Slight of Hand

Chris Paul dials back the years with one of the sickest moves you will ever see, sends Nic Claxton home in an XXL body bag

February 08, 2023

It’s been a rough season for the Phoenix Suns so far. After their NBA Finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, a series they lead 2-0 before losing four straight, the team has been in steady decline. There were disputes over DeAndre Ayton’s contract, disgraced former owner Rob Sarver was forced to sell the team, and each and every day Chris Paul got another 24 hours older. You wouldn’t have known it to watch him work on Tuesday night, however, sending Nets big man Nic Claxton home in an XXL body bag with one of the filthiest moves of the NBA season thus far. Check it out.

OK, so in Claxton’s defense he was already drifting to that side of the court, but watch his shoulders. He fully turns to sprint to the boundary when Paul fakes it that way. By the time he gets them turned back to CP3, the ball is on the opposite of the court, being drained for a three. It’s poetry in motion … if your idea of poetry is watching a 6’11” center get twisted into a soft pretzel on live TV.

As for Paul, well, he’s been doing it his whole career. This is just another day at the office for him. In the end, the Durant and Kyrie-less Nets—led by a 43-point explosion by Cam Thomas—put up a heck of a fight, but the Suns walked away with the dub and Paul with the evening’s best highlight. Will that be enough to get their season back on track? Eh, probably not, but it’s certainly fun to watch.