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Chris Paul Injury Update: Phoenix Suns Veteran Set to Return on Thursday vs Clippers

Published 06/24/2021, 12:45 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

After what was one of the craziest endings to a playoff game in recent years, the LA Clippers will try to climb out of their 2-0 hole in Game 3. The Phoenix Suns couldn’t have gotten a happier ending as they won in the last 0.9 seconds of Game 2. However, the good news doesn’t end there. Their veteran leader Chris Paul is expected to be back on the court in their third game.

This will help them send the Clippers to a point of no return. No team has ever made it back after a 3-0 deficit and with Chris Paul back, the chances are bleaker.

Chris Paul cleared to play

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As per the league’s health and safety protocols, Chris Paul was quarantined in Los Angeles after he tested positive for the Coronavirus. However, he has been symptom-free since last week.

Reportedly, he was also vaccinated among other NBA players in February. Hence, his isolation time was shorter than compared to those who did not get their shot.

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And now, rumor has it that Paul has been cleared and intends to make his return for Game 3.

“Paul underwent a cardio exam on Wednesday morning and passed. Which is the final step to clearing the health and safety protocols.” revealed sources.

WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James Flops 2021: From Chris Paul to Draymond Green

Phoenix Suns holding the fort well

Paul’s presence on the court makes all the difference in the world. But the Suns have been able to fill that void in the past two games.

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First, Devin Booker dominated Game 1 by recording the first triple-double of his career. He ended the night with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Although he wasn’t at his best in Game 2, Cameron Payne stepped up. He was the one who replaced Chris in the starting lineup and did justice to it by keeping the Clippers fighting to grab a lead in Game 2.

USA Today via Reuters

However, it was DeAndre Ayton’s dunk in the last second of the game that was the final nail in the coffin for the Clippers. And with Kawhi Leonard ruled out of Game 3, once again, the Clippers will need another blockbuster performance from Paul George if they want a second chance in this series. Can Chris Paul be the Phoenix Suns trump card for Game 3?

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Written by:

Yashima Bhatia

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Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.
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