Chris Paul launches UNCALLED attack on James Harden and Rockets after poor shooting from Warriors on debut

Chris Paul and the Warriors were defeated by the Phoenix Suns in their opening game of the 2023-24 NBA season.

Chris Paul launches UNCALLED attack on James Harden and Rockets after poor shooting from Warriors on debut

James Harden and Chris Paul (Credit-Bleacher Report)

NBA veteran point guard Chris Paul, who recently joined the Golden State Warriors, didn’t hold back his criticism when discussing his former teammate, James Harden, and his former team, the Houston Rockets. This came in the wake of the Warriors’ disappointing shooting performance during their opening-day defeat against the Phoenix Suns.

Despite all the hype surrounding the match, the Warriors had a dismal shooting performance, particularly from beyond the three-point line, where they managed a mere 23.3% success rate. What added to the concern was the team’s ability to stay within striking distance, trailing by just four points, even with their seasoned shooting guard, Bradley Beal, absent from the game.

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Speaking to the media after the game, Paul said:

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I am really worried about the shooting. You know, I been on a team that missed 27- straight three’s. I don’t think that going to be the case here. Knock on wood. With the shooters that we got and with guys being unselfish and passing up shots. I live with the shots that we got every night.

Paul confidently stated in the post-game press conference that he wasn’t troubled by the Warriors’ subpar shooting performance. Drawing from his past experiences, particularly during his tenure with the Houston Rockets, when James Harden was leading the team, he reminisced about a memorable incident. In the 2018 Western Conference Finals, the Rockets famously missed a staggering 27 consecutive three-point attempts.

Paul’s audacious statement not only brought attention to the Warriors’ performance but also carried a subtle dig at his former teammate Harden and the Rockets. It suggested that a shooting drought as dire as the one witnessed in the past was unlikely to recur under his leadership.

Chase Center reverberates with ‘CP3′ cheers to greet Chris Paul in Warriors’ debut

Surprisingly, during the Golden State Warriors’ season-opening game at Chase Center against the Phoenix Suns, veteran point guard Chris Paul found himself in uncharted territory.

Chris Paul
Chris Paul (Credits: NBC)

The fervent Warriors supporters surprised him by applauding him as he entered the court dressed in a Warriors outfit. Highlighting the special nature of the occasion, the sellout crowd—which is usually known for its passionate backing of home players—chanted “CP3! CP3! CP3!” as Paul stepped at the free-throw line.

In his debut with the Warriors, Paul showcased his all-around prowess, contributing 12 points, eight assists, and six rebounds through the first three quarters. Notably, he displayed a strong performance in the third quarter alone, amassing 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Though there are still questions, especially in light of Draymond Green‘s injury comeback, Paul looked well in his debut and seemed to fit in well with the Warriors’ second unit.

This debut moment served as a stark reminder that Paul faces a formidable challenge with the Warriors as he strives to secure his first-ever championship ring.

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