Again, he took two steps, pounded the ball into a sudden stop, then flowed into a behind-the-back crossover and a step-back. He hung the ball, sold a hesitation fake, then used a push dribble change of direction to accelerate again.
He went left past Markkanen and drove under the basket, drawing his chase defense as well as help defense from Eubanks. Then he gathered on the move and swept the ball behind his back.
In the process, a deft flick of his wrist sent the ball out at precisely the right moment, finding Ethan as he cut in from the opposite wing.
Tari Eason caught the pass, jumped, and put up a layup right by the rim.
An easy two points.
They had opened the second quarter with a 4–2 run against the Suns.
The impact of Paul's leadership already seemed to be showing.
On to the next possession.
Phoenix had the ball.
Booker brought the ball into the frontcourt. Rather than sticking with their previous strategy, he simply initiated a pick-and-roll up high. He accelerated off the screen into the mid-range area, then passed to Eubanks on the roll.
Eubanks caught it, took another step inside, then kicked it out to Maka in the corner.
Maka immediately raised the ball, intending to use his height and reach to force up a three over Ethan.
But Ethan had a freakish wingspan himself. Although getting a block was difficult, he still put up a strong contest.
The ball clanged off the rim again and fell into Strus's hands on the other side.
Strus took possession and looked for Paul again.
Paul dribbled across half court and once again initiated a pick-and-roll.
This time, it was a very simple play.
He accelerated off Adams's solid screen into the mid-range area, then passed