Chris Paul

Lore & Background

Chris Paul's first season with the Phoenix Suns was defined by historic milestones and a deep playoff run. He was named a nominee for Player of the Week in the Western Conference for his production from February 15–21, 2021. At the 2021 NBA All-Star Game on March 7, Paul broke Magic Johnson's All-Star record for career assists in All-Star games, recording 16 assists that night for 128 total assists in his All-Star career. On March 21, he became the third player in NBA history to reach 10,000 assists and 2,000 steals in their careers, joining John Stockton and former Suns player Jason Kidd in the Suns' 111–94 win over the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. After surpassing Maurice Cheeks to reach the Top 5 in all-time steals on April 13, Paul surpassed Magic Johnson to reach the Top 5 in all-time assists less than a week later on April 19. Paul joined John Stockton and former Suns player Jason Kidd as the only players to reach the Top 5 in both milestones throughout their entire NBA careers. He also broke Stephon Marbury's record for the most assists in a player's first four games with the franchise, recording 38 assists from December 23–29, 2020. In the playoffs, the Suns defeated the No. 7 seeded and defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in six games, the No. 3 seeded Denver Nuggets in four games, and the No. 4 seeded Los Angeles Clippers (Paul's former team) in the Western Conference finals in six games to advance to their first NBA Finals appearance in 28 years. However, they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games despite taking a 2–0 lead.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed over Footprint Center as Chris Paul dribbled up the court, the silence of the crowd broken only by the squeak of sneakers on hardwood. He signaled a play with a sharp finger snap, his eyes scanning for an opening in the defense that wasn't there yet. With a sudden crossover and a burst of speed, he carved through the lane, not looking to score himself but finding the perfect passing angle. In that split second, the weight of the franchise rested on his shoulders, and he delivered with the precision of a master conductor.

Reader's Guide

Chris Paul's 2020–21 season with the Phoenix Suns was a masterclass in point guard play and leadership. He was named a nominee for Player of the Week in the Western Conference for his production from February 15–21, 2021. He earned his 11th All-Star Game selection. In the 2021 NBA All-Star Game on March 7, he broke Magic Johnson's All-Star record for career assists in All-Star games, getting 16 assists that night for 128 total assists. On March 21, he became the third player in NBA history to reach 10,000 assists and 2,000 steals in their careers, joining John Stockton and former Suns player Jason Kidd in the Suns' 111–94 win over the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. After surpassing Maurice Cheeks to reach the Top 5 in all-time steals on April 13, Paul surpassed Magic Johnson to reach the Top 5 in all-time assists less than a week later on April 19. Paul joined John Stockton and former Suns player Jason Kidd as the only players to reach the Top 5 in both milestones throughout their entire NBA careers. With 38 assists in his first four games with the Suns on December 23–29, 2020, he broke Stephon Marbury's record for the most assists held in their first four games with the franchise. In the playoffs, the Suns defeated the No. 7 seeded and defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in six games and the No. 3 seeded Denver Nuggets in four games. The Suns then defeated the No. 4 seeded Los Angeles Clippers (Chris Paul's former team) in the Western Conference finals in six games to advance to their first NBA Finals appearance in 28 years. However, they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games despite taking a 2–0 lead.

Did You Know?

• Chris Paul broke Magic Johnson's All-Star record for career assists in All-Star games on March 7, 2021, getting 16 assists that night for 128 total assists.
• On March 21, 2021, Paul became the third player in NBA history to reach 10,000 assists and 2,000 steals in their careers, joining John Stockton and former Suns player Jason Kidd.
• Paul broke Stephon Marbury's record for the most assists in a player's first four games with the franchise, recording 38 assists from December 23–29, 2020.
• After surpassing Maurice Cheeks to reach the Top 5 in all-time steals on April 13, 2021, Paul surpassed Magic Johnson to reach the Top 5 in all-time assists less than a week later on April 19.
• The Suns defeated the No. 4 seeded Los Angeles Clippers (Chris Paul's former team) in the Western Conference finals in six games to advance to their first NBA Finals appearance in 28 years.