MONTY WILLIAMS

Oklahoma City Thunder v Phoenix Suns PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 113-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)The Phoenix Suns locked down the 2022 NBA Coach of the Year. Monty Williams reportedly agreed to a long-term contract extension to remain with the team, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The last 12 months have been a transformative year in the NBA when it comes to diversity among coaches.

Devin Booker scored 28 points, Deandre Ayton added 20 and the Phoenix Suns beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-80 night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

(AP Photo/Matt York) (Matt York)PHOENIX — (AP) — Monty Williams won the NBA Coach of the Year award on Monday after leading the Phoenix Suns to a franchise-record 64 wins during the regular season. The 50-year-old Williams has been the Suns’ coach for three seasons and the team has improved in each of them. The runner-up to New York's Tom Thibodeau last season, Williams was the runaway winner this time. Said Booker on Twitter: "Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has been voted the NBA's COY, book tells sources. Williams led the Suns to the NBA Finals last season, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

(AP Photo/Matt York) (Matt York)PHOENIX — (AP) — Monty Williams has won NBA Coach of the Year after leading the Phoenix Suns to a franchise-record 64 wins during the regular season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. Said Booker on Twitter: “Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has been voted the NBA’s COY, book tells sources. The 50-year-old Williams has been the Suns' coach for three seasons and the team has improved in each of them. Williams led the Suns to the NBA Finals last season, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Monty Williams has won NBA Coach of the Year after leading the Phoenix Suns to a franchise-record 64 wins during the regular season.

Suns Mavericks Basketball Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, left, greets, Chris Paul (3) at the bench after Paul fouled out in the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, Sunday, May 8, 2022, in Dallas. The incident happened during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Dallas Mavericks and Suns. “It's a hard one, because it's happening more and more,” Williams said Monday at Suns practice. “A large part of the responsibility has to be on fans,” Johnson said. I’ve never had this kind of incident at that arena, even going back to the old spot, Reunion Arena, never."

Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams says the NBA should consider having a special section in the stands reserved for the families of visiting teams in the wake of Chris Paul’s family being harassed during a playoff game in Dallas.

Suns Mavericks Basketball Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic shouts at an official standing nearby in the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Sunday, May 8, 2022, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (Tony Gutierrez)DALLAS — (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 26 points and the Dallas Mavericks took advantage of foul trouble for Chris Paul to beat the Phoenix Suns 111-101 on Sunday, evening the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2. Turnovers were the story with Paul in Dallas' Game 3 win, when the 37-year-old had the most in any half for his playoff career with seven before halftime. Paul picked up his fourth just before the halftime buzzer when he tried to rebound his own miss and bumped Doncic. The sixth also came against Brunson just a minute and a half after Paul had returned in the fourth.

Luka Doncic scored 26 points and the Dallas Mavericks took advantage of foul trouble for Chris Paul to beat the Phoenix Suns 111-101 on Sunday, evening the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2.

Chris Paul scored 28 points, including 14 in another spectacular fourth quarter, to lead the Phoenix Suns over the Dallas Mavericks 129-109 for a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Tyler Herro was told before the season began that he wouldn’t be in the Miami Heat starting lineup.

Chris Paul went 14 for 14 in the best shooting night in NBA playoff history, Devin Booker returned from a hamstring injury to hit a late 3-pointer and the Phoenix Suns beat the New Orleans Pelicans 115-109 on Thursday night to finish off the first-round series in six games.

Pelicans Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker watches from the bench during the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans, Tuesday, April 26, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) (Matt York)NEW ORLEANS — (AP) — All-Star guard Devin Booker returned to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night for Game 6 against the New Orleans Pelicans after missing three games because of a strained right hamstring. After scoring 31 points in first half of Game 2, Booker was injured early in the second when he landed awkwardly trying to block a fast-break attempt. New Orleans coach Willie Green said before the game that the Pelicans had two defensive game plans — one with Booker in the lineup and one without him. If he doesn’t, we need to be ready to go out and execute our game plan.”Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

All-Star guard Devin Booker returned to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night for Game 6 against the New Orleans Pelicans after missing three games because of a strained right hamstring.

