National Basketball Association

Paul's debut with Clippers sets NBA TV record

Published Dec. 20, 2011 8:08 p.m. ET

foxsports

Chris Paul's debut with the Los Angeles Clippers was the most-watched preseason game in NBA TV history.

The Clippers' 114-95 victory over the Lakers on Monday night drew 509,000 viewers, a network spokesman said Tuesday. The previous record of 501,000 viewers came in another celebrated debut, when the Miami Heat beat Detroit on Oct. 10, 2010, in their first game with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Paul finished with 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds Monday night.

Paul was traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Clippers last week, joining All-Star forward Blake Griffin as the foundation of one of the league's most exciting teams.