This weekly series from Clippers.com features a Q&A with Clippers players, coaches, alumni or those tied somehow to the Clippers’ organization. The next edition features point guard Chris Paul.
PLAYA VISTA, Calif. – Chris Paul’s scoring continues to rise with each passing month.
The Clippers’ point guard wrapped up February averaging 24.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and five assists per game, leading both Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and Nets head coach Tony Brown to say Paul’s been playing at an MVP level if not for what Stephen Curry’s doing for Golden State.
Paul talked postgame Monday about his play, the state of the team, the off-court entertainment against the Nets and Luc Mbah a Moute’s injury.
What does it mean to you when you hear Rivers and Brown make those MVP comments about your play?
CP: “I appreciate it, but for me, it’s about trying to lead our team and trying to win games. I keep saying we’re trying to hold the fort down until guys start getting back. What was big tonight was we lost Luc. People see Luc and look at the box score and don’t really see how valuable he is to our team. We really need him.”
How much of the defensive improvement in recent months is because of Mbah a Moute’s presence?
CP: “A lot. Luc usually has the toughest assignment every night. Defending guys, I say it all the time, he does all the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet, whether it’s digging or helping or rebounding. I’m going to check on him when we get out of here and hope he’s OK.”
Did you get to see Steve Ballmer’s halftime dunk?
CP: “I caught the end of the replay. I didn’t know he worked on it. When I heard he did it, I didn’t believe it. I want to see how many other owners in the league could do that. Put them out there on All-Star Saturday night. Get the ratings up.”
What do you think of the chemistry of the team right now?
CP: “It’s great. It’s as good as it could be. What Doc said a second ago, with the adversity, all the things we’ve been through, all the injuries, not knowing on a given night who’s going to play, all the different lineups we’ve had; I think guys have just persevered, fought, and it’s going to be a great feeling when we finally play a game with our full roster.”
