Injuries have been a major issue for Phoenix Suns veteran guard Chris Paul during the playoffs in recent years.
That could have very well popped up again during Game 2 of Phoenix’ second-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets Monday night.
CP3 exited in the third quarter after grabbing at his groin/hamstring area as he went up for a rebound in the low post.
Paul, 37, immediately headed for the locker room. There was no word on the type of injury the future first-ballot Hall of Famer suffered. But given the area that he grabbed; this can’t be seen as a good thing.
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Chris Paul stats (2023 NBA Playoffs): 13.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 7.7 APG, 42% shooting
Paul’s numbers have not been great thus far in the postseason. In fact, he’s averaging what would be a 13.2 points per game in the playoffs.
Even then, Paul’s importance to the Suns’ success on offense can’t be denied. He makes everything tick. He’s a true floor general.
If Chris Paul is going to miss extended time in this series, it’s not going to be great news for the Suns. Cameron Payne is his top backup at point guard. Payne has played in just two playoff games this season, averaging 2.5 points per game. Veteran Damion Lee would also likely take on some ball-handling duties.
Though, an extended injury would likely require star guard Devin Booker to run things. That’s not an ideal scenario for the Suns.