Chris Paul’s final season in the NBA didn’t go out with a storybook ending. After a rocky stint with the Clippers and a brief stop in Toronto-where he was traded and subsequently waived-Paul's playing days quietly came to a close.
But don't let the ending fool you. His career was nothing short of legendary.
We're talking about a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and a floor general who dished out 12,552 assists-good for second all-time in league history. That’s not just longevity, that’s sustained greatness. Paul didn’t just play the point guard position-he defined it for a generation.
Steph Curry Salutes a Fellow Great
Steph Curry and Chris Paul never had the kind of heated rivalry that defined other eras, but they crossed paths plenty-sometimes as competitors, and more recently, as teammates. From the early 2010s when Paul was leading Lob City in L.A., to the late 2010s when he was trying to dethrone the Warriors with Houston, the two have shared the court in some of the most compelling matchups of the last 15 years.
So when Paul officially stepped away from the game, Curry made sure to tip his cap.
“CP, just want to say congratulations, man. An unbelievable career. 21 amazing years, a lot of battles against you, but a great year playing with you.
Enjoy retirement, I know I'm going to see you out on that golf course and everywhere. Congratulations.
Beyond well-deserved.”
That’s a message from one all-time great to another. And it’s a testament to the mutual respect that’s grown between them over the years.
Head-to-Head: A Tale of Two Titans
Curry and Paul squared off 41 times in the regular season. And while Curry holds the edge in wins-24 to Paul’s 17-their individual numbers reflect just how evenly matched they were across different stages of their careers.
Curry averaged 21 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds in those games. Paul countered with 19 points, 8 assists, and 4 boards. Pretty balanced, especially when you factor in their contrasting styles-Curry, the off-ball wizard and deep-range sniper; Paul, the surgical mid-range maestro and pick-and-roll savant.
But it was in the playoffs where Curry really separated himself. Though they split their 18 postseason meetings 9-9, Curry’s Warriors won both series-in 2018 and 2019-against Paul’s Rockets.
And Steph’s numbers told the story: 24 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds per game to Paul’s 18, 7, and 6. Paul was still effective, but Curry was the engine behind Golden State’s dynasty.
One Final Ride Together
In a twist no one saw coming a few years ago, the two finally shared a uniform in the 2023-24 season when Paul joined the Warriors. And even though both were deep into their 30s-Paul at 38, Curry at 35-they showed they still had plenty left in the tank.
The duo logged just under 600 minutes together, posting a +4.3 net rating and going 30-21 in the 51 games they both suited up. It wasn’t a championship run, but it was a successful partnership by most measures. Paul brought veteran savvy and a steady hand to the second unit, while Curry continued to be the offensive focal point.
It was a short-lived pairing, but a meaningful one. For Curry, it was a chance to share the court with a player he’d battled for years. For Paul, it was an opportunity to close out his career alongside one of the game’s all-time greats.
A Legacy Cemented
Chris Paul’s name will always be etched in NBA history, not just for the numbers, but for the way he played the game-with precision, leadership, and an unmatched understanding of the floor. Whether as a fierce competitor or a trusted teammate, Paul earned the respect of his peers, and that includes Steph Curry.
Their careers will forever be linked-through battles, through highlights, and through that one season where they finally wore the same jersey. And now, as Paul steps away from the game, he does so with the admiration of one of the few players who truly understands what it takes to reach that level.
Chris Paul didn’t just play 21 seasons-he left a mark on every single one of them.