Circumstances may look a bit different than they did a decade ago, but even on 2024’s final day, Chris Paul, alley-oop lobs, and Los Angeles Clippers jerseys somewhere in the arena remains a three-part combination unlike any other. Among the many orchestrators of the San Antonio Spurs’ 37-assist, nine-turnover demonstration, Paul keeps the already-intriguing lob-throwing party going, first with a trademark steal, ending the L.A. Clippers’ post entry pass plans with a from-behind steal. Free to attempt anything from a simple layup to a rim-rattling jam if his body allowed, Paul leaves such honors to his literal up-and-coming teammate, presenting an off-the-backboard dime for his highflying highlight partner to flush through the rim. Paul’s alley-oop lob — paired with the Clippers’ troubling scoring drought — afforded a 25-point second quarter lead, a luxury the Spurs used to navigate a 36-point win on December 31, 2024. Ending the potentially-promising year in style, the future Hall of Famer chipped in a seven-point, nine-rebound, four-assist, three-steal, one-triple deposit in just 20 minutes of action. · Jan 1, 2025