Chris Paul is known as one of the better team leaders around the league, but even the Oklahoma City Thunder star at times find himself getting caught up in the emotions of the regular season and playoffs.
When asked how he helps the young players on the Thunder deal with the excitement and nerves of these big games, Paul said that it takes a healthy balance of him staying emotional while recognizing what his teammates around him need to hear.
Sometimes, he gets too caught up in the intensity.
There’s a specific teammate Paul said helps him in those instances.
“Dennis Schroder does a great job,” Paul said. “I’m so grateful to have him, because when I find myself getting a little, you know, losing it or whatever, he talks to me [and] calms me down.”
Paul is a 15-year NBA veteran who has made the playoffs in 12 of his seasons.
He knows that while his intensity and emotion is good for the team, he has to be able to communicating properly with those around him.
That communication is something that Oklahoma City constantly preaches the importance of during press conferences.
“It’s a healthy balance cause I’m a very emotional player myself,” Paul said. “It’s a balance, and staying emotional, making sure that they know I’m invested and also making sure that I’m calm enough that I can talk to them, to tell them what’s going on.”
As the Thunder embark on the most intense part of the season — trying to tie the series up at two games apiece and then, if they can, look to take the lead over the Houston Rockets — that balance and leadership will be as important as ever.
