Phoenix Suns News: Monty Williams Makes Honest, Fair Assessment Of Having Chris Paul

The Phoenix Suns pulled out a gutsy 121-117 win against the Atlanta Hawks, and head coach Monty Williams praised Chris Paul’s leadership for the victory.

During their media availability after the game, Williams admitted that having Paul on the roster is a massive sense of security for the Suns.

“He’s a bit of a safety blanket for a lot of us because of his ability to score and find guys, and just make plays. He certainly makes us look a lot better than we deserve. He’s just that good of a basketball player on both ends of the floor,” remarked Williams, who is in his third season with the Suns.

Williams’ assessment of Paul has merit to it as the 11-time All-Star has always been there to bail them out when they need him to.

The 16-year veteran kickstarted the Suns’ comeback in the fourth quarter against the Hawks after finding themselves in a 100-88 hole.

Paul scored 10 of his 16 points and five of his 13 assists in the frame while adding a timely block on De’Andre Hunter as they were in the midst of their comeback.

Devin Booker had finally found his groove on offense by scoring a season-high 38 points on 14-of-21 shooting from the field after a remarkably slow start to the season.

Former lottery pick Frank Kaminsky helped fuel the comeback after posting a full line against the Hawks, dropping 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one block in 30 minutes of action.

The 50-year-old head coach also commended Paul’s willingness to be the leader that the young Suns’ core needed since he joined the organization via trade in the 2020-21 offseason.

“I think for him (Chris Paul), nothing changes. I don’t think players run from the ball, but Chris [Paul] is the guy that runs to the ball and that’s his mentality. He wants to make those plays, he puts the work in and our guys believe in him,” professed Williams.

The Suns have won four straight games after a 1-3 start to the season and will look to continue the streak in a revenge game against Harrison Barnes and the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, November 9.