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Andrew LopezESPN
NEW ORLEANS — The Point God was back at it again.
Only five days later Chris PaulTo will the Fourth-Quarter, scored 19 points Phoenix SunsPaul scored 19 more points in the fourth quarter on Friday night to help the Suns win Game 1. New Orleans Pelicans.
After the Pelicans took a Phoenix game, the Suns now have a 2-1 series advantage.
ESPN Stats & Information research shows that Paul has scored 19 points or greater in the fourth quarter four times over his career.
It’s just me picking my spots. Paul, referring to a teammate, said that he had finally seen a few shots drop. Deandre Ayton.
Paul was told by Ayton that he should stop passing the ball during the fourth quarter, and that he needed more shots. Paul did exactly that, shooting 7 of 10 in the final frame, with 5-of-5 mid-range shots.
Ayton stated that he knew Paul was not dishing it out in the first three quarters. However, he said that he also recognized that the Pelicans were changing up their defensive coverages for the fourth quarter. Paul was then able to talk to him about it.
Ayton stated, “I heard different terminology on the ground,” and he told C, “And I’m telling C, like, “They’re back in normal coverage, I’m going to need you to shoot it.” I will get a clean hit. All I need is for you to shoot the ball. He did it. This is how it felt last year as he assumed control of the fourth quarter.
Paul ended the game with 28 points and 14 assists. He started the fourth quarter with nine assists and nine points.
Paul scored 14 assists in the game and had zero turnovers. This was Paul’s second consecutive win. ESPN Stats and Information says that Paul’s 28 assists in this two-game game are the most since the official stat of turnovers was introduced in 1997-98. John Stockton had 20 assists in 2001.
For many years JaVale McGeeYou could see Paul’s magic in action against the teams he was playing for. He was able to get a first-hand view of the event this year.
McGee said McGee was impressed by Paul’s work. He does the exact same thing. He assists everyone else throughout the game. Then, when the fourth quarter arrives, he takes over and hits those middies. It’s amazing how he does this.”
Phoenix needed all of Paul’s big shots in quarter four to give the Pelicans a win. Phoenix took the lead with a pull-up jumper by Paul at 5:26.
Monty Williams, Suns coach, said that he was just one of those players who plays the right way. He knows when and how to make things happen for himself and others. You guys may not see his leadership qualities in timeouts, but what he does out on the floor is just as impressive. And you know what is most important for the team.
Phoenix guard Devin BookerCam Johnson took his place after Johnson injured his right hamstring. Johnson was in foul trouble at the end of the first half so Williams took his place. Landry ShametStart the second halves.
The teams will return to the Smoothie Kings Center on Sunday for Game 4.
Williams said, “That was a big win for us but I told my guys, we cannot get happy on our farm.” “We’re going against a team that won’t stop.”