The news of the Golden State Warriors trading for Chris Paul initially took the basketball world by surprise. While the Warriors constantly seek ways to enhance their roster in pursuit of a fifth championship with their core, Chris Paul’s arrival raised eyebrows due to the history of, well, contentious encounters they’ve had over the years.

One notable figure in the Warriors’ history of run-ins with Chris Paul is Draymond Green, who has been candid about his past clashes with the star point guard. When asked by ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk about the extent of his animosity toward Paul, Green didn’t hold back: “Eleven! I hated him,” Green declared, rating his disdain off the charts. “But I think that’s also a sign of respect.”

Despite the heated history, both Paul and Green, along with the Warriors as a whole, are eager to set aside their past grievances and join forces in their pursuit of another championship. However, this endeavor is not without its challenges, as there’s a substantial amount of history to overcome.

Chris Paul’s History with the Warriors, Explained:

Playoff Meetings:
Chris Paul has faced off against the Warriors in the playoffs on three occasions. The first encounter took place in 2014 when Paul was with the Clippers. The Warriors, led by a young Stephen Curry, nearly pulled off an upset in the first round. The third-seeded Clippers had to battle through seven games to eliminate the sixth-seeded Warriors. Game 7 was a nail-biter, with Paul recording 22 points and 14 assists, while Curry led all scorers with 33 points. The intense series left an indelible mark on both teams.

Paul’s next playoff meetings with the Warriors occurred during his tenure with the Houston Rockets, where he partnered with James Harden. In 2018, the Warriors emerged victorious in a grueling seven-game Western Conference Finals series. Paul’s absence due to injury in the last two games, coupled with the Rockets’ infamous drought of 27 consecutive missed three-pointers in Game 7, became a pivotal moment. Many believed that the Rockets could have dethroned the Warriors if Paul had remained healthy. In the following year, the Warriors defeated the Rockets in six games during the second round, and Paul was subsequently traded to the Thunder.

Stephen Curry’s Battles, Steve Kerr Meme, and Memorable Moments:
The history between Chris Paul and the Warriors is not confined to playoff matchups; it’s filled with memorable moments spanning the past decade. In 2015, one such unforgettable instance saw Stephen Curry delivering a stunning behind-the-back crossover that left Chris Paul stumbling, a move often replayed in highlight reels.

This longstanding history, marked by fierce contests and memorable plays, adds depth and intrigue to the new chapter that Chris Paul is embarking on with the Golden State Warriors.