Chris Paul remains out for Game 2 of Suns-Clippers series
Chris Paul is still under the league’s Health and Safety Protocols as the Western Conference finals head into Game 2.
The status for Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul remains unchanged. He is listed as “out” for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals per Monday evening’s NBA injury report.
“Nothing’s changed. There’s no update on Chris,” Williams stated following Monday’s practice.
Paul remains out indefinitely after entering the NBA’s Health and Safety protocols last Wednesday. He sat out the team’s 120-114 win on Sunday against the LA Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals as Devin Booker put together his first career triple-double.
After the Game 1 victory, Paul participated in a FaceTime call with the team from the locker room. However, it is uncertain when the point guard will be physically permitted to return to the Suns.
Every teammate counts.
@CP3 on the line with the fellas after the win. More to do, more to come. pic.twitter.com/DoRuBvK89k
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 20, 2021
“Always a pleasure to see his face,” remarked Williams. “I believe our ability to win the game contributed to that. Naturally, everyone was in a victorious mood. We’ve been discussing our team and observations from other playoff games daily, striving for improvement. Whether he initiated the call or someone else did, he was on FaceTime when I entered. Thus, he became integrated into the locker room.”
Paul, the team leader and reliable force during critical game moments, averaged 25.5 points and 10.3 rebounds as Phoenix swept the Denver Nuggets in the West semifinals. Having reportedly received his COVID-19 vaccination, there’s potential for Paul to rejoin the team faster than players who entered the NBA’s Health and Safety protocols during the regular season.
According to a report, Paul, who is currently in quarantine in Los Angeles, is not showing any symptoms of COVID-19. However, before he can be given clearance to play, he needs to produce two negative PCR test results that are a minimum of 24 hours apart, and also undergo a cardiac examination.
Back in March, as NBA players and coaches started getting coronavirus vaccines, the league relaxed some of its protocols.
Chris Haynes provides an update on the anticipated return of Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard to action.
Since Paul was unavailable for Game 1, Phoenix put Cameron Payne in the starting lineup. Payne rose to the occasion with 11 points from 5-out-of-10 shooting and 9 assists in 29 minutes, ensuring all of the Suns’ starters ended the game with double-digit scores.
E’Twaun Moore, a seasoned player, filled in for Payne in the rotation with the reserves, and delivered two assists in almost 11 minutes.
Williams admitted to feeling unsure about how Phoenix might fare without Paul in the lineup against an LA Clippers team missing star forward Kawhi Leonard, who missed Game 1 and will miss Game 2 as well.
“Williams stated, “I was confident we would compete. I knew that the team would have strong defensive intentions and aim to make the correct moves, but there’s no precedent for that. In the Western Conference finals, without the presence of Chris Paul, it’s a matter of hope. I believe Book handled the game efficiently. Cam [Payne], who returned after his initial stint, also managed well. However, I believe it was a group effort. Jae [Crowder]’s contribution was significant yesterday as he guided the players on the field into their positions.”
Ultimate Highlight: Suns take Game 1
The Phoenix Suns secure a 120-114 victory over the LA Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
“Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Torrey Craig were well spaced. I was uncertain about what to anticipate in terms of production, but I was confident that the guys would compete. I knew we would strive to do the right things. However, it’s challenging to predict outcomes when Chris isn’t on the field.”
Game 2 between the Suns and Clippers will commence on Tuesday at Phoenix Suns Arena.
“Regarding Chris’s situation, I must admit I don’t fully comprehend the timeline,” Moore commented. “However, I must maintain my composure. Remember, this is when the entire team is crucial. Everything counts. So, I believe we need to remain united as a team and continue to push forward. When he returns, it will only enhance our success and make it even more rewarding.”
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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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