Mikal Bridges scored 31 points, Chris Paul added 22 points and 11 assists and the top-seeded Phoenix Suns beat the New Orleans Pelicans 112-97 to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference first-round series.

(AP Photo/Michael DeMocker) (Michael Democker)NEW ORLEANS — (AP) — Chris Paul scored 19 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and the Phoenix Suns overcame Devin Booker's absence to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 114-111 on Friday night in Game 3 of the first-round series. Deandre Ayton added 28 points and 17 rebounds to help the top-seeded Suns take a 2-1 series lead. Paul scored 15 of Phoenix’s first 23 points of the final quarter. Backup center center JaVale McGee scored 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting as the Suns hurt the Pelicans inside. That dustup sparked a 16-5 Phoenix run to close the half, and the Suns led 59-48 at intermission.

Chris Paul scored 19 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and the Phoenix Suns overcame Devin Booker’s absence to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 114-111 on Friday night in Game 3 of the first-round series.

The road back to the NBA Finals has become bumpy for the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.

Pelicans Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) drives as New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones defends during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 17, 2022, in Phoenix. Paul scored 19 of his 30 points during a brilliant fourth-quarter scoring display and the Phoenix Suns beat the New Orleans Pelicans 110-99 on Sunday night in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series. “Classic Chris,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. The ageless veteran will turn 37 later in these playoffs if the Suns advance far enough, but once again looked a decade younger. “It's just reading the game,” Paul said.

Chris Paul scored 19 of his 30 points during a brilliant fourth-quarter shooting display and the Phoenix Suns beat the New Orleans Pelicans 110-99 on Sunday night in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series.

Nikola Jokic is a finalist to win a second straight NBA MVP award, along with two-time winner Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

JaVale McGee talks about the pregame huddle the Phoenix Suns have before every game this season.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)PHOENIX — (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have several reasons to be confident they can make another deep playoff run. Confident, but not cocky as they've pegged one trait they believe could knock them off track in pursuit of their first NBA title — hubris. “I have a level of humility for the process.”The Suns are trying to follow a brilliant regular season by finally bringing a championship to the desert. The Suns didn't change their roster much following the loss to the Bucks, opting instead to make another run with the same nucleus. Phoenix's 64-win regular season is another accomplishment for Paul, who has few rivals in NBA history when it comes to making teams better.

The Phoenix Suns have many reasons to be confident they can make another deep playoff run.

President Joe Biden is appointing actor Taraji P.

Devin Booker’s two free throws with 34.2 seconds left put Phoenix ahead, Draymond Green traveled to turn it over before Chris Paul made a short jumper, and the NBA-best Phoenix Suns held off the Golden State Warriors 107-103 in a furious finish between Western Conference rivals.

Chris Paul returned from a broken right wrist to help the Phoenix Suns wrap up the top seed in the NBA playoffs with a 140-130 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

Suns Nuggets Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul warms up before the team's NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — Chris Paul returned from a broken thumb sooner than expected when the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns played the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. “It's good to have him back," Suns coach Monty Williams said about an hour before tip-off. The Suns went 11-4 without Paul and took a six-game winning streak into their game at Denver, where the Nuggets are still awaiting the returns of their second- and third-best players. The Suns lead the NBA with a 59-14 record and are trying to make the NBA Finals for a second straight season.

Suns Kings Basketball Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, left and injured Suns guard Chris Paul, right, watch the action in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Sunday, March 20, 2022. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas) (José Luis Villegas)DENVER — (AP) — Chris Paul could be back from a broken thumb sooner than expected when the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns face the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Paul has missed the Suns' past 15 games since getting hurt Feb. 16. The Suns were worried that Paul might miss the remainder of the regular season because of the thumb injury, but the veteran has been active in recent practices in a push to return. The Suns lead the NBA with a 59-14 record and are trying to make the NBA Finals for a second straight season.

Chris Paul returned from a broken thumb sooner than expected when the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns faced the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

Landry Shamet made a 3-pointer with 31 seconds left in overtime moments after missing an open look beyond the arc and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 127-124 on Sunday.

