Author: Mark Medina, USA TODAY

Devin Booker is playing heavy minutes and carrying a heavy burden for the Suns, but the young star won’t let the workload affect him in the NBA Finals.

Players have praised Monty Williams for staying calm both after wins and losses. Williams also has stressed to his players to “smell the gym.”

Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have learned how to bring the best out in each other, and the three showed it in the Suns’ Game 1 win.

NBA had a 72-game season with games played every other day to maximize value of its TV deals and ensure a more traditional calendar for next season.

Over the years, Chris Paul’s demanding style elevated the play and expectations for those around him. It also led to tension with star teammates.

Devin Booker is just 24 and appearing in his first career playoffs. But you’d never know it based on how well he’s played.

Finally, after 16 NBA seasons, Chris Paul is headed to the Finals after the Suns dispatched the Clippers in Game 6 on Wednesday night.

The Clippers have the mental toughness to overcome a 3-1 deficit against the Suns in the Western Conference finals. But do they have the legs?