Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul helped stave off the Houston Rockets in Game 6 with eight points in the final 3:35 of the game, two of which were free throws to take the lead, and played defense that helped force turnovers in the fourth quarter.
His performance in the 104-100 win caught the attention of many. Some people on Twitter recalled just how much the Rockets gave up to trade Paul for Russell Westbrook.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who is a friend of Paul’s, may have had the same thought cross his mind.
He tweeted “Put some respect on his name and more!” after the Thunder forced Game 7.
CP3!!!!!!! Put some respect on his name and more!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 1, 2020
Paul scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, adding another page to the 15th chapter of his NBA career. This season for Paul can be best summarized by his clutch performances.
During the regular season, he scored the most points in crunch time, defined as the final five minutes of a game that has a score within five points.
In the playoffs he has continued to be a fiend in late-game situations, and has played a key role in all three Oklahoma City wins.
In Game 6, he made a pair of late-3s including a crossover step-back over Robert Covington. Paul gave him a little tap after the shot went through, and Covington likely won’t forget James’ message either if he sees it.
A couple of 3's and a couple of steals by @CP3 to close out the 4th quarter and this game six. #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/NyhLyRYJn4
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) September 1, 2020
Paul got fouled driving to the rim with 13 seconds left and sank both free throws to put the Thunder up by two, a lead Houston would not come back from.
“He made some incredible plays to kind of carry our team,” head coach Billy Donovan said. “He’s got unbelievable basketball IQ, incredibly smart, he’s a great competition, he’s got an incredible will to win.”
