In a major setback for the Phoenix Suns, their star point guard Chris Paul has been ruled out for Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Clippers due to the NBA's health and safety protocols.
The news came as a surprise to many, as Paul had been instrumental in leading the Suns to a 3-2 series lead and was expected to play a key role in Game 6, which could clinch the Suns' first NBA Finals appearance in 28 years.
The NBA's health and safety protocols are designed to protect players and staff from COVID-19, and require any player who tests positive, or who has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, to quarantine for a period of time.
It is unclear at this time whether Paul has tested positive for COVID-19, or if he is in quarantine due to being in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
Regardless of the reason, Paul's absence is a significant blow to the Suns' chances of advancing to the NBA Finals. Paul has been a dominant force in the playoffs, averaging 18.7 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 51.9% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range.
Paul's absence also puts pressure on the Suns' other players to step up and fill the void left by the All-Star point guard. Devin Booker, who has been the Suns' leading scorer throughout the playoffs, will likely be asked to shoulder even more of the scoring load in Game 6.
In addition to Booker, the Suns will need strong performances from players like Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Payne if they hope to clinch the series without Paul.
The Suns have been one of the surprise teams of the NBA playoffs this year, with Paul playing a significant role in their success. After being acquired in a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder last offseason, Paul has revitalized the Suns' franchise, leading them to the second-best record in the Western Conference and earning All-Star honors for the 11th time in his career.
The Suns have also benefited from the emergence of young stars like Booker and Ayton, who have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the playoffs.
Despite Paul's absence, the Suns still have a chance to clinch the series and advance to the NBA Finals. However, they will need to play at their best and get contributions from all of their players in order to do so.
The Suns will also need to overcome the Clippers' momentum, as they are coming off a dramatic Game 5 win in Phoenix that saw them overcome a 16-point deficit and hold on for a 116-102 victory.
The Clippers have been without their own All-Star point guard, Kawhi Leonard, for the entire series due to a knee injury, but they have found ways to win without him. Paul George has been exceptional, averaging 29.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in the series, while Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann have also stepped up with big performances.
Game 6 will take place in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, and the Suns will need to bring their A-game if they hope to close out the series and advance to the NBA Finals. With or without Chris Paul, the Suns have shown they are a resilient team that is capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.