Bulls Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns center JaVale McGee dives for the ball during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Friday, March 18, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) (Rick Scuteri)PHOENIX — (AP) — Devin Booker scored 28 points and the Phoenix Suns moved closer to wrapping up the NBA’s best regular-season record, routing the Chicago Bulls 129-102 on Friday night. Cameron Payne scored 15 points, Torrey Craig and Landry Shamet had 14 each, JaVale McGee 12 and Mikael Bridges 11. The Suns (48.5%) and Bulls (48.2%) entered Friday as the top field-goal percentage teams in the NBA. Suns were 12 of 12 from the free-throw line, with Booker making seven.

Devin Booker scored 28 points and the Phoenix Suns moved closer to wrapping up the NBA’s best regular-season record, routing the Chicago Bulls 129-102 on Friday night.

Devin Booker scored 30 points, Deandre Ayton had 23 points and 16 rebounds and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns routed the Los Angeles Lakers 140-111 on Sunday night.

Gregg Popovich became the winningest coach in NBA regular-season history, getting his 1,336th victory when the San Antonio Spurs rallied to beat the Utah Jazz 104-102.

Suns Bucks Basketball Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to get past Phoenix Suns' Jae Crowder during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Milwaukee . (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Khris Middleton scored a season-high 44 points, Jrue Holiday had 17 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied to beat the short-handed Phoenix Suns 132-122 on Sunday. Phoenix also was missing Cam Johnson, two days after he scored 38 points in a 115-114 victory over the New York Knicks. But the Bucks outscored the Suns 18-11 in the four-plus minutes Antetokounmpo missed and owned a 120-118 lead when the two-time MVP returned to the floor with 3:23 remaining. Middleton scored the game’s final seven points, including a 3-pointer that gave the Bucks a double-digit edge with 21.6 seconds left.

Khris Middleton scored a season-high 44 points, Jrue Holiday had 17 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied to beat the short-handed Phoenix Suns 132-122 on Sunday.

Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points, Rudy Gobert added 16 points and 14 rebounds and the Utah Jazz stayed hot with a 118-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

McCollum continued his scorching start with his new team by scoring 32 points, Ingram added 28 and the Pelicans earned an impressive road win over the Phoenix Suns, 117-102 on Friday night. “We're just starting to figure it out,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said about the McCollum-Ingram pairing.

Devin Booker had 25 points, 12 assists and a career-high six steals to help the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-104 on Thursday night.

Devin Booker scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton added 23 and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to seven games, rallying after Chris Paul was ejected to beat the Houston Rockets 124-121 on Wednesday night.

Devin Booker scored 26 points and Deandre Ayton had 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns won their fifth straight game, beating the Orlando Magic 132-105 Saturday night.

Suns 76ers Basketball Philadelphia 76ers' Tobias Harris, right, dunks the ball as Phoenix Suns' Jae Crowder, left, looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) (Chris Szagola)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Devin Booker scored 35 points and Chris Paul had 16 points and 12 assists to lead the Phoenix Suns to their NBA-high 44th win, 114-109 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. The Suns rallied from a 14-point deficit to win for the 14th time in 15 games, raising their record to 44-10. Paul inched the Suns loose from a back-and-forth second half when he made 1 of 2 free throws for a 100-99 lead. 76ers: G Matisse Thybulle started after he missed one game with a sore right shoulder.

Devin Booker scored 35 points, and Chris Paul had 16 points and 12 assists to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 114-109 win over the Philadelphia on 76ers.

Suns Bulls Basketball Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker (1) scores past Chicago Bulls' Javonte Green during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO — (AP) — Devin Booker scored 38 points, and the NBA leading-Phoenix Suns hung on to beat the Chicago Bulls 127-124 on Monday night. Malcolm Hill scored the final eight points, including a layup at the buzzer, to pull Chicago within three. The Suns took control in the second quarter while building a 67-49 halftime lead. The Suns went on a 17-3 run early in the second quarter to stretch a five-point lead to 19.

Devin Booker scored 38 points, and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns hung on to beat the Chicago Bulls 127-124.

Deandre Ayton had 20 points and 16 rebounds in an efficient 24 minutes and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns rebounded from a streak-ending loss to beat the short-handed Washington Wizards 95-80 on Saturday night.

Devin Booker scored 28 points, Mikal Bridges added a season-high 26 and the Phoenix Suns overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win their 10th straight game, beating the San Antonio Spurs 115-110 on Sunday night.

