Paul not complacent with making conference finals: 'We've got 8 more wins to get'
There's likely a sense of relief for Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul, as he had competed in the playoffs on nine occasions from 2008 through 2017 and not once advanced to the conference finals. Until now.
After helping eliminate the Utah Jazz in the second round on Tuesday, Paul won't allow himself to become complacent with finally getting over that hurdle, because the ultimate goal is still an NBA championship.
"Who plays just for that," Paul told ESPN's Tim MacMahon when asked if he feels any pressure still on his shoulders. "Know what I'm saying? Not at all, not at all. We've got eight more wins to get.
"I don't know what it's supposed to feel like, but we've still got a lot of work to do."
Paul's Playoff History
| Season | Team | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | Hornets | Lost 2nd round (Spurs) 4-3 |
| 2008-09 | Hornets | Lost 1st round (Nuggets) 4-1 |
| 2010-11 | Hornets | Lost 1st round (Lakers) 4-2 |
| 2011-12 | Clippers | Lost 2nd round (Spurs) 4-0 |
| 2012-13 | Clippers | Lost 1st round (Grizzlies) 4-2 |
| 2013-14 | Clippers | Lost 2nd round (Thunder) 4-2 |
| 2014-15 | Clippers | Lost 2nd round (Rockets) 4-3 |
| 2015-16 | Clippers | Lost 1st round (Blazers) 4-2 |
| 2016-17 | Clippers | Lost 1st round (Jazz) 4-3 |
| 2017-18 | Rockets | Conference Finals |
Paul dropped a postseason career-high 41 points on 13-of-22 shooting in Game 5 at the Toyota Center, including eight makes from behind the arc. With his performance, he became the first player to record at least 40 points, 10 assists, and zero turnovers in the playoffs since turnovers began being recorded in 1978.
Prior to Tuesday, Paul had played in the most playoff games (85) of any player to have never appeared in a conference finals, with his nine All-Star nods tying Dominique Wilkins for the most by a player without such a berth on their resume.
Minnesota Timberwolves sharpshooter Jamal Crawford now holds the distinction with 74 career playoff games sans a conference finals appearance.