Skip Bayless finds Phoenix Suns in DIRE NEED of Chris Paul, veteran point guard’s guidance is ‘missed’

Chris Paul's return looks to be crucial for the Phoenix Suns

Skip Bayless finds Phoenix Suns in DIRE NEED of Chris Paul, veteran point guard’s guidance is ‘missed’

Chris Paul (Image via Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns fall to the Denver Nuggets in Game 5, as they now trail 3-2 in the series. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic and Bruce Brown, asserted their authority over the Suns, who were without Chris Paul. Following his injury in Game 2, CP3 hasn’t returned yet in action. Paul suffered a groin injury during Game 2, after which he left. The Suns fell short to the Nuggets on the road, following which they responded with two straight wins in Phoenix.

As the series returned to Denver, the Nuggets were in full force to get ahead in the series. Kevin Durant put up 26 points and 11 rebounds, whereas Devin Booker scored 28 points and grabbed six boards. Both players could’ve done well on their part, but couldn’t last the Nuggets’ offense. The team really seemed in need of Chris Paul in Game 5.

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The Suns have definitely struggled after Paul’s injury. The team hasn’t won with a 10+ margin in this series. Paul provides experience to the roster as well as guidance. CP3 is averaging 12 points, five rebounds, and seven assists so far into the postseason. Apart from being the facilitator and the veteran presence, Paul is a serious mid-range threat.

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Taking his attributes into consideration, the Suns are in serious need of Paul. “Last night was the night they really missed Chris Paul. They needed his guidance, they needed his quarterbacking, they needed his presence. They needed somebody with some mental and physical toughness to settle them down and to set them back up where they needed to be set up.”, said Skip Bayless. As Game 6 closes in Chris Paul’s return status will be crucial for the Suns.

Related: Chris Paul injury update: Suns PG reveals whether he’ll play in team’s elimination game

Will Chris Paul return for Game 6?

Chris Paul
Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul (AP)

After evaluation, Paul was expected to be out till Game 5, and so did he. While he still recovers from his injury, Paul’s return on Thursday is held as potential. Devin Booker, the elite scorer couldn’t throw it all on the floor in a crucial Game 5.

As the series moves on, Booker and Durant will have to lead the Suns at home. Their chances of winning are at the highest as both the teams haven’t won a road game.

Paul’s potential return might come with limited minutes on the floor, though his guidance and spacing will definitely help the Suns rally past the Nuggets. It will be interesting to see whether the Nuggets can make it to the Conference Finals after three years.

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