On Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix, during the first half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, injured guard Chris Paul grabs his shoulder. (Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo)
After the Phoenix Suns’ 99-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, head coach Monty Williams was unable to address many of the inquiries from the public.
According to AZCentral’s Kent Somers, point guard Chris Paul suffered what the team described as a right shoulder contusion that is being described as a stinger.
Paul was hurt during an awkward play early in the second quarter, when he collapsed to the ground in obvious pain. After spending a few minutes on the ground, he covered his head with a towel and proceeded to the locker room.
Paul, who was obviously unable to use his right arm as he usually would for passing, dribbling, and shooting the basketball, returned later in the quarter and continued to play.
Williams stated on Monday, “He seems to be progressing in a good way.” “Although it’s evident that he hurts, that’s all we can say right now.”
On Monday, the Suns went through a walkthrough and watched a film.
Williams remarked, “We feel like he’s in a good place even though he’s sore. He was out there dribbling just now, going through his normal progressions.”
Paul’s willingness to play through a lot of tough situations makes it difficult for Williams to criticize the head coach’s explanation of the decisions made in the moment to allow Paul to continue playing.
“One of our medical staff members would alert me if they believed we were placing him in danger. Williams said, ‘He would never have been allowed to play. “After putting him through several tests in the back, they concluded that he couldn’t injure himself any more while playing.”
In 36 minutes, Paul finished with seven points and eight assists. He has only missed one game this season due to injury, and he rested during the final game.
Paul was not listed on the Suns’ Game 2 injury report, which is encouraging for his status.
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