Devin Booker scored 30 points and JaVale McGee added 20 in their Michigan homecomings to help the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns rout the Detroit Pistons 135-108 on Sunday.

Another NBA head coach has entered the league's health and safety protocols.

Chris Paul had a triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to help the short-handed Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 106-89 on Thursday night.

Suns Hornets Basketball Phoenix Suns forward Jalen Smith dunks over Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (Chris Carlson)CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — Devin Booker scored 24 points, Jalen Smith tied a career high with 19 points and 12 rebounds and the short-handed Phoenix Suns hammered the Charlotte Hornets 133-99 on Sunday night. The Suns made 17 shots from beyond the 3-point arc and outrebounded the Hornets 52-35. Despite missing more than 48 combined points per game from players who were out, the Suns bolted to a 73-47 halftime lead behind 20 points from Booker and 10-of-22 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. TIP INSSuns: Abdel Nader also is out because of health and safety protocols. Hornets: Miles Bridges had 10 points in his first game back from health and safety protocols.

Devin Booker scored 24 points, Jalen Smith tied a career high with 19 points and 12 rebounds and the short-handed Phoenix Suns hammered the Charlotte Hornets 133-99.

The NBA postponed Golden State's game with Denver on Thursday, the same day that Philadelphia’s Doc Rivers and Denver’s Michael Malone entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

Kyrie Irving is a step closer to making his season debut.

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (Ross D. Franklin)NBA players who test positive for COVID-19 now have a quicker path to return to play, after the league completed a significant update to its health and safety protocols on Monday. Teams were told of the new protocols Monday in a memo sent by the league, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press. Phoenix plays host to Memphis on Monday, while Portland — with seven players in the protocols as well — plays host to Dallas. Among the new notable additions to the list: Olympic gold medalist Jayson Tatum, placed into protocols by the Boston Celtics. Tatum was one of 15 players — eight Celtics, seven Timberwolves — ruled out of the Boston-Minnesota game for virus-related reasons alone.

NBA players who test positive for COVID-19 now have a quicker path to return after the league completed a significant update to its health and safety protocols.

Warriors Celtics Basketball Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr claps for this team during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, in Boston. Kerr’s assistant coaches will be Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams and Gonzaga coach Mark Few. Spoelstra and Few were involved in coaching the U.S. select team, which was assembled to practice against the Olympic team, this past summer. They are close friends, Kerr played for Popovich in San Antonio — and both are taking the Olympic job after missing out on Olympic bids as players. Popovich tried to make the 1972 U.S. Olympic team; Kerr was a finalist for the 1988 Olympic team.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has been formally announced as the next coach of the U.S. men’s basketball team.

Hornets Suns Basketball Charlotte Hornets guard Ish Smith, left, drives past Phoenix Suns center JaVale McGee (00) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) (Rick Scuteri)PHOENIX — (AP) — Devin Booker had 16 points in his return to Phoenix's lineup and the NBA-leading Suns set a season-scoring high in a 137-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. After missing seven games because of a hamstring injury, Booker played 26 minutes, and sat out the fourth quarter with Phoenix well ahead. Javale McGee had 19 points in 16 minutes off the bench, and Mikal Bridges also scored 16 points. Landry Shamet also scored 15 points, Jae Crowder and Chris Paul had 14 each, Cam Johnson 12 and Cameron Payne 11.

Devin Booker had 16 points in his return to Phoenix’s lineup and the NBA-leading Suns set a season-scoring high in a 137-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night.

JaVale McGee scored 17 points, Deandre Ayton added 15 and the Phoenix Suns cruised to a 118-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.

SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Warriors coach Steve Kerr spent a good chunk of his postgame press conference reiterating his belief that the Suns are the best team in the West. Stephen Curry bounced back from one of the worst shooting nights of his career and scored 23 points, and the Warriors convincingly ended the Suns’ 18-game winning streak with a 118-96 victory on Friday night. The Warriors (19-3) limited the Suns (19-4) to a season low for scoring and slipped past Phoenix for the best record in the NBA. Bridges returned midway through the second quarter with medical tape around his pinky finger. The Suns have won three straight against San Antonio but have dropped the last two in Phoenix.

