DENVER, CO - JUNE 11: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns is congratulated by Deandre Ayton #22 after a basket in Game Three of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. Photo: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
Chris Paul is headed back to the Western Conference Finals for only the second time in his storied career. Behind a 37-point performance from Paul, the Phoenix Suns completed their sweep of NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
Paul will not be headed to the 2021 Western Conference Finals alone. He will be joined by rising stars Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton. Not to mention, Suns Head Coach Monty Williams will be offering insight from the sidelines.
Paul and Williams have a relationship that extends far beyond the basketball court. Yes, Williams did coach Paul and the New Orleans Hornets to a playoff berth in 2011, but their relationship was truly solidified in 2016. One year after losing his first head coaching role, Williams lost his wife in a fatal car accident. Paul stepped in to offer personal support for his friend after the tragic passing of his wife and that is something that he has not forgotten.
"The darkest moment of my life Chris was right there, and in one of the highlights of my career he's right there," Williams said after Sunday night's win in Denver.
After the team's seven-point win in Denver, Williams and Paul shared a warm embrace. Paul reflected on the special moment during the post-game press conference.
“Mont has been through things in his life that a lot of people don’t necessarily come back from,” Paul said.
“Basketball aside, he means so much to me and my family.”
Williams and Paul will look to continue their playoff run in the next round. The Suns will play the winner of the Western Conference Semifinals series between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers. The Jazz currently hold a 2-1 series lead with game four set for the Staples Center on June 14.
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