“Chris Paul went to his spot and did what he does”: Shaquille O’Neal reveals what inspired the astonishing second half performance by the Suns’ star

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal talks about possible factors that may have led to Chris Paul going off for 31 points in the second half of Game 6

The Phoenix Suns have done it. After not even making the playoffs for the entire last decade, they have bounced back strong, and booked a berth to the NBA Finals. A big credit for the Suns’ success goes to Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Since the season started, the star guards have been on point and carried their form into the playoffs.

Also Read: “LeBron James chose Damian Lillard over Chris Paul?!”: Skip Bayless blasts the Lakers’ star for trying to upstage his close friend on one of the biggest nights of his career

The role players on the Suns have been doing their part perfectly, consistently, and that has been a major part of their success. However, last night was all Chris Paul. After a slow 10 point first half, Paul erupted for 31 in the second half and completely took over. The Clippers, who seemed like they had a chance in the game, were shut down by CP3 totally.

Shaquille O’Neal talks about what powered Chris Paul for his performance on the road

Before Chris Paul made his way to Phoenix, he was in OKC, and before that, he was in Houston. Before the Rockets, Paul was an integral part of ‘Lob City’ for six whole seasons. Lakers’ legend Shaquille O’Neal tried to pinpoint the reason behind Paul’s brilliance performance on the road.

He broke it down, and explained,

“Last night was like a home game for him even though they were on the road,” O’Neal said. “He was comfortable playing in the building. His family was there, he got some fans there, [even] Billy Crystal was in the building,”

“The way he put his imprint in that fourth quarter, he was like ‘you know what, even though I’m on the road, I’m at the crib. I played here six years, I know the rims and I know the building let me get to my spot and do what I do.’”

Also Read: “Chris Paul didn’t cheat the process or join a superteam”: Kendrick Perkins praises Suns star for going on a championship quest ‘the right way’

The Suns beat both the Lakers and the Clippers in their run to the Finals this year. Both the series were concluded in 6 games, and at the Staples Center. Chris Paul was huge in both of these games. Paul was crucial in shutting down the Lakers and making sure they don’t make a run in the 4th. He did the same with the Clippers in the second half yesterday.

The Suns now wait to see how the Bucks-Hawks series fares to find their Finals opponent. Till then, they have the time to relax and recharge.