Regardless of how the opposing teams line up against him, New Orleans Hornets rookie Chris Paul navigates the defense with the grace of slalom skier. The first-year guard attacks Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem with a punishing in-and-out crossover before ducking up-and-under the rim for a contested two on November 15, 2005.

Chris Paul

Chris Paul navigates through defense for tough bucket in the paint

The game of basketball unfolds in slow motion for Chris Paul. The New Orleans Hornets rookie surveys the defense as he brings the ball across halfcourt then proceeds to slalom through the paint with a series of in-and-out and behind-the-back dribbles before capping off the drive with a tough layup. Paul added 24 points, eight assists and four steals in the December 23, 2005 tilt against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Chris Paul displaces defender with ball on a string

And we’re going to overtime! Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans nails the stepback jumper to tie the game against the Chicago Bulls on December 2, 2013. Who doesn’t love free basketball?

Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday sinks game-tying stepback in three-OT battle with Bulls

It’s a holiday — why not throw a block party? New Orleans Pelicans star-in-the-making Anthony Davis meets Chris Bosh at the rim to reject the future Hall of Famer with a one-handed swat. Davis went off in the Christmas Day fixture with a team high 29 points and 15 rebounds on December 25, 2015.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis wipes clean dunk attempt in Christmas Day contest

Marketplace

Chris Paul

Chris Paul

Jrue Holiday

Anthony Davis