Phoenix Suns Beat the New Orleans Pelicans In First Round Playoff Series to Secure Dallas Mavericks Clash

Veteran Chris Paul played a key role in helping the Phoenix Suns past the New Orleans Pelicans in their six-game win in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The 12-time NBA All-Star pick fired in 14 from 14 from the field as the Suns beat the Pelicans 115-109 in game six of this encounter, and Monty Williams will next take on the Dallas Mavericks in what promises to be a tightly fought encounter.

Paul’s exemplary performance set a new benchmark in NBA playoff history as the 36-year-old became the first player ever to make 13 or more shots and not miss any of those taken.

The Suns came painfully close to picking up their first-ever NBA title last year but lost out to the Milwaukee Bucks. But once again, the local residents are likely to be checking out the best sports betting outlets, perhaps via betting-az.com as they seek to get behind their state team.

If they are going to reach such a milestone then it will be very much down in no small way to the efforts of their talisman Chris Paul. Paul arrived at the Suns in November 2021 and has been as consistent as anyone in the league and it seems his commitment to the cause goes even beyond his exploits on the court.

When the Suns were on the road against the Pelicans it was Paul who made sure that his teammates only ventured out during specified hours and within the curfew set in order to prevent the players from having too much fun out on Bourbon Street.

Clearly, Paul demands respect from teammates and fans alike, and his efforts while in a Suns jersey are testament to his ability to shape the exploits of an entire team.

Paul knows New Orleans well from the six-season stint he spent at the Pelicans when he first broke into the NBA, and the play-off win over his former club meant a lot to him;

“It’s a good win for us; there’s a reason why he’s the coach here. There ain’t been this much energy here in a long time, and I’m just glad we got the win. I always say this city raised me, man. It’s tough; this is emotional for me.”

“I root for this team when I’m not playing against them, so to beat them was nice to get through the first round.”

Taking on the Mavericks will prove an entirely different task for the Suns, and Chris Paul will need to corral the troops in order to give his side a shot against Dallas. The Mavericks saw off the Utah Jazz in six games, and the facing up against Luka Doncic and his team will surely be a hard-fought contest.

Paul, who is now into his 17th season in the NBA, may feel this is his best shot of picking up that elusive first NBA Championship ring.