Steph Curry Ends Chris Paul's Starting Record

Published October 30, 2023 at 1:15 PM
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Chris Paul's Remarkable Bench Debut

In a surprising turn of events, NBA veteran Chris Paul, with an impressive track record of 1,365 career starts, took on a new role by coming off the bench for the very first time in a game against the Houston Rockets. Reflecting on this unconventional change, Paul demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Warriors' game plan.


"It felt different, but at the end of the day, it's all about basketball. Once you're out there, it's just playing the game. It's fantastic to be part of a team where the ball flows freely, everyone shares, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to secure our team's victory. If that means not closing out some games, so be it. With a long and illustrious career, change is a natural part of the journey. I'm here."



In his 27 minutes off the bench, Paul made a substantial impact with eight points, five rebounds, and seven assists. He provided a calm and stabilizing presence to the Warriors' previously turbulent bench. His influence was evident with a remarkable +22 during his time on the court, even when Stephen Curry was on the bench. This underscores Paul's critical role in keeping the Warriors in the game and preventing the Rockets from gaining a decisive advantage.

Adapting to the Warriors' Style

Before the season commenced, concerns arose about how well Chris Paul would adapt to the Warriors' fast-paced style, given his history of ball control. The Warriors employ a motion offense characterized by constant movement, which appeared incongruent with Paul's playing style. Nevertheless, Paul promptly addressed these concerns before the season began.

"I've been playing basketball for a long time. People can say what they want about ball movement, but I've had plenty of experience in this league playing with the ball in my hands. Just because I'm used to that doesn't mean I can't adjust to other styles. I still know how to play. When you have more options like we do, it's a positive."

Paul's seamless transition to the Warriors showcases his dedication to the team's championship-winning system and his desire to secure an NBA championship.

Warriors' In-Season Tournament Aspirations

Beyond the individual narratives, the Warriors are setting their sights on triumph in the upcoming In-Season Tournament, commencing with their first game against the Thunder on November 3. Draymond Green and Chris Paul have already communicated their intentions to Warriors' general manager Mike Dunleavy.

"I spoke to Mike Dunleavy about the in-season tournament some time ago. Draymond Green and Chris Paul assured me we're going to win it. That's all I needed to hear."

While the in-season tournament represents a noteworthy achievement, the Warriors are primarily focused on claiming their fifth Larry O'Brien trophy in this era. Their resolute goal this season is to add another championship to their illustrious collection.

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Steph Curry Ends Chris Paul's Starting Record

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