PHOENIX — (AP) — Cam Johnson and Cameron Payne both scored 19 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to their franchise-record 18th win in a row, beating the Detroit Pistons 114-103 on Thursday night. “I haven’t talked about streaks of any kind just because we have been so focused on improving,” Suns coach Monty Williams said of the run that's lasted more than a month. Seven Suns scored in double figures in a balanced effort. “We'll learn from it,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. Suns: The Suns feel Booker's hamstring injury is minor, but they still expect him to miss a few games.

Stephen Curry bounced back from one of the worst shooting nights of his career and scored 23 points, and the Golden State Warriors convincingly ended the Phoenix Suns’ 18-game winning streak, 118-96, on Friday night.

Cam Johnson and Cameron Payne both scored 19 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to their franchise-record 18th win in a row, beating the Detroit Pistons 114-103.

Deandre Ayton scored 24 points, Chris Paul added 15 points and 11 assists, and the Phoenix Suns tied a franchise record of 17 straight wins by beating the Golden State Warriors 104-96 on Tuesday night in an early showdown between the NBA’s top teams.

Devin Booker scored 30 points, Chris Paul had 22 and the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 16 games with a 113-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Devin Booker scored 35 points, Chris Paul had 12 assists and made four free throws in the final 8.8 seconds the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 14 games, holding off the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-1115.

The Phoenix Suns have released a statement regarding a potential media investigation into the workplace culture of the franchise, denying that the organization or owner Robert Sarver have a history of racism or sexism.

The Western Conference has the best regular season team from last year in Utah.

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (Ross D. Franklin)PHOENIX — (AP) — In his 16th season, Chris Paul took a risk, deciding that a young, unproven Phoenix Suns team was worth joining in his pursuit of his first NBA championship. Now the biggest immediate question for the Suns is this: will Paul be back to try again? The Suns won the first two games of the series, only to lose the next four. The Suns not only made the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, they made it all the way to the NBA Finals. The championship window for Booker, Ayton and Bridges might be just opening, but there's not much time for Paul.

Chris Paul took a risk this season deciding that a young, unproven Phoenix Suns team was worth joining in his pursuit of his first NBA championship.

Monty Williams showed grace in the one of the toughest moments of his career, congratulating the Bucks on their victory minutes after losing the title.

NBA Finals Bucks Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, and guard Chris Paul (3) walk on the court during the second half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (Ross D. Franklin)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — The Phoenix Suns say they aren't feeling sorry for themselves after squandering a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals and moving within one game of elimination. The Suns have lost three straight to the Milwaukee Bucks, who can close out the Finals on their home floor on Tuesday. The Suns face the unenviable task of having to win at Milwaukee, where the Bucks own a 9-1 postseason record. That gives the Suns confidence they can bounce back, even from a loss as painful as the 123-119 Game 5 defeat.

NBA Finals Bucks Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, middle, huddles with head coach Monty Williams, bottom left, center Deandre Ayton (22) and teammates during the second half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (Ross D. Franklin)PHOENIX — (AP) — The Phoenix Suns like to believe they're a resilient bunch. Down 3-2 in the NBA Finals is never an ideal situation, especially with the Suns facing Game 6 on the road. It was a play that looked a lot like several for the Suns offense: Hand the ball to Booker and hope he does something awesome. Booker said he could feel the Suns' offense getting stagnant in the third.

“It’s been a long time coming," Booker said after beating the Clippers to advance to the NBA Finals last week. “He’s embraced the work,” Williams said. “He’s embraced being a part of the scouting report. He’s embraced coaching. He’s embraced it all.”Now the Suns are embracing the opportunity to win the franchise's first NBA championship.

Suns Clippers Basketball Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley, right, shoots as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton defends during the first half in Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. The third-year center was in top form Saturday in a hard-fought 84-80 Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Now the Suns have a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals and are one win from a trip to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. The Suns scored just 92 points in Game 3 and 84 in Game 4. When I’m out there, I feel good.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

(Keith Birmingham/The Orange County Register via AP) (Keith Birmingham)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers don’t have injured Kawhi Leonard on the court. Leonard watched with his family from a Staples Center suite Thursday night, when Paul George had 27 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in a game-high 43 minutes of the Clippers' 106-92 victory. Leonard met up with his teammates at halftime, when they trailed by two. Leonard hasn't played since Game 4 of the second round against Utah because of a right knee sprain. Coach Tyronn Lue said Leonard won't play in Game 4 on Saturday night.

