Chris Paul brushes off emotions for Suns reunion ahead of Warriors debut – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

SAN FRANCISCO – As the NBA regular-season opener approached, Steph Curry posed a question to his fellow veteran, Chris Paul: “Do you still feel the same level of nervousness and excitement as you did during your rookie season?” Paul, who is entering his 19th season and first with the Warriors, emphatically answered in the affirmative. He firmly believes that as long as that feeling of anticipation persists, he should continue playing. The two players discussed this topic during practice, with Paul expressing his eagerness and readiness for the upcoming game.

Although Paul has played in numerous season openers over his almost two-decade career, this one will be unique. It will mark his first home introduction in front of the Warriors’ fanbase, known as Dub Nation. Additionally, it will be the first time he faces his former team, the Phoenix Suns, who traded him to the Washington Wizards during the offseason in exchange for Bradley Beal. This trade then allowed the Warriors to acquire Paul by trading Jordan Poole. Throughout his career, Paul has played for five other franchises: the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and most recently, the Suns. He had to wait until the 42nd game of the 2011-12 season to face the Hornets, the 25th game of the 2017-18 season to compete against the Clippers, and so on. However, Paul doesn’t attribute much significance to these matchups against former teams, seeing them as just another four games on the schedule.

During his previous encounters with former teams, Paul has compiled an 0-4 record. Nevertheless, he has delivered impressive performances, averaging 20.5 points and 6.3 assists in those games. When he takes the court against Phoenix, he expects there to be camaraderie and laughter shared between him and his former teammates, particularly with star shooting guard Devin Booker, whom he developed a lifelong bond with during his tenure with the Suns. However, once the game begins, Paul will approach it with the same intensity and emotion he has exhibited throughout his career. He believes in consistently bringing his A-game, regardless of the circumstances, and hopes to maintain his competitive edge.

The matchup between the Warriors and the Suns will undoubtedly attract significant attention. Fans are eager to witness how Paul integrates into the Warriors’ system and whether Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal can coexist as stars on the Suns. It is worth noting, though, that the Warriors won’t be at full strength for this game, as Draymond Green continues to recover from a sprained right ankle. Nevertheless, head coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic about the team’s future, acknowledging that they will evolve and improve as the season progresses.

Overall, the stage is set for an exciting contest on Tuesday night. While the Warriors may not showcase their full potential at this early stage, they aim to have a strong start while incorporating Green back into the lineup. As the game unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the clash of superstars and the intensity that Paul brings to the court. If you want to stay updated on all things Warriors, make sure to download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast.