Ranking 7 former OKC Thunder point guards 2021 playoff performances

Former OKC Thunder point guard 2021 playoff performance: No. 1 – Chris Paul

There was never any doubt Chris Paul would land in this top spot. At times through the postseason it seemed he might fall prey to yet another untimely injury that would derail his quest to reach the NBA Finals.

Instead, the 16 year vet overcame a weird shoulder impingement in Round 1 as well as contracting COVID-19 in spite of being vaccinated.

Fans of the OKC Thunder know better than most how his presence impacts winning. It’s visible with the growth of Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges just like it was with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Darius Bazley last season.

If I had to describe the Point God’s effect it would be a combination of competitive aggression mixed with poise. It’s most obvious during clutch time or at moments in games when momentum needs to be shifted.

To that end, Paul showcased that quality particularly in the close out games of the last two series. Versus the Nuggets he delivered 37 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. That effort was exceeded in the game that secured his first NBA Finals trip.

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Paul watched from the bench as the Clippers shaved a 17 point deficit to seven. Monty Williams subbed CP3 back in and the rest was history as he went on a personal run to build back the double-digit lead. In that final frame playing 9:39 CP3 delivered 19 points, and two each of rebounds, assists and steals. His full game effort equated to 41 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.

In his 14 games of this postseason he’s averaging 18.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.4 steals and shooting 40.5 percent from deep.

If the Suns end up winning the title Devin Booker may well win the MVP. However, Thunder Nation and yours truly will be pulling for Chris Paul to win that accolade for all that he’s done to help every teammate he’s played with.

Perhaps I’m being too sentimental or supersticious but it just feels like this is fated. Paul fighting through the shoulder injury and COVID to get back on the court. His Suns have navigated injuries better than all the playoff squads which is partially due to luck. But, any championship team has to experience luck on their way to winning a title.

After so much postseason bad luck for the Point God, here’s hoping the Basketball Gods shine in his favor and he gets to raise Larry O’B in a due order.