DENVER (AP) – On Phoenix Suns guard point Chris Paul Still uncertain after leaving Game 2 with groin tightness in the third quarter on Monday night against Denver.
“We’ll find out more (Tuesday),” coach Monty Williams said after the 97-87 loss that allowed the Nuggets to take a 2-0 lead in the second-round series.
When asked if Paul might have an MRI, Williams replied, “We’re not quite sure yet. We’ll see.”
Paul has a few days to recover. Game three won’t be until Friday in Phoenix.
Paul was punching Kentavious Caldwell Pope when the Nuggets’ point guard advanced on the offensive rebound with less than 5 minutes left in the third quarter. Shortly after the play, Paul walked over to the bench and went into the locker room.
“He couldn’t push it or anything,” Williams explained. “We’re not quite sure what it is now, but it looks like something in the groin area.”
Paul recorded eight points and six assists in over 25 minutes of play.
“I mean, it’s an unfortunate event, of course,” Suns guard Devin Booker said. “I don’t know what he is yet. I haven’t really had to talk to him, but all we can do is hope he recovers quickly. We’ll be after him. We’ll nail him while he’s out or just in case he gets out. We’ll take it from there.”
Paul, who turns 38 on Saturday, ranks fifth on the NBA’s all-time assists list and 11th in steals.