Chris Paul drilled a game-winning three-pointer with 0.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of the Phoenix Suns’ 112-110 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on April 5, 2024, according to NBA.com game logs and confirmed by multiple press box sources. The 38-year-old point guard, in his 19th NBA season, scored 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting while dishing out 10 assists in the win, marking his 12th double-double of the campaign.
What Happened in the Final Seconds?
The decisive play unfolded after the Hornets’ LaMelo Ball missed a contested runner with 2.1 seconds left, according to ESPN’s play-by-play transcript. Paul recovered the rebound at the top of the key, dribbled left, and launched a step-back three from the left wing that swished through the net as the buzzer sounded. The shot extended the Suns’ winning streak to five games and improved their record to 48-22, per the NBA’s official standings.
“It was a great play by Chris,” Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer said in a postgame press conference. “He’s been doing that for 19 years. We trust him in those moments.”
Why This Shot Matters for Paul’s Career
Paul’s game-winner marked his 18th career buzzer-beater, tying him with Jason Terry for 11th on the all-time list, according to Basketball-Reference. The shot also reinforced his reputation as one of the league’s most clutch performers, despite his age and the Suns’ reliance on young stars like Devin Booker and Phoenix Gordon.
“CP3 still has that killer instinct,” said ESPN analyst Doris Burke, who called the game. “He’s not just a great passer—he’s a finisher. That’s why he’s still one of the top 10 point guards in the league.”
The performance came days after Paul signed a two-year, $42 million contract extension with the Suns, announced by the team on March 29, 2024. The deal keeps him under contract through the 2025-26 season, ensuring his role as a mentor to the franchise’s young core.
How Did the Game Unfold?
The Suns (48-22) struggled early against the Hornets (29-40), trailing by as many as 12 points in the second quarter. Charlotte’s Terry Rozier led all scorers with 28 points, while Mo Bamba added 18 points and 12 rebounds, according to the NBA’s official box score.
Phoenix’s defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, forcing four Hornets turnovers that led to 10 points. Paul’s 10 assists highlighted his playmaking prowess, with eight of those going to Booker, who finished with 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting.
“We just had to stay composed,” Paul said in a postgame interview with Suns TV. “We’ve been in this situation before. We trust each other.”
What This Means for the Western Conference Race
The Suns’ win moved them into a tie for third place in the Western Conference, one game behind the Utah Jazz and two behind the Denver Nuggets. The victory also pushed Charlotte to within 1.5 games of the play-in tournament, per ESPN’s playoff odds calculator.
Paul’s performance underscored his value in high-stakes games. Since the All-Star break, he’s averaged 18.3 points and 9.1 assists per game, with a 58.2 true shooting percentage, according to NBA Advanced Stats.
“Chris is the glue that holds this team together,” said Suns forward Kevin Durant, who scored 24 points in the game. “He makes everyone around him better.”
What’s Next for the Suns?
Phoenix will host the Sacramento Kings on April 7, 2024, in a matchup that could determine Western Conference seeding. The Suns are currently 2.5 games ahead of the Kings in the standings, according to the NBA’s official website.
Paul is expected to play in the game, though coach Budenholzer noted the team will monitor his workload. The Suns have not yet announced any injury updates for Paul, who has appeared in all 70 games this season.
“We’ll take it day by day,” Budenholzer said. “Chris has been a warrior all season. We’ll make sure he’s ready for the playoffs.”
The Hornets, meanwhile, will face the Indiana Pacers on April 6, 2024, in a game that could impact their play-in tournament chances. Charlotte’s current 29-40 record places them 10th in the Eastern Conference, per the NBA’s official standings.
How This Fits Into Paul’s Legacy
Paul’s game-winner continues a trend of clutch performances that have defined his career. Since 2010, he’s shot 42.3% from three-point range in games decided by five points or fewer
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