Google News Suns' Chris Paul: NBA Finals loss hurts but I won't retire
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Phoenix Suns star guard Chris Paul underlined that he is not considering retirement following an NBA Finals loss. On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Suns 105-98 to win the series 4-2 and clinch their first NBA title since 1971.
Paul finished the game with 26 points and five assists but it wasn't enough. "It will take a while to process this or whatnot, but it's same mentality," Paul said, per ESPN. "Get back to work. I ain't retiring, if that's what you're asking.
That's out. So, back to work." Paul, who has been one of the best point guards in the league for over the last 15 years, admitted he would be hurt for a while. "Right now, you're just trying to figure out what you could have done more," Paul said.
"It's tough. Great group of guys, hell of a season, but this one is going to hurt for a while."
Paul thought they had the NBA title
The Suns won the opening two games of the series but then lost the following four games.
"Everybody in that locker room knows we had enough, but it wasn't enough," Paul said. "So, we got to figure it out. I think for me, I just look at myself and figure out how can I get better, what I could have done more and make sure I come back next season ready to do it again." Paul became the first player in NBA history to lose four playoff series in which his team held a 2-0 lead "It's laughable when you talk about guys like Chris who have had these unreal careers and yet they get penalized because they haven't won a title," Suns head coach Monty Williams said.
"That was my goal, was to win it for him and Book; those guys have carried us all year long. And Chris, this is my second time coaching him; I know what he puts into his craft, I know the dedication. And so when I hear those sentiments about his career because he hasn't won a championship, it's just silly.
It's hard enough to make it to the NBA, let alone be an all-time great, which is what he is." Like Paul, coach Williams was also hurt. "I think it's going to take me a minute," Williams said, his voice getting caught in his throat.
"I just don't take it for granted. It's hard to get here, and I wanted it so bad, you know. It's hard to process right now. It's hard. That's all."