By Joel Reyes

 

Chris Paul announced his retirement from the NBA on Saturday (PH time), officially ending his illustrious 21-season career in the league. The “Point God” will go down in history as one of the league’s greatest players, racking up a long list of accolades, including being named a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

 

Alta Sports looks back at Paul’s five greatest moments as we celebrate his incredible basketball career. 

 

 

Chris Paul may have not won an NBA championship in his career, but he will be remembered for helping Team USA restore its former glory on the Olympic stage. He was part of the Redeem Team that took home the gold medal in the Beijing Olympics, joining forces with LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony to beat Spain in the championship match.

 

 

He returned to the international stage in 2012, suiting up for Team USA in the London Olympics. Paul averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 assists, helping the Americans finish with a perfect 8-0 record and the gold medal in the tournament. 

 

 

Paul wasn’t going to be denied when he was given the opportunity to secure a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time in his career back in 2021. He led Phoenix to victory in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, recording 41 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and three steals in the Suns’ 130-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

 

 

The veteran guard delivered a performance for the ages, tying his career playoff high in points. He shot 16-for-24 from the field, including 7-for-8 from beyond the arc in the series clincher.

 

 

There is a reason why Paul is called the ‘Point God’ in the NBA. He delivered an offensive masterclass in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 7, 2007, scoring a career-high 43 points in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 118-116 overtime victory.

 

 

Paul shot 15-for-27 from the floor, including 5-for-7 from deep. He also was reliable from the free-throw line, going 8-for-9 from the charity stripe. He also contributed in other departments, amassing 9 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

 

Paul then matched his career high in scoring in the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 3, 2009, dropping 43 markers in New Orleans’ 103-111 loss. He shot 16-for-28 from the field, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. He also had 9 assists, 4 rebounds, and three steals.

 

 

Paul dissected the Lakers’ defense when he faced them on November 6, 2007, issuing a career-high 21 assists in New Orleans’ 118-104 victory. He also had 19 points, three rebounds, and three steals against Los Angeles, cementing his status as one of the league’s best point guards.

 

 

 

Paul had his Willis Reed moment in the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a thrilling 111-109 victory over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in Game 7.

 

Paul looked down and out after he injured his hamstring in the first quarter of that contest. He gutted it out, though, and scored the game-winner off the glass over San Antonio legend Tim Duncan with one second left.

 

 

He finished the series clincher with 27 points and 6 assists. He shot 9-for-13 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, showing the world his toughness on the playoff stage.