On April 27, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA playoffs were in full swing. In today's Western Focus battle, the Suns played the Pelicans' Home Game of Tennoyama. Paul scored just four points in his last game to tie the worst career playoff record, and he desperately needs to bounce back today to help his team win.
With 7:58 left in the first quarter, Paul advanced with the ball and, facing McCollum's defense, Paul accelerated to a mid-range shot near the free throw line. Paul then shot again on the right side of the penalty area, and in the next leg, Paul completed the steal, the Suns were dunked by Ayton, and then he assisted Johnson to score 2+1, and the Suns gradually opened the score. In the second half of the quarter, Paul hit another shot and made two foul shots, scoring 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal on 3-of-5 shooting in the quarter, giving the Suns a 32-20 lead over the Pelicans.
After entering the second quarter of the game, Paul's feel was not reduced, and three minutes after the start of the quarter, Paul made three consecutive shots to win the first 6 points of the suns in the quarter, after which Paul reduced his shots, only to cause two fouls in the second half of the quarter, scoring 8 points and 3 assists in the single quarter. It is worth mentioning that there is a round in this section that is very controversial. At that time, the Pelicans Alvarado defended Paul, who did not pass half-time for 8 seconds, but the referee did not blow the penalty. During the round, Paul rushed to the front and assisted Johnson to shoot a three-pointer.
In addition, Paul also fouled Alvarado in a defensive round, and the two sides had some physical contact, but fortunately the situation did not expand further. The first half ended with the Suns leading the Pelicans 59-46.
In the third quarter, Paul played only half a quarter, deflected both shots, but gave three assists, and the Suns led the Pelicans 89-78 into the final quarter. In the 4th quarter, facing the Pelicans chasing points, Paul hit a mid-range shot to help the team stabilize the advantage, and then he was again forced by Alvarado to 8 seconds before half-time, and also suffered a technical foul because of dissatisfaction with the penalty. Paul then made a successful steal but his teammates failed to attack quickly, and Paul hit another mid-range shot in the next leg! Paul then made two foul shots, and the Suns maintained a near double-digit advantage and eventually won.
In the end, the Suns beat the Pelicans 112:97, Paul played 39 minutes today, 8 of 18 shots, including 4 of 0 from three-point range, 6 of 6 from the free throw line, and a total of 22 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 3 steals. In addition, this is the 31st time in paul's career playoffs that he has had at least 20 points and 10 assists in a single game, surpassing Kevin Johnson (30 times) to rise to third in history, behind magic Johnson (60 times) and James (43 times).
According to the schedule, the sixth leg of the two teams will be played on April 29, and Paul and the Suns will fight to win, and if they win, they will advance to the Western Conference semifinals.