Chris Paul Takes Warriors’ On Luxurious Stroll In DC Despite Uncertain NBA Playoff Dreams

In a dominant game, the Golden State Warriors crushed the Washington Wizards 123-112. Tonight also marked the first time Chris Paul and Klay Thompson were coming off the bench together. Having two elite veterans in charge of the second unit is a dream come true for many young hoopers.

And it seems, Steve Kerr couldn’t agree more. “What a luxury to come off the bench with Chris Paul and Klay Thompson. I mean that’s crazy,” he said. Since relegating Thompson to the bench, he is been nothing short of remarkable. And now with the addition of the “Point God,” there is no doubt that the Warriors’ bench unit is going to be a threat!

Coach Kerr also hinted at something along those lines. He said that the team now has a starting group that they can rely on and a bench unit that has risen up to the occasion throughout the season. While the playoffs still seem to be on uncertain terrain, the Dubs look like they are getting their mojo back.

Klay, once again, stole the show with a team-high 25 points, while dishing out four assists, and grabbing three rebounds. Clearly, the 4x champion is embracing his sixth-man role wholeheartedly. And being part of the bench unit that is eager to step up as the occasion demands, along with one of the greatest point guards of all time, Thompson seems to be thriving.

The fact that CP3, a 12x All-Star in his 19th year in the NBA, came to the Bay Area ready to accept any role the team needed him to take, thinking of nothing more than the championship, must have had a positive impact, too. But that does not mean it would be smooth sailing.

The return of Chris Paul leaves Kerr juggling the hot potato

The announcement of Chris Paul’s return from surgery sparked a major debate about how he would fit in with the current format of the Warriors. As Kerr mentioned above, they have a starting and bench unit that has been playing excellently of late. The Dubs coach had also talked about how the team was focused on winning more than anything else.

Read More: “Meant So Much to Me”: Klay Thompson Draws Lifelong Inspiration From 3X NBA Champion Amid Bench Role With Warriors

If that meant closing with a group that is playing well, even if it doesn’t include the usual names, he was going to do that. Of course, all of this ended with Klay coming off the bench and the 58-year-old reminding everyone that there will be nights when certain players will have longer minutes. And at other times, not so much.

Initially, Paul’s need for the team was imperative. They were going through a turbulent time – inconsistent games, Green’s ejection and suspension, unhappy players, fans clamoring for the coach’s firing, and more. Throughout all of this, it was Chris Paul and his bench unit that provided stability.

Given how the Warriors have managed to set all issues aside to achieve a common goal, the whole team is working together better now. So, while Paul’s skills and presence will most definitely have their plus points, it would be a utopian dream to think that nothing could go wrong.