Chris Paul's Return Falls Flat in Loss to Celtics
It was a night that started with great fanfare as Phoenix Suns PG Chris Paul returned to action after being out for a month with right heel soreness.
A bandaged-up Paul hit the floor and looked a little slow but still was able to dish out the ball and record a steal in the first quarter before vanishing, along with the rest of the starting five, for the next three quarters en route to a 125-98 smackdown courtesy of the Boston Celtics.
Following the game, Devin Booker said Paul felt fine in his first taste of action since Nov. 7.
“He looked good and talking to him after the game he felt good, most importantly. Coming off any injury no matter how much time you take off, you’re going to be a little hesitant getting back into it. He said he was pain-free, didn’t feel anything and he’s ready to go, so that’s good news," Booker told reporters.
Perhaps it was naïve of both Suns coaching staff and fans to expect Paul’s early season struggles to go away against the team with the best record in the NBA.
So far this season Paul is averaging 9.5 points on 36.7% shooting compared to his career mark of 18.1 points on 47.3% shooting. He is still able to pass the rock around quite well matching his 9.5 assist average just below 9.4 this season. The Suns went 9-6 without him in uniform.
“I don’t want to sound too redundant, but this the first time for this so everything is new. I’m figuring it out," Paul said afterwards.
In some ways, it is almost inspiring to see the aging veteran learn how his skillset has changed and adapt to it. He is attempting a career-low average of 7.6 times a game but just making 2.8 of those shots. However, it is expected when you cheer for someone like Paul that you are seeing someone with the capability to take over games with their scoring ability.
Unfortunately, it is beginning to look like time has finally caught up with Paul in a way that is bigger than just a funk.
Suns coach Monty Williams will need to continue to rely on Cam Payne, who filled in as the starter in Paul’s absence.
Williams spoke most about what stood out about Payne by saying “That was one of the biggest growth moments for us, just having him out there starting games, ending games, in big situations at home and on the road.”
He elaborated, “That is a big hole and you can’t fill it by trying to be Chris, you have to fill it by being yourself, maybe a bit different but to your point, we hopefully have learned some things.”
The test continues for Paul and the rest of the Suns as they head to New Orleans to play a couple of games as they look to retake the one seed in the Western Conference against the Pelicans.
Game one is scheduled for Friday before wrapping up on Sunday and heading to Houston.
