📍 San Antonio, TX — April 13, 2025
At nearly 40 years old, Chris Paul just accomplished something no one in NBA history ever has.
The veteran San Antonio Spurs point guard became the first player to start all 82 games in his 20th season, setting a new benchmark for durability and consistency in the modern era.
“It’s crazy,” Paul said. “When you’re sort of in it, you’re not really thinking about it. It’s like, ‘OK, it’s Game 30. Game 40-something… Game such and such.’”
🏀 CP3’s Ironman Season
Paul now joins John Stockton and Michael Jordan as one of just three players aged 39+ to play a full 82-game season. But unlike the others, he started every single game.
Only six NBA players started all 82 games this season:
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Chris Paul (Spurs)
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Mikal Bridges (Knicks)
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Jaden McDaniels (Timberwolves)
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Jalen Green (Rockets)
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Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers)
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Harrison Barnes (Spurs)
The Spurs also became the first team since 2017–18 to have three players appear in all 82 games: Paul, Harrison Barnes, and Julian Champagnie.
“Year 20, this is only the second time in my career playing 82 games,” Paul said. “I know how hard it is. That’s why I have so much respect for guys like Harrison and Mikal.”
🔁 NBA’s Modern-Day Iron Men
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Mikal Bridges extended his streak to 556 consecutive regular-season games, the longest active streak in the league.
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Jarrett Allen played just 41 seconds in the final game of the season to officially start all 82 games.
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Jonas Valanciunas narrowly missed the 82-game mark due to a trade day technicality.
🔮 Year 21 Incoming?
Paul made it clear: retirement isn’t in his plans just yet.
“I know there’s stuff still in the tank. The summer will be a really good time to evaluate everything… but the love for the game is still there.”
If he returns for a 21st season — which is widely expected — he’ll join an elite club alongside Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, and Robert Parish.
Only LeBron James, who’s set to enter Year 23, has played more.
🧠 Final Thought
In a season that saw stars struggle with injury and teams managing minutes aggressively, Chris Paul showed up — every night. At 39, in his 20th season, he didn’t just survive the grind — he started every single game.
