After playing the first two games of the season for the Golden State Warriors, Chris Paul is on the bench for the first time in his 19-year NBA career. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr honored the player during the Warriors’ 106-95 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
Kerr had struggled with how to approach Paul, telling him he wouldn’t start against the Rockets to make way for Draymond Green, who was returning from injury. However, Chris Paul made it a lot easier for Kerr. Because he had no complaints from the bench.
“A lot. A lot. When Chris accepts …… everything,” Kerr said of the impact of Paul accepting a bench role.
“Since the first month he’s been with us, you know, tonight was the first game in his whole career that he didn’t start. When I talked to him about it this morning, he just said ‘Yeah,’ you know how things go, let it go.” It’s no big deal.
The All-Star’s move resonated with Andre Iguodala’s performance as the Warriors won four championships. In Kerr’s view, the veteran who humbled himself to give up his starting spot has created a favorable environment for the team:
“It’s similar to Andre a couple years ago, I think in 2014,……. When a veteran, a great player, an All-Star shows that kind of sacrifice, it sets the tone for the whole team. We have a great atmosphere.” The team, Chris is one of the main reasons”.
Chris Paul excels off the Golden State Warriors bench
Chris Paul made his first appearance off the bench and played 27 minutes, contributing eight points, seven assists, five rebounds and a steal for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors beat the Houston Rockets 2-1.
Stephen Curry had a team-high 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and six 3-pointers.
Klay Thompson, the other half of the Splash Brothers, scored 19 points and hit five 3-pointers in 29 minutes. Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II were even hotter, combining for 28 points.
The Golden State Warriors will next travel to the Smoothie King Center on Monday to face the New Orleans Pelicans, who have a healthy Zion Williamson, through the end of October.
