Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

The undiminished play of OKC Thunder guard Chris Paul

By Matthew Hallett

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- NOVEMBER 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 15, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- NOVEMBER 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 15, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder: Chris Paul (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Shooting

Paul has always been a good shooter, especially for a 6’0″ guard in the land of giants. Paul used to rely on his quickness to get to his spots and knock down shots. Thanks to age, he has slowed down a little. He gets to his spots now by reading what the defense gives him.

Paul is incredible at using screens to get free of his defender. He is able to make his way to around the free throw line and is able to shoot using the fade away a move to shoot over the top of the taller opponents.

When Paul is in control of the team, he is able to select when he shoots and this allows him to shoot at a higher percentage. This is why he is shooting at 44.7 percent this year, as opposed to 41.9 percent in his last season in Houston.

Paul also brings something to the OKC Thunder point guard position which they have not had in a number of years. No disrespect to Russell Westbrook, he was not the most consistent 3-point shooter in the league. He had so many other wonderful attributes, except that.

Paul is shooting the ball as well as he ever has shot in the NBA. This season is only the third time in his career that he has shot at over 40 percent from deep.

Then, of course, there is his free throw shooting. Paul is shooting 87.7 percent from the line. This is slightly above his career number but it is the way he is getting to the line which is impressive. (more on that later).

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