Christmas 2014. That was the last time a truly Chris Paul-led team beat the Warriors. Sure, Paul played in the Rockets’ opening night win over the Dubs this season, but he played second fiddle to James Harden that night—and didn’t play at all down the stretch due to injury. Otherwise, it’s been three years and 11 days since Paul put his personal stamp on a victory over Golden State. CP3 had a chance—with Harden out—to exorcise some demons Thursday night. Instead, the Warriors—without Kevin Durant—picked up a 124–114 win to even the season series.
Thursday, like opening night, will go a short way in determining how these two juggernaut offenses will match up in a potential playoff series.