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<\/p>\nHe later met up with some family members who\u2019d come to see the game and exchanged hugs.<\/p>\n
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Paul had three points, eight assists and three rebounds on Saturday, helping him become the first NBA player in history with at least 20,000 points, 12,000 assists and 6,000 rebounds.<\/p>\n
He is expected to address reporters when the team returns to Los Angeles sometime before Tuesday night\u2019s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Clippers play at Cleveland on Sunday night.<\/p>\n
James Harden, who scored 55 points against the Hornets, said he didn\u2019t see Paul\u2019s video before the game but knows the end of his career was inevitable.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty-one years, at some point you know it\u2019s going to end,\u201d Harden said. \u201cAnd I think he has already started his transition. Obviously he is still traveling and playing now, but his transition after the (season) is going to be pretty seamless. He is always on the phone, making calls and in meetings and things like that. I\u2019m definitely taking notes from him for whenever that time comes from me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harden said Paul\u2019s impact on the NBA has been immense.<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident of the Players Association, on the court having some really good runs with some different teams, just being a really good point guard,\u201d Harden said<\/a>. \u201cI think he\u2019s No. 2 (all time) in assists and he has impacted the game and winning everywhere he went.\u201d<\/p>\n The 40-year-old Paul signed a one-year deal to return to the Clippers prior to the season.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about no one retiring,\u201d Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said before the game. \u201cIt\u2019s a tough time especially when you put so much work in your life to play this game. When it\u2019s over and coming to an end, for me it was dark days because it\u2019s something you have done your whole life. Unbelievable career, and somebody as a point guard who has impacted the game in a positive way.,\u201d<\/p>\n Lue added that he is \u201chappy he is able to come back home to end his career.\u201d<\/p>\n Paul was not available for comment before the game. <\/p>\n Paul came into the game averaging 2.5 points and 3.3 assists per game in a limited role for the Clippers.<\/p>\n A 12-time NBA All-Star, Paul was the New Orleans Hornets\u2019 fifth overall pick in 2005 and has been selected to the NBA All-Defensive first team seven times. He has played for seven different NBA teams and this is his second stint with the Clippers. He is also a two-time gold medalist at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n