Chris Paul remains out for Game 2 of Suns-Clippers series
Chris Paul is still under the league’s Health and Safety Protocols as we head into Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
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 said 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.
Following the Game 1 win, Paul participated in a FaceTime call with the team from the locker room. However, it remains uncertain when the Suns will physically welcome back their point guard.
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
“Seeing him always brings joy,” expressed Williams. “I believe the happiness was heightened because we had won the game, which naturally put everyone in a celebratory mood. We communicate daily, discussing our team’s performance and observations from other playoff games, always aiming to improve. I’m uncertain if he initiated the call or if someone else did, but he was on FaceTime when I entered. Thus, he became part of the locker room atmosphere.”
Paul, the team’s leader and key stabilizer during critical game moments, averaged 25.5 points and 10.3 rebounds as the Phoenix team swept the Denver Nuggets in the West semifinals. He is said to have received the COVID-19 vaccination, which could potentially lead to a quicker clearance to rejoin the team compared to players who fell under the NBA’s Health and Safety protocols during the regular season.
Paul, currently in quarantine in Los Angeles, is reportedly not showing any COVID-19 symptoms. Before he can be given clearance to play, he must provide at least two negative PCR tests taken at least 24 hours apart and pass a cardiac examination.
In March, the league eased some of its protocols as players and coaches in the NBA started getting vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Chris Haynes provides an update on the expected return of Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard to action.
Since Paul was unavailable for Game 1, Phoenix included Cameron Payne in the starting lineup. Payne rose to the occasion by scoring 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting and contributing 9 assists in 29 minutes. Each of the Suns’ starters wrapped up the game with scoring in double digits.
E’Twaun Moore, a seasoned player, stepped in for Payne in the rotation among the reserves, contributing 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 expressed his confidence in the team’s competitive spirit and their defensive intentions. However, he acknowledged the lack of precedent for the situation, especially missing Chris Paul in the Western Conference finals. He commended Book’s game management and praised Cam Payne’s performance after his initial play. Williams emphasized the team’s collective effort and highlighted Jae Crowder’s significant contribution in guiding his teammates on the field.
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 positioned appropriately. I wasn’t sure what to anticipate regarding their productivity, however, I had confidence that they would compete. I knew we would strive to do the right things. Predicting the outcome is challenging when Chris isn’t on the court.”
Game 2 between the Suns and Clippers will commence on Tuesday at Phoenix Suns Arena.
Moore stated, “Regarding Chris’s situation, I must admit I don’t have complete knowledge of the timeline. My strategy is to remain steady. It’s crucial to understand that the entire team is needed in such times. Every small detail counts. Hence, I believe we should maintain our unity as a team and persist in our efforts. Chris’s return will only enhance our achievements and make them 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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