Unless you were a fan of the New Orleans Hornets or the “Lob City” LA Clippers it might not be common knowledge how dominant Chris Paul was for more than a decade. Admittedly, the narrator detested the Lob City era and CP3 likely was unfairly painted with that disdain. Still – there was never any doubt of his ability or desire.
Much like OKC Thunder fans became accustomed to Russell Westbrook giving 100 percent of himself in all 82 games Paul has a similar reputation.
The greatest difference being – Russ would take over games as the primary scorer while also filling all the other boxes whereas Paul preferred to be the primary facilitator while also being capable of taking over the game if necessary.
Thunder Nation has born witness to that will to win and drive throughout the season. If there is an individual who this iteration of the team’s never quit, clutch time identity is intrinsically linked to it’s Chris Paul.
What occurred on Monday evening though was 100 percent the ‘Point God’. His court mates, opponents, everyone in attendance, even those watching from home – we all knew there was no way Paul was going to let the Thunder lose this game.
Between 9:29 and the end of the fourth, Paul assisted on the game-tying 3-pointer from Gallo (and could’ve quite easily had more assists if open shots had fallen), scored five 3-pointers, grabbed four defensive rebounds, was perfect from the line (four of four), caused two turnovers and was a bulldog defensively.
We weren’t just witnessing Chris Paul at his best this was a full on POINT GOD performance.
Although I gave him an “A” with several pluses in the grades, there is no valuation that can be put on his performance, it was that special. Recalling a few seasons ago when Paul Pierce called out the Raptors for not having “IT” what he was implying is they didn’t have an individual who could take over a game. Tonight CP3 proved he has ‘IT’ and every player on the floor knew and felt ‘IT‘.
Fans have witnessed the Point God this season but never to this degree. Perhaps it was precipitated by a conversation Billy Donovan had with Paul which he spoke to in the post game media session. It sounds like Billy D suggested he look for his own shot more.
The benefits of Paul’s best game this season go far beyond the ‘W’. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the other youngsters to witness how he completely took over and willed the team to the victory will resonate with each of them forever.
And it will fuel their own confidence that they can win in those clutch time moments because Paul is on their team.
Shai specifically will gain further benefits because while he’s had quality teammates there was never a ‘true star’ on the Clippers of Paul’s ilk.
Learning what it takes both in terms of production, leadership and mindset are extremely valuable lessons. As such the rewards from this performance will have lasting value.
And guaranteed there are teams in need of a point guard (or a player who can take over a game) who worried Chris Paul’s contract was too high who will be rethinking that notion after tonight.