Chris Paul Injured, Not Expected to Return vs Nuggets

Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul exited Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets with an apparent groin injury suffered towards the end of the third quarter. TNT's broadcast said the veteran floor general is not expected to return before the Suns officially ruled him out for the rest of the night with left groin tightness.

chris paul grabbing at his groin after this play here pic.twitter.com/pgytRjqaES
— Cage (@ridiculouscage) May 2, 2023

The injury happened with just under five minutes and Phoenix up by eight points. Paul finishes his night with eight points on 4-of-10 shooting, though he did have five rebounds and six assists before leaving.

The Suns have been fairly banged up in the backcourt, as backup point guard Cameron Payne was out for a good portion of Phoenix's first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers with a lower back injury.

In Paul's absence, Payne and the other players in the backcourt are expected to show up in major fashion. Though the Suns' offense runs through Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Paul's ability to facilitate and provide his overall veteran presence can't be replicated by anybody else on the roster.

Thus far, guards such as Payne and Damion Lee have filled in against Denver in Game 2. Landry Shamet - who received big minutes in nearly every game before tonight - has yet to play, along with Terrence Ross.

The Suns will have a few days for Paul to rest and potentially be ready for a Game 3 back in Phoenix on Friday.