The second spherical sequence between the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets is drawing an excessive amount of deserved consideration. On one aspect, Denver is the No. 1 seed and led by two-time reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. On the opposite, Phoenix isn’t essentially a typical No. 4 seed after a mid-season blockbuster to amass Kevin Durant, and the Suns entered the playoffs because the betting favourite to win the Western Convention. Nonetheless, the Suns do have considerations in relation to depth and, on Monday, Phoenix’s depth was pushed to the brink by an harm to Chris Paul.
Paul was pressured off the ground and virtually instantly into the locker room in the course of the third quarter after he tried to field out Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and seemingly tweaked his groin.
After a number of minutes of uncertainty, the Suns introduced that Paul wouldn’t return to Recreation 2 on account of left groin tightness, which is a substantial concern given his historical past of sentimental tissue accidents.
INJURY UPDATE: Chris Paul (left groin tightness) won’t return.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 2, 2023
Paul scored solely eight factors in 25 minutes of motion, however he continues to supply worth as a pick-and-roll operator and generated six assists earlier than exiting the sport. The Suns initially turned to Cameron Payne for extra minutes in Paul’s absence however shortly pivoted away from Payne in favor of extra measurement and taking pictures after Payne struggled.
Even with Durant and Devin Booker working because the staff’s major initiators, Phoenix can in poor health afford to be with out Paul on a staff that’s closely constructed towards its prime 4 gamers. In consequence, the Suns will probably be holding their breath as updates emerge.
