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Chris Paul’s Underrated 2017-18 Season: A Thread
After an overachieving 2016-17 season in which the James Harden led Rockets made the 2nd round, the front office was ready to make an all-in push to win a championship and win it now, competing with the KD, Curry, Klay Warriors.
In their attempt to do so, the Houston Rockets sent Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, DeAndre Liggins, Darrun Hilliard, Sam Dekker, a top 3 protected 2018 first round pick, and $661,000 in cash to the LA Clippers for the services of then 32 year old Chris Paul.
Instantly, the Rockets massively improved their status in the NBA. The combo punch of two of the most dynamic guards in the league in James Harden and Chris Paul was bound to make noise in the West. However, questions still hung around before the season about the duo’s fit.
Chris Paul’s debut as a Rocket did not go as planned, as the star guard suffered a knee injury in his debut game that would keep him sidelined for 14 games, or nearly a month. It would be diagnosed as right knee soreness.
However, Paul would bounce back brilliantly, averaging 19-9-5 along with 2.3 steals on 50-43-90 splits in the month after return from injury. His best game in that stretch, a 31-11-7 game on 55-55-100 splits in a 12 point win over the Hornets. Rockets were 14-1 in that stretch.
Heading into the allstar break, Chris Paul was averaging 19-8-5 on 47-40-90 splits, which was shockingly not good enough for an All-Star berth. His best game in that span, a 37-11-7 explosion vs Portland. The Rockets had a 44-13 record at the time; 33-6 in games that Paul played.
Following the All-Star break, Chris Paul’s performance dropped slightly, however he still averaged a solid 17-7-5. His efficiency tanked however, as he shot 43-33-94 splits in 18 games following the break. His best outing in that span, a 24-12-5 performance against San Antonio.
The Rockets would finish the season 65-17, good for the 1st seed in the west. Paul would average 18-8-5 on 46-38-92 splits, finishing 3rd in assists per game behind Kyle Lowry and Russell Westbrook. The Rockets were a scorching 50-8 when Paul played, and 15-9 without him.
The Rockets would play the Minnesota Timberwolves in Round 1. Chris Paul would average 19-7-4 on 49-30-93 splits, and the Rockets made light work of the Timberwolves, advancing in 5 games. Paul’s best game of the series, a 27-8-3 outing in a blowout game 2 win at home.
In Round 2 against the Jazz, Paul had without a doubt his best series of the playoffs, as he averaged 25-6-7 on 48-44-84 splits, including what may have been the best game of his Houston career, a 41-10-7 explosion with 20 points in the 4th; just two days after his 33rd birthday.
The Rockets would next face Golden State. In 5 games, Paul would average 20-4-7 on 43-34-69 splits. After taking a 3-2 series lead, the rockets looked poised to make the finals. However, a devastating hamstring injury in Game 5 cut Paul, and Houston’s, season short.
Despite falling short of the ultimate goal, Chris Paul had an amazing first season with the Houston Rockets. There are many “what if”’s, but when it’s all said and done, we must appreciate Paul for an amazing season with the Rockets.
End of thread. Likes and RT’s are much appreciated. 
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@cp3suns thoughts?