Suns Nuggets Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul congratulates teammates during a timeout in the second half of Game 4 of an NBA second-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Denver. He scored a game-high 37 points in final game of the second-round series against the Denver Nuggets on June 13. You know, right after that everybody got right back to business,” coach Monty Williams said before the game. The 36-year-old point guard averaged 25.5 points, 10.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds in the Denver series. “He logged so many minutes in the Denver series, so I’m sure a few days off helped.

Suns Nuggets Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, front, reacts after hitting a basket late in the second half of Game 4 of an NBA second-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)Phoenix guard Chris Paul has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the Suns said Wednesday, and it is unclear whether he’ll be available for the start of the Western Conference finals next week. “My faith isn't going to waver now because we've had a few obstacles," Suns coach Monty Williams said Wednesday. Paul scored 37 points in Game 4 of the West semifinals against Denver, helping Phoenix finish off a four-game sweep. He has only played in the West finals once in his career, doing so in 2018 with Houston against Golden State.

Suns Nuggets Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker shoots as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon defends during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA second-round playoff series Friday, June 11, 2021, in Denver. Booker scored 28 points and teamed with Chris Paul to lead a steady offensive onslaught that countered Jokic's triple-double of 32 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. Paul had 27 points, eight assists and three steals for the Suns, who pulled away after halftime for the third straight time. Suns coach Monty Williams said his team was ready for the energy boost the big crowd supplied by serenading Jokic. “I really think this game came down to two things: turnovers” and the Suns’ 14-2 run spanning the third and fourth quarter.

APTOPIX Nuggets Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) shoots as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic defends during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Monday, June 7, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) (Matt York)PHOENIX — (AP) — Chris Paul and his rejuvenated right shoulder scored 21 points and dished 11 assists, Mikal Bridges added 23 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 122-105 on Monday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 22 points but went cold while the Suns made their second half run. Partly because of the shoulder injury, Paul averaged just 9.2 points per game against the Lakers in the first round. FLAVORTOWN IN PHOENIXCelebrity chef Guy Fieri was among the fans sitting courtside at Phoenix Suns Arena.

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool) (Seth Wenig)NEW YORK — (AP) — Trae Young didn’t look like a postseason rookie in silencing a rocking road crowd in New York. Throw in Luka Doncic picking up where he left off last year, and the opening weekend of the playoffs may have proven that the time is now for some of the NBA’s best young guards. In his sixth season, he's got much more NBA experience than Young, Morant or Doncic. Young finally got the Hawks back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and made it a memorable return. Dallas controlled it in Game 1, with Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. both making five 3-pointers and Dorian Finney-Smith making four.

Trail Blazers Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is helped up by guard Cameron Payne as forward Jae Crowder (99) cheers after being fouled in the final seconds during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Phoenix. Booker received the inbounds pass, was fouled and made two free throws with 2.4 seconds left to give the Phoenix Suns a 118-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Two free throws later, the Suns had secured the win, which moved them within one game of the Utah Jazz for the No. The Trail Blazers, who were playing the second of a back-to-back after beating Utah on Wednesday night, dropped into the No. The Suns started Dario Saric in Ayton’s place, yet Phoenix outrebounded Portland 42-33 and allowed the Trail Blazers to grab just one offensive rebound.

Suns Hawks Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks forward Danilo Gallinari (8) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, May 5, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)ATLANTA — (AP) — Clint Capela scored 18 points to lead seven scorers in double figures and the Atlanta Hawks pulled away late to overcome Devin Booker's 30 points and rout the Phoenix Suns 135-103 on Wednesday night. The Suns lead the NBA with 22 road wins but the Hawks continued their recent strong play at home. The Hawks earned their seventh consecutive home win and have won 15 of its last 17 in Atlanta. TIP-INSSuns: The team's return home from a three-game road trip could provide an update on F Jae Crowder (sprained right ankle), who missed his eighth consecutive game.