Chris Paul remains out for Game 2 of Suns-Clippers series
Heading into Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, Chris Paul continues to be under the league’s Health and Safety Protocols.
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.
Williams stated after Monday’s practice, “There’s no update on Chris. Nothing’s changed.”
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 win, Paul participated in a FaceTime call with his team from the locker room. However, it is uncertain when the point guard will get the green light to physically 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
Williams expressed, “It’s always a pleasure to see his face. I believe it was due to our victory that everyone was in high spirits. We have daily conversations about our team’s performance and observations from other playoff games, all in an effort to improve. I’m uncertain whether he initiated the call or someone else did, but he was on FaceTime when I entered. Thus, he became part of the locker room atmosphere.”
As the team’s anchor during critical game moments, Paul boasted an average of 25.5 points and 10.3 rebounds in Phoenix’s clean sweep against the Denver Nuggets in the West semifinals. Reportedly, Paul has received his COVID-19 vaccination, which could potentially expedite his return to the team compared to players who were subject to the NBA’s Health and Safety protocols during the regular season.
According to a report, Paul is currently in quarantine in Los Angeles and showing no COVID-19 symptoms. Before he can be cleared to participate, he is required to produce two negative PCR tests at least 24 hours apart, along with passing a cardiac exam.
Some of the protocols were relaxed by the league back in March as players and coaches from across the NBA started getting vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Chris Haynes provides an update on the expected return to action of Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard.
Since Paul was unavailable for Game 1, Phoenix decided to start Cameron Payne. Payne rose to the occasion by scoring 11 points on a 50% shooting accuracy rate and providing 9 assists in 29 minutes. Importantly, each of the Suns’ starting players finished the game with double-digit scores.
E’Twaun Moore, a seasoned player, stepped in for Payne in the reserves rotation and provided two assists within roughly 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.
“I was certain we’d be competitive. I had no doubt that the guys would be focused and committed to defense, striving to make the right moves. However, there is no precedent for this situation,” said Williams. “Being in the Western Conference finals without Chris Paul, all you can do is hope. I think Book handled the game well. In my opinion, Cam [Payne], despite initially leaving the game, managed his return effectively. But it was a team effort. Jae [Crowder]’s contributions were significant yesterday, guiding the team on the floor and ensuring everyone was in position.”
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 properly spaced. From a production standpoint, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was confident that the guys would compete and try to do the right things. However, it’s difficult to predict outcomes without Chris on the floor.”
Game 2 between the Suns and Clippers will commence on Tuesday at Phoenix Suns Arena.
“Regarding Chris’ situation, I must admit that I’m not completely certain about the timeline,” Moore stated. “So, I simply strive to remain steady. It’s crucial to understand that such times require the entire team’s effort. Every minor detail is important. Therefore, I believe we need to maintain our team unity and keep moving forward. When he returns, it will only serve to enhance and sweeten our success.”
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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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