Phoenix Suns: 4 Things that Need to be Improved For Game 4
By Karan Jain
Phoenix Suns Game 4 Key: Chris Paul needs exploit the drop coverage
As earlier mentioned, Paul struggled greatly from a scoring standpoint during Game 3. Making his return after testing positive for COVID-19, Paul really did not look 100 percent, probably due to the immediate aftermath of contracting COVID-19, as well as some rust.
This somewhat reflected shades of Paul during the team’s series against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he struggled a bit shooting the ball after suffering a shoulder injury. Hopefully though, he can recover quicker this time around.
Paul’s ball handling and typical snaking moves looked noticeably weaker and less effective during Game 3. He did get into positions to hit his favorite mid-range shot a few times with the Clippers playing a drop coverage (especially with Zubac), but struggled to make LA pay with those shots.
CP3’s passing was excellent in Game 3 with a pick and roll combination beside Deandre Ayton, often working to perfection and also making some excellent passes out to open shooters. But again, he failed to put it all together by hitting his shots.
If Paul can combine his great playmaking, and start hitting his mid-range shot on efficiently, it can turn the Clippers defensive scheme on its head. We’ve seen him do it time and time again to other opponents, and if he gets it back tonight, he can give the suns a solid chance to go up 3-1.