Chris Paul has officially announced that the 2024-2025 season will be his last, closing the chapter on one of the most accomplished and respected careers in modern basketball. For nearly two decades, Paul has been the gold standard for point guards: an elite floor general with a mind for the game that few have ever matched. While fans are now preparing to say goodbye, his journey started long before he stepped onto an NBA floor. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Paul grew up in a tight-knit family, developing his competitive fire working at his grandfather’s service station and honing his basketball instincts in local gyms. His legendary 61-point high school performance (notable not just for the number but for the tribute to his late grandfather’s age) foreshadowed the emotional, cerebral player he would later become.
Paul’s rise truly accelerated at Wake Forest University, where he instantly became one of the top point guards in the nation. His mix of leadership, poise, and command of tempo made him a standout, ultimately becoming the No. 4 overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. From there, he crafted a career that blended consistency with moments of absolute brilliance. He turned the New Orleans Hornets into a contender, became a perennial All-Star with the Los Angeles Clippers, helped reshape the Houston Rockets, revitalized the Oklahoma City Thunder, brought veteran mastery to the Phoenix Suns, and even made a stop with the Golden State Warriors.
Statistically and stylistically, Paul changed the game. He ranks in the top 5 all-time in assists and steals, owns multiple assist titles, led the league in steals six times, and built a reputation as one of the smartest players the NBA has ever seen. His mid-range jumper is historic. His pick-and-roll game, textbook. His leadership, work ethic and ability to elevate teammates shaped a generation of young guards, from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Trae Young. Players look up to him, coaches trust him, and even opponents acknowledge his combination of toughness and IQ.
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Now, as Paul prepares to retire, it’s impossible not to reflect on the countless moments that defined his greatness. When you’ve been in the league as long as he has (nearly 20 years), there are signature plays, performances, and memories that will live far beyond his final game. Below, check out some of Chris Paul’s greatest NBA moments (and some from before his time in the league), highlighting his genius, leadership, and intensity. Let us know which ones are your favorites and if we left any out!
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1. Career-High 43 Points
A reminder that he wasn’t just a passer. CP3 could take over scoring when needed. His 43-point explosion showcased his ability to dominate with precision and pace. He has scored 43 on two separate occasions (December 7, 2007 against the Memphis Grizzlies and April 3, 2009 against the Golden State Warriors)
2. Career-High 21 Assists
A pure floor general masterpiece in New Orleans. Paul controlled every possession, threading impossible passes while making the Hornets offense look effortless.
3. Game Winner vs. The Spurs
Hurt hamstring. Game 7. First round. Tied score. CP drives right, squeezes through defenders, and hits a floating banker over Tim Duncan with one second left. Instant classic.
4. The "Lob City" Era
Paul’s arrival in Los Angeles transformed the Clippers. His lobs to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan reignited the franchise, making the Clippers relevant and electrifying in the NBA.
5. 2018 Western Conference Finals Run With Houston
Paul helped push the Warriors to the brink. His Game 5 performance remains one of the best playoff moments of his career, even though an injury kept him out of Games 6 and 7.
6. 61 Point High School Tribute
Not an NBA moment, but an essential part of CP’s legend. He scored 61 points in honor of his grandfather’s age. It’s a foundational story that carried into his NBA persona.
7. Olympic Gold Medal (2008 & 2012)
CP was essential to Team USA’s backcourt, helping the U.S. reclaim gold in Beijing and repeat in London. His leadership and efficiency on the international stage elevated his profile globally.
8. 27 Game Double Double Streak
Paul recorded one of the longest consecutive double-double streaks by a point guard in NBA history, demonstrating an unparalleled consistency.
9. OKC Suprise Playoff Run
Everyone expected the Thunder to tank. Paul instead led them to the playoffs, turned SGA into a rising star, and added another All-NBA season to his resumé.
10. 41 Point Performance In 2021 WCF
In the closeout game against the Clippers, Paul dropped 41 – arguably the best playoff game of his career, sending the Suns to their first Finals in nearly 30 years.
