Chris Paul's return for Game 3 was highly anticipated but it didn't exactly end in an ideal way. The Phoenix Suns lost to the Los Angeles Clippers, 106-92, seeing an end to their nine-game winning streak.
It was a bit ironic that the Suns tasted defeat in Paul's return after sitting out several days for testing positive for COVID-19. He finished with 15 points but only made five of his 19 attempts from the field, including 1-of-7 from long distance. He did have 12 assists and three steals.
As with most players coming off a long layoff, Paul wasn't in optimal shape. Suns coach Monty Williams took responsibility for giving heavy minutes right away to his floor general. His short assessment said it all (via ESPN).
“Probably got tired.”
The 36-year-old Paul also admitted that his performance was not up to par.
“I have to get better. I shot terrible. You could tell they had a lot more energy. I got to pick up the pace.”
To be fair, Williams was forced to play Paul for an extended time, close to 39 minutes to be exact, after backup point guard Cameron Payne exited the game after playing just four minutes due to a left ankle injury.
Paul is not exactly new to playing heavy minutes but he was still obviously out of his rhythm. He got outplayed by Clippers playmaker Reggie Jackson who had 23 points on 9-of-17 marksmanship.
Chris Paul is expected to be in his top form in Game 4 as the Suns look to take a commanding 3-1 lead before heading back home.
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