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How Paul George and Kawhi Leonard compare to other top duos in West

By Evan Desai

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MAY 11: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clipperslooks to pass during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on May 11, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MAY 11: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clipperslooks to pass during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on May 11, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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Apr 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) defends Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) defends Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Paul and Devin Booker have the Suns back, but aren’t up to par with the defense that Leonard and George have to offer.

It doesn’t get more remarkable than what CP3 has done for Phoenix this year. The Suns did play great basketball in the bubble last year, and looked the part of a playoff team. However, few would have expected the Suns to be the No. 2 seed, which they are right now.

Chris Paul doesn’t have the numbers he once had, but he’s still producing at a superstar level and his leadership has been second to none this year.

Cam Johnson looks much better this season for the Suns. Mikal Bridges is having a career year. Cam Payne, Jae Crowder, and seemingly everyone on the roster looks much improved.

It’s no coincidence. Paul has been that kind of difference-maker. One of the best point guards of all-time, Paul is averaging 16.2 points per game, dishing out 8.9 assists per game (his best since 2017), and shooting 39.3% from behind the arc (also his best since 2017).

Devin Booker, his sharp-shooting backcourt mate, has been sensational as well. Still one of the best three-point shooters in basketball, his mid-range game looks great as well. All in all, he’s putting up 25.5 points per contest and is shooting 48.5 percent from the field, his second-highest mark ever.

While he’s improved his defense this year, he still can’t compete with the defense that both Leonard and George have to offer.

Both Leonard and George can handle tougher defensive assignments, and Booker is only averaging 0.8 steals per game to Leonard’s 1.6 and PG’s 1.2.

Paul George is shooting 41.6% from behind the arc, and Kawhi is shooting 39.8 percent from three. Booker, while one of the elite shooters in this game, isn’t quite there this year at 34%.

Booker is one of the most underrated players in the league, but in a year where Leonard and George are shooting much better from behind the arc than him and still play elite defense, the nod goes to the Clippers despite Booker’s scoring ability and Paul’s dominance as a two-way player.

The Suns look great, are true contenders, and have earned their higher ranking in the standings than the Clippers. As far as the duos go, however, Kawhi and PG have been too much to match so far this year.

With all this being said, the NBA Playoffs are a different beast. The Lakers think LeBron’s playoff dominance could put them over the top again. The Suns like Paul’s experience and think he could lead an inexperienced roster to the promised land.

The Clips flopped last year in the postseason, but when their duo’s on, they could be as scary as anybody.

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