Ad Disclosure
Chris Paul is one of the more divisive players in recent NBA history. While few doubt his on-court talent and ability, some have questioned a team’s ability to win with Chris Paul leading the charge. I think this is fairly preposterous considering that all of the best players have needed help during championship runs, and Chris Paul’s resume overall is outstanding. But, wins are wins and losses are losses, so it’s all worth considering. Let’s take a look at Chris Paul’s NBA Playoffs history while considering both his statistical record and his win-loss record.
Chris Paul’s NBA Playoffs History: Individual Stats
Chris Paul, heading into the western conference finals series of 2021, played in 119 NBA Playoff games. During these games, he averaged 36.7 minutes played, 20.5 points per game, 8.3 assists per game and 2.1 steals per game. Over the 119 games, Chris Paul averaged 36.8% on 4.5 three point attempts per game.
According to Basketball Reference, Chris Paul is 12th on the all-time leaders in PER for the NBA Playoffs. What’s that list look like? Glad you asked:
- Michael Jordan: 28.6
- George Mikan: 28.51
- Lebron James: 28.24
- Nikola Jokic: 27.50
- Shaquille O’Neal: 26.13
- Hakeem Olajuwon: 25.69
- Kevin Durant: 24.62
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 24.39
- Tim Duncan: 24.28
- Kawhi Leonard: 24.20
- Charles Barkley: 24.18
- Chris Paul: 24.04
Impressive.
Chris Paul’s NBA Playoffs History: Team Success
New Orleans: 2008-2011
Chris Paul helped lead the New Orleans Hornets to the NBA Playoffs in 2008, 2009 and 2011. In 2008, the Hornets beat Dallas to get to the second round where they lost to San Antonio in seven games.
In 2009, New Orleans lost to Denver in five games.
In 2011, New Orleans lost to the LA Lakders in six games.
LA Clippers: 2012-2017
During his time in LA, Chris Paul and the Clippers were a regular presence in the playoffs. The first season, in 2012, the Clippers got by the Memphis Grizzlies in seven games and then lost to San Antonio in a four game sweep.
In 2013, despite going up 2-0, the Clippers lost to Memphis in six games in round 1.
In 2014, the Clippers beat Golden State in seven games in round 1 then lost to Oklahoma City in six games.
In 2015, the Clippers beat San Antonio in seven games in round 1, then lost to Houston in seven games.
In 2016, the Clippers were knocked out in round 1 by the Portland Trailblazers.
In 2017, once again, the Clips were knocked out early in seven games.
Houston Rockets: 2018-2019
Chris Paul and the Houston Rockets made their presence felt in the NBA Playoffs during 2018 and 2019, but ultimately couldn’t get by the powerhouse Golden State Warriors.
In 2018, the Rockets took Golden State to seven games in the Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, Paul missed the final two games of the series due to injury.
In 2019, the Warriors once again took out the Rockets, this time in the second round.
Oklahoma City: 2020
In a single season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chris Paul and the Thunder lost in seven games to Houston in round 1 of the playoffs.
Phoenix Suns: 2021
Chris Paul has helped steady the ship in Phoenix and the Suns have been on a roll in the 2021 playoffs. After beating the LA Lakers in round 1, the Suns then swept the Denver Nuggets in round 2. The Suns are now up 2 games to zero against the LA Clippers and appear poised to make the NBA Finals.
Chris Paul has never played in the NBA Finals before.
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
