Basketball genius Chris Paul is a mastermind. Paul moved to San Antonio Spurs during the summer at the age of 39 to help guide second-year sensation Victor Wembanyama. For his age, CP3 is enjoying an incredible season. Paul continues to consistently display his genius on the court, and Wednesday night’s performance against the Memphis Grizzlies was no exception.
A lost ball ended up in the hands of Zach Edey, a big player with the Grizzlies, and Paul jumped up to take it away from the fallen Edey. Paul, who is 6′ even, would have been completely outmatched by Edey, who is 7’4″, in a jump ball scenario. Quick on his feet, Paul turned to Victor Wembanyama, who was 7’3″, and motioned for him to pick up the ball.
Paul actually took his hand and put Wemby’s hand on the ball when he didn’t. This showcases Paul’s high-IQ brain in the game even at the age of 40. In addition, fans were left stunned by this and praised the Spurs star for his awareness in the game. Paul’s high-IQ play did not go in vain. On the subsequent jump ball, the Spurs eventually got possession, and Paul made a three-pointer across the court.
CP3 brain on full display here.
Zach Edey on the floor with the ball, so instead of tying Zach up himself — he has Wemby do it so he’s the one who gets the jump ball opportunity. pic.twitter.com/Bpph5QOvUD
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 16, 2025
The Grizzlies defeated the Spurs 129-115 on Wednesday night thanks to 21 points and 12 assists from their star man, Ja Morant. On the other hand, Wembanyama finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 blocks. Spurs rookie Stephon Castle scored a season-high 26 points.
Fans chimed in to praise Chris Paul for his ‘high-IQ play’ against Grizzlies
Chris Paul made a valiant effort in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 129-115 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Late in the second quarter, the seasoned point guard made a ‘‘big-brained’ move to position his team for a jump ball, demonstrating his quick thinking. This left many NBA fans in awe.
Many fans took to various social media apps to put forward their praise and thoughts regarding Paul’s ‘high-IQ’ play in the game. Not only that, Paul also seemed to make some of his haters, ‘his fans’ after this play. One fan wrote on X, “I hate him with all my heart but he’s truly a basketball genius lmao” Check out some of the fan reactions below:
I hate him with all my heart but he’s truly a basketball genius lmao https://t.co/T4iUMlOfkG
— Lion (Left Hand Up) (@Champ_Lion) January 16, 2025
BASKETBALL IQ 📈 pic.twitter.com/oWXNkvyy0b
— COACH (@punkrockcoach) January 16, 2025
CP3 is out there teaching 💀😝
— George Tai (@George8644Tai) January 16, 2025
Vet move for the jump ball. 😎👊🏽
— MistaCoo’ 🖕🏽😁🖕🏽 (@Mistacoo) January 16, 2025
This is one of the smartest things I’ve ever seen anyone do on a basketball court that will have probably no impact on the game lol
— degen (@plusEVRaisin) January 16, 2025
Quick thinking
— dontguess (@iswearimworkin) January 16, 2025
bro is an artist on the court
— bill spacman (@BillSPACman) January 16, 2025
With the addition of Chris Paul alongside Victor Wembanyama on the roster, the Spurs have been visibly improved from last year this season. After 39 games, the Spurs are 19-20 in the West, with more wins than their entire 2023-24 season. Up next, they once again face the Grizzlies in the reverse fixture, but this time on home court.
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