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 guard Chris Paul (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defense.

As a smaller player, Paul’s defense has always been above average for his size. He led the league six times for steals per game and only averaged less than two steals per game in three of his NBA seasons.

These numbers rank Paul ninth all-time in the history of the NBA for total steals. If he continues at this rate he will overtake Hakeem Olajuwon in eighth place before the season is 20 games old. This shows a tremendous basketball IQ where Paul has studied what his opposition does and is able to anticipate it.

Paul has also been able to average this number by using quick hands to strip the ball. These hands have not slowed with time and Paul will continue to disrupt while he is active in this OKC Thunder defense.

This Thunder defense works to help trap opposing players in a position that they do not want to be in and pass the ball. Paul has the happy knack of being in the right place at the right time to get the steal.

His one on one defense is also incredible for a man of his stature. He is often found guarding larger opposition players, some of the work he did on LeBron James in the recent Staples Center contest is a perfect example. Paul often has good position and is also calling what the defense needs to do. A clear, concise voice on defense makes a massive difference of which the Thunder has reaped the benefits.

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