PHOENIX SUNS

Chris Paul available, starting for Suns in Game 4 vs. Lakers

May 30, 2021, 12:07 PM | Updated: 12:08 pm

Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a free-throw shot against the LA Clippers during the NBA g...

Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a free-throw shot against the LA Clippers during the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on April 28, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 109-101. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul is available and starting for Sunday’s Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Suns head coach Monty Williams said pregame that Paul was a game-time decision after being listed as questionable due to a right shoulder contusion.

Paul did not practice Saturday after Game 3 on Thursday marked the third straight of the series where Paul was affected by the injury that occurred in Game 1.

The veteran point guard started Games 2 and 3 and played through the right shoulder issue as his ability to pass, dribble and shoot became more compromised the longer the game went on. Williams played Paul’s backup Cam Payne to close out the last two games, with Paul’s struggles reaching a high point in the fourth quarters.

The stats are telling in terms of Paul’s status. He has only attempted 21 total shots over 86 minutes and just one three-pointer, a shot he made before the injury. Paul is also 3-of-6 from the foul line, an area where he led the league in efficiency at 93.4%.

After Game 3, Paul was not willing to comment on what was affecting him the most with the injury and said everyone is “a little banged up” in the playoffs.

Phoenix Suns

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Why are the Phoenix Suns being so elusive?

The Phoenix Suns held a press conference Wednesday for owner Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones, and Dan Bickley can't help but ponder why the organization is being so elusive about tabout the future of head coach Frank Vogel.

4 hours ago

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia (Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports)...

Kellan Olson

Suns remain confident, paint picture beyond bleak end to season

The Phoenix Suns officially concluded the 2023-24 season with a strange end-of-season availability for Mat Ishbia and James Jones.

19 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Optimistic about the Phoenix Suns? Mat Ishbia and James Jones are, but why?

Burns & Gambo react to the optimism of Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones following their Wednesday press conference.

22 hours ago

Mat Ishbia faces critical offseason after the Suns disappointing finish to the 2023-24 NBA season....

Kevin Zimmerman

Mat Ishbia says he hasn’t discussed Suns coach Frank Vogel’s future

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia didn't issue a statement of support or confirmation that Frank Vogel will return for a second season in charge.

24 hours ago

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker...

Kevin Zimmerman

Who’s most tradeable of the Suns’ Big 3? ESPN’s Bobby Marks answers

The Phoenix Suns' Big Three of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal might stick together. If not, it could be tough to trade them.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Is change necessary for the Phoenix Suns?

Dan Bickley says change is necessary for the Phoenix Suns during his Bickley Blast.

1 day ago

Chris Paul available, starting for Suns in Game 4 vs. Lakers