Devin Booker knows it will be difficult for the Phoenix Suns if Chris Paul is sidelined in their Western Conference Finals series against the Los Angeles Clippers, but he understands there is little he can do with regards to the situation.
With that said, Booker has one simple message to his Suns teammates as they face the problem together.
“Just control what we can control,” Booker said when asked on potentially playing without CP3, per Gerald Bourguet of Fan Sided.
Chris Paul's status remains unclear after entering the league's health and safety protocols due to COVID-19. The team announced he is still day-to-day due to the protocol, but it is looking more and more likely he'll be out for Game 1 which starts Sunday.
For what it's worth, as Shams Charania of The Athletic noted previously, the isolation period for vaccinated players could be shorter. Matt Barnes recently said on ESPN that Paul told him he has been vaccinated.
Devin Booker also highlighted that the Suns need to have the “next man up” mentality in the event that Paul really misses games. While the veteran guard is a critical part of Phoenix's success so far–averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 assists and 1.2 steals with just 1.4 turnovers in the 2021 playoffs–there is also no doubt the team is filled with young talents who can step up.
Aside from Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Cameron Payne are more than capable of making an impact if given the chance.
Hopefully, though, Paul won't be sidelined for long and make his return sooner rather than later.
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