OKC Thunder: A look at the clutch time killers performances with new teams

CP3 delivers deja vu impact in the Valley of the Suns

Few players are capable of affecting any team they play on regardless of the personnel. Chris Paul is among a handful of players who falls in this category.

Much of the success of the 2019-20 OKC Thunder season was credited to two men — Billy Donovan and Chris Paul. If we base how this season is playing out for the Bulls and the Suns – arguably the Point God’s impact deserves the larger credit for the Thunder’s success.

A glance at his production shows a closer similarity to that of his last season in Houston but the impact and effect are much closer to what he accomplished with the OKC Thunder. As the teams enter action tonight it’s the Suns who lead the Pacific Division — not the Lakers and not the Clippers. Granted, both LA teams have dealt with injuries but the Suns have had their share of injuries to address.

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While each of Adams, Gallo, and Schroder had to experience time to mesh and find their niche with their new squads, Paul in contrast became the fix for his team. His presence is pushing the Suns over the top. Close games, road games, clutch time you name it CP3 is helping his squad perform winning in every fashion.

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In an eerily similar fashion to what CP3 did last season, the Suns took the first segment of the schedule to figure things out posting a .500 record of 8-8. However, since that point the Suns are 25-6 and have become the best road team in the Association.

As for clutch time, the Suns aren’t close to the 30-15 marker the OKC Thunder Clutch Time Killers put up last season. However, they do rank a respectable 10th in win percentage (56 percent) in the clutch with a record of 14-11. Coincidentally, the Thunder also have 14 wins in clutch time this season and rank fifth with a 63.6 win percentage in clutch time.

Part of the reason for the Suns’ success is how he’s impacted the development of young big man Deandre Ayton. Devin Booker is performing well and although his stats don’t scream of a massive improvement the Suns’ win percentage speaks volumes. More importantly, barring a complete meltdown the Suns are headed to the playoffs for the first time in Booker’s career.

Ultimately, there is a reason why Charles Barkley calls Paul the best leader in the NBA and why he’s referred to as the Point God.

Thunder Nation wishes him well this postseason. And are extremely thankful for his mentorship of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.  That impact was profound as SGA made the transition to OKC Thunder leader as easily as he glides to the basket.