up ground since returning from an early heel injury and is clearly ready to carry more of an offensive load if needed.
Suns coach Monty Williams appreciates how Paul played the game:
“I was happy to see him aggressive, knocking down shots and taking shots. Everyone on the team, we tell Chris to shoot the ball. It’s the most unbelievable thing ever — having to tell a Hall of Fame player to shoot.”
Up Next
The Phoenix Suns are looking to continue their three-game winning streak as they visit the Washington Wizards while the Lakers will head to Sacramento and Face the Kings.
