Chris Paul's Top 10 Fly Around Plays

When it comes to point guards in the NBA today, they don't get much better than Chris Paul. The five-time All-Star has helped transform the Los Angeles Clippers from perennial league laughing stock to legitimate title contender this season while playing alongside high-fly acts like Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

But as awe-inspiring as CP3's alley-oop passes and jump-shooting clinics may be, let's not forget that the little guy can finish at the rim with the best of 'em, thanks to his tremendous strength, surprising hops, fearlessness in the paint and, of course, his dazzling handles.

In honor of Paul's prowess at the basket, let's have a look at the top 10 finishes of his career so far.

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10. Chris Paul Leaves Clippers in Tears with Amazing Crossover

Surely, the Clippers' interest in Chris Paul stemmed more from his impressive body of work with the New Orleans Hornets than one single play.

That's not to say, though, that this brilliant finish didn't really catch the attention of Clips GM Neil Olshey. It certainly drew some interest from Eric Bledsoe, whose ankles were left in shambles from CP3's cross over.

Not to mention Chris Kaman, who committed the foul on the floater, and none other than Blake Griffin, who promptly complained to the officials about the call immediately afterward.

9. Paul Blows by James Jones

This play would've ended up higher in the top 10 had it ended with a counted basket instead of a charge.

Still, CP3 deserves some major props for lulling James Jones to sleep before leaving him in the dust with an incredible crossover. Also, pay close attention to how Jones dives after Paul following the move but can do little but fall feebly to his knees.

8. CP3 Flies Up and over Jamal Crawford

Chris Paul spends so much time throwing pinpoint alley-oop passes to his Lob City teammates these days that it's easy to forget that he, too, can get up—or used to be able to, at least, before knee injuries robbed him of a measure of his athleticism.

For example, in this clip Paul splits two Golden State defenders before dunking on a late-arriving Jamal Crawford.

7. Chris Crosses Anthony Carter Not Once...not Twice...

What's better than one crossover? Two crossovers, of course.

And what's better than two crossovers? Well, how about three?

I can only hope Anthony Carter had a good podiatrist, because his feet must have been sore after trying to keep up with CP3's insane handles on this play.

6. CP3 Breaks Black Mamba's Ankles

Now, it's one thing to shake Anthony Carter with an sick crossover. It's another thing entirely to leave Kobe Bryant, one of the best defenders in NBA history, grasping at air.

Of course, Chris Paul's since been the central player in other, more devastating "plays" in Lakers lore, like, say, the one that David Stern pulled by nixing that blockbuster three-team deal that'd been in place.

Although, in that case, it's Stern who gets credit for crossing up Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak.

5. CP3 Punctuates Tony Parker Lob Pass at 2009 All-Star Game

Wouldn't it be fun to see CP3 get on the receiving end of some of that Lob City action one of these days?

If Blake Griffin isn't sure how to pull it off, perhaps he should consult San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker, who connected with Paul on this sick alley-oop during the 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix.

Too bad the Eastern Conference defenders didn't hustle a bit more, if only to make the scene more dramatic.

4. Professor Paul Takes Jazz to School with Up-and-Under English Finish

Of course, Chris Paul needn't dunk to prove that he's a terrific finisher. One could even argue that a spectacular layup, like this one against the Utah Jazz from this season, is more entertaining and more artful than any thunderous slam.

It certainly helps Paul's case here that the three Jazz players he maneuvers around seem to dedicate so little effort to defense on this particular play.

That being said, even that lack of effort can't detract from the sweetness of Paul's reverse kiss off the glass, making for the sort of play that would leave Bill Raftery shaking with excitement in his britches. 

3. Chris Paul Jams on LeBron James

Once again, let's take a moment to glance back at the younger Chris Paul, who could finish at the rim with such ease and authority before injuries sapped him of (some of) his athleticism.

Also, isn't this a fun bit of nostalgia, seeing CP3 dunk on LeBron James, back when the former played for the Hornets and the latter for the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Oh, the good ol' days, how I miss them so.

2. Paul Greets the Heat with Feats of Ball-Handling Deceit

What DOESN'T Chris Paul do on this play?

Let's walk through it for a second here. First, there's the steal on Udonis Haslem. Then, there's the smooth dash up the floor on the fast break. Then, there's the between-the-legs crossover right into a 360-degree spin. Finally, there's the hoop and the harm on the end of it.

It's a thing of beauty, watching CP3 pirouette like he's the star in a basketball ballet while dribbling as though the rock is tied to his hand by a string. 

Just...just...enjoy.

1. CP3 Posterizes DH12

And because there's nothing quite as entertaining in basketball as a little dude dunking on a big dude, especially one who's been a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, I give you Play No. 1.

It's nothing special. You know, just your average pick-and-roll, wherein Chris Paul cross up Dwight Howard before jamming it home over Superman's head like a ball of kryptonite.

Kind of amazing that Howard would be so keen to team up with CP3 after getting abused like that, don't you think?