Chris Paul took an untimely exit in the Phoenix Suns’ 97-87 loss against the Denver Nuggets in Monday Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinals series.
The Suns noted that Paul sustained a left groin tightness, which pushed the future hall of famer to leave the match with the club leading 59-55 at the third frame.
The injury appeared when Paul was outlasted by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for a rebound, with the swingman snatching the putback shot. As he landed, Paul proceeded to grab his groin part and walked gingerly.
Paul ended the night with eight points, five rebounds and six assists. Upon being out, the Suns caught a cold snap and wasn’t able to match the heat up made by the Nuggets for the rest of the second-half which was paced by Nikola Jokic, who emerged spectacularly with 39 points and 16 boards in 17-of-30 shooting.
As the Nuggets have successfully defended their home turf and lead two games to none, Paul’s injury can’t be more frustrating at the side of the Suns heading back home to Phoenix for the continuation of the playoff series. Though it is yet to be seen if he’ll be able to suit up in Game 3, it is very much expected that this groin issue by the star point man will continue to make huge swings for the rest of the series.
It is highly likely that coach Monty Williams will look to increase the exposure of Cam Payne, who went on to end Game 2 as the main replacement for Paul. The likes of Damion Lee and Landry Shamet are also due for an added ball handling responsibility together with All-Star hotshot Devin Booker.
Game 3 in Arizona is set on Friday.
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