2015 NBA Playoffs: Players Under the Most Pressure

Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph (5) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Position: Point Guard

Age: 29

Experience: 10th Season

Slash Line: .485/.398/.900

Season Averages: 34.8 MPG, 19.1 PPG, 10.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.7 3PM

No one, not even LeBron James, is under more pressure in the 2015 NBA Playoffs than Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul. Despite having one of the best seasons of his career, Paul is slowly being written off in the conversation of the truly elite.

This isn’t because of a decline in play, but instead a haunting truth: CP3 has never once made it past the Conference Semifinals.

That’s a shocking fact for a player who has been regarded as one of the Top 5 players and the No. 1 point guard in the NBA for the vast majority of his 10-year career. The Clippers as a whole need a deep run, but Paul individually is the one under pressure.

Having a grand total of zero appearances beyond the second round is viewed by most as a blemish on his resume.

Paul doesn’t care much for the general public’s opinion, and nor should he, but the pressure does exist. The Clippers would have to consider blowing up the roster if they suffer a fourth consecutive exit in Round 2 or earlier.

Paul’s an all-time great, and his dominant performance in Game 1 was an example of such, but he and Los Angeles need to at least make it to the Western Conference Finals.

Next: Can He Handle the Spotlight?