HIS team has the best record in the Western Conference. And he is having the best season of any point guard (控球后卫) in the history of the NBA. He is the favorite to win the MVP (Most Valued Player) award over Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. So, why haven’t you heard of the New Orleans Hornets’ star, Chris Paul?
The fact that you haven’t heard of him doesn’t bother Paul. His whole life has taught him there are more important things than basketball.
During one high school game, Paul scored 61 points in honor of his grandfather, who, only a few days earlier, was murdered; one point for every year his grandfather lived. When Paul reached the 61-point mark, he intentionally (故意地) missed a free throw (罚球), then took himself out of the game even though the state scoring record of 69 points was well within reach.
Paul left Wake Forest University after his sophomore (大学二年级) year and entered the NBA. He was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets. At the end of his first season he was voted the NBA’s rookie (新手) of the year. But his first season in New Orleans was really not about basketball.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans. The Hornets were forced to play most of their games in Oklahoma City. Seeing the tragedy first-hand and watching the city try to rebuild has put basketball into focus for the Hornets players. Paul, whose nickname is CP3, established the CP3 Foundation in 2005. In 2006 he received the NBA’s Community Assist Award, for outstanding contributions to his community.
This season the Hornets are back in New Orleans full-time.
Every time the Hornets win, it is like New Orleans wins a little too. If they keep their current success through-out the playoffs (季后赛) it may ease some of the pain that still remains in the city. It will also force people to start appreciating Chris Paul.
Teens 点金
高考词汇
first-hand adv./adj. 直接(的),第一手(的)
Until you have first-hand experience, you'll never really know anything.
ease v. 减轻或者缓解(痛苦,忧虑,不适等)
Talking eased his anxiety.
进阶词汇
draft v. 挑选
outstanding adj. 突出的,显著的
标签: sports