Chris Paul has missed the first two games of the Western Conference Semifinals after testing positive for COVID-19 last week, but there’s optimism within the Suns‘ organization that the veteran point guard could be available for Game 3 on Thursday, sources tell ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Adrian Wojnarowski.
[RELATED: Chris Paul Symptom-Free, Hoping To Return Soon]
Paul had only been isolated for six days as of Tuesday, and players who tested positive for the coronavirus during the regular season typically missed at least 10-14 days. However, ESPN’s duo notes that the NBA has different standards for players who have been vaccinated. Multiple reports have stated that CP3 has been vaccinated.
Despite his vaccination status, the expectation is that Paul will still need to test negative for the virus before being cleared. He hadn’t received clearance as of the start of Game 2 on Tuesday, per McMenamin and Wojnarowski.
The Suns haven’t really missed Paul in the first two games of the series, winning both contests in Phoenix as replacement point guard Cameron Payne averaged 20.0 PPG and 9.0 APG. However, as the series shifts to Los Angeles, the Suns would undoubtedly feel better about their chances of making the NBA Finals with their All-NBA point guard on the floor.
How insane is it that Cameron Payne of all people is starting at point guard for a Conference contender? Dude was practically out of the league just over a year ago. These are the kinds of feel-good stories that make sports great
Bandwagon fans don’t get it takes time to develop. No 19 yr old is ready for the NBA. Great to see he never gave up. And great pickup for Suns. Those are big time stats for the playoffs. Is a great story
Suns are so good they beat the clippers without Paul.
Easy to beat the Clippers without Paul when George knows how to defeat himself. That guy has to be running out of chances.
Clippers will still win the series. They played two very bad games and still almost beat the Suns both times. Oh and that is without Kawhi.
You are delusional. Clippers win 4 out of 5 with Paul coming back no later than 5?!?
If the Clippers get Kawhi back they will win 4 of the next 5.
Well the Clippers are without Kawhi, who is way better than Paul, so it makes sense.
Still can’t figure how the Clippers didn’t do more to guard the rim from Ayton. Even broadcasters knew he was in the game to try to get a bucket at the rim. There was less than a second. Of course they wanted an easy tap in. There’s no defensive goaltending to block an inbounds pass. Why not park someone at the rim who could jump and defend it from any pass for a tip in?
Cousins was pretty useless guarding the inbounds, looking slightly active before Crowder got the ball then tired and bored when it was time for him to do something.
That play rarely happens. Generally somebody will take a heave shot. But Booker set a pick instead, a tough one.
When you have a big who has such a high percentage of scoring around the rim, your first hope for a last second shot is always to get that play.
And of course they will run in circles and catch guys with picks. That’s no surprise. But to leave an open path to throw it at the rim for Ayton? That was their highest percentage play and should have been anticipated and eliminated.
Good on the Suns and especially Crowder for executing that to a T. How George can keep his head up and face his teammates and the media I don’t know. He’s going to be counted on again this series (if they don’t get blown out) and if he looks inept in a big moment again I would worry for the guy’s mental health. I’m not sure what comparable there is for a star player who just had repeated post season failures in big moments like this.
Not sure if I hate CP3 or the Clippers in general more. Definitely hate Booker.
Sounds like you just hate everybody
Paul George, career 85% from the line, bricking two free throws at the end was crucial.
Suns won’t get that lucky two more times this series.
The guy had a great 4th quarter, but missing FIVE FTs is unacceptable.
Suns are hopeful Chris Paul will be back…what else would they be?
brooms…
Hopefully, Paul wont be too greedy signing a new contract with Suns in the offseason. Once he opts out, 3 yrs for $75m sounds reasonable for both parties.
He should be as greedy as he can be. It’s his last NBA contract. He should get every dollar.
He will make more money in the long run building a lasting legacy with Suns – endorsements, coaching and executive opportunities, as well as business.
Whatever happens CP3 will get all those opportunities anyway.
The worst thing to do is ot opt out this year. There is no guarantee he will be effective or injury free in a year. In other words, it benefits both parties to compromise and sign a win win 3 yr contract this offseason.