The bad news that the Phoenix Suns were waiting for has become official. NBA star Chris Paul has been officially ruled out for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets because of a groin strain suffered in Game 2.
Down 2-0 in the series, this is a huge blow for the Suns to overcome. Without Paul on the court, Phoenix’s offense stalled out worse than it already had been in the game. He exited with 4:32 remaining and the Suns were up 59-55. They would score only 18 points the rest of the game, eventually losing 97-87.
“Obviously we are going to miss Chris,” Kevin Durant said after practice on Thursday. “And what he brings to the table. We just got to go out there and play our game, play together, we try not to think too much about it and try to move the ball and play together… and put yourself in a good position.”
Paul has had some brutal luck when it comes to injuries in the postseason. They pop up at the least opportune times, which has derailed him and his team’s quests for championships in the past. It could very well occur again this year as defeating the red-hot Nuggets at full strength was a challenge.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Denver Nuggets Updates
Cameron Payne could see his role increase without Paul in the lineup. In 15 games without Paul this season, Payne averaged 14.9 points, 7.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 30.4 minutes per game. One of those explosions would certainly be nice for the Suns, who have their backs up against the wall.
Ultimately, what it will come down to is Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Both already have a lot on their plate, but they know more of the onus will fall on their shoulders with Paul sidelined.
“That’s what we get paid to do,” Durant said of Booker and himself having to potentially do more with Paul out. “Whatever’s required of us. If we got to play more minutes, take more shots, we each got to do it.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Denver Nuggets Updates
Booker has been excellent in the postseason, averaging 34.5 points and 6.6 assists in 43 minutes per game. Durant has been playing well, but an uncharacteristic 10-of-27 shooting night in Game 2 couldn’t have come at a worse time.
With Deandre Ayton the only other player who will be active in Game 3 averaging double-figure points per game, someone else will need to step up. Payne is a logical choice, but keep an eye on Terrence Ross and T.J. Warren as well.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Denver Nuggets Updates
Head coach Monty Williams has hinted at adjusting his rotation to get more offensive firepower on the court. Ross and Warren were both mentioned as possibilities and would make a lot of sense as additions to a rotation needing a scoring punch.
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