The Phoenix Suns had a tough first two NBA playoff games on the road in their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets. They lost both games, going down 2-0 in the series. But, even worse than trailing is the fact they could be without starting point guard Chris Paul once again.
Paul has had some very unfortunate luck when it comes to health in the postseason. He has had to battle through numerous ailments or missed games altogether and that could be the case again in 2023.
In the third quarter of Game 2, Paul hobbled off the court with what is being deemed left groin soreness. It ultimately kept him sidelined for the remainder of the game, which the Suns went on to lose 97-87.
When he exited the game, Phoenix was leading 59-55. Without their main facilitator, the offense tanked as they managed to score only 28 points in the final 16:32 of the game. There is a lot of mystery surrounding the injury according to Suns head coach Monty Williams, as they aren’t sure when or how it occurred.
“He just looked like he was boxing out,” Williams said after Game 2. “He just came up where he couldn’t push off of it or anything. So we’re not quite sure what it is right now, but it seems to be something in the groin area. So we’ll find out more tomorrow.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Denver Nuggets Updates
Paul’s impact on the game was being felt as he ended up being the only Suns player with a positive plus/minus ratio on the evening at +8. Even with his numbers not being as gaudy as in years past, that has been the case all postseason as Phoenix is +39 in minutes Paul is on the court.
“All we can do is hope he has a speedy recovery,” said Suns guard Devin Booker. “We’re going to be behind him. We’re going to hold it down while he is out — or if he’s out — and just take it from there.”
It was reported by Shams Charania that Paul is expected to be re-evaluated in one week and the Suns are preparing as though they will be without him for Games 3-5. If he is unable to suit up in Game 3, Cameron Payne could be in line for a much larger role. Booker could also take on more of a ball-handling and playmaking role, even though his plate is already stuffed as the team’s go-to scorer.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Denver Nuggets Updates
Game 3 on their homecourt is a must-win game whether Paul suits up or not. They would assuredly prefer he be on the court, but the Suns have the firepower to survive a game without him. Kevin Durant will need to pick up his performance as an uncharacteristic 10-for-27 shooting night in Game 2 doomed Phoenix.
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