As expected, the Phoenix Suns will be without future Hall of Fame point guard as they look to climb out of a 2-0 series hole against the Denver Nuggets at home Friday evening.
Paul suffered a groin strain in Phoenix’ Game 2 loss to Denver Monday night. It was almost immediately noted that CP3 would likely miss at least the next three games. He’s now officially been ruled out for Friday night’s must win for Phoenix.
Whether Paul can return in this series depends on several factors. First off, Phoenix must win Friday night to avoid an insurmountable 3-0 series deficit. Simply put, the series needs to be extended for Paul to suit up again. Secondly, it will be all about pain management on the part of the aging 37-year-old 12-time All-Star.
Phoenix Suns game plan without Chris Paul in the mix
Suns head coach Monty Williams put the onus on himself to give Kevin Durant and Devin Booker more scoring help on offense after Phoenix relied on them too much through the first two games.
Williams also indicated that veterans Terrence Ross and T.J. Warren will see more action in Game 3 come Friday night.
“Those are two guys that could see significantly more time. Those kinds of decisions only hurt you when you have an injury. Then you wish you could’ve got those guys a bit more reps to prepare for that. We have these days to get ready for that and the guys who play. We were in a good rhythm right before Chris got hurt.”
Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams on rotation plans for Game 3
That’s all fine and dandy. However, neither of these veterans have seen much action recently. Warren has played less than six minutes in two playoff games and has been inactive in each of the Phoenix Suns’ past four outings. As for Ross, he’s seen action in less than 10 minutes while being inactive for five of the Suns’ seven playoff games.
It’s more important that guards Damion Lee and Cameron Payne pick up their game. The two combined to score two points on 1-of-12 shooting in Game 2. That’s not going to cut it for the Phoenix Suns with Chris Paul sidelined.
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