Suns G Chris Paul appears to reinjure shoulder in Game 5 vs. Lakers

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns were blowing the Los Angeles Lakers out firmly, up 33 points midway through the third quarter when point guard Chris Paul appeared to reinjure his right shoulder.

Fighting Lakers guard Wesley Matthews on Tuesday in Game 5 of their first-round series, Paul got tangled and went down grabbing the shoulder he’d initially hurt in Game 1.

Paul got up and briefly had a word aimed at Lakers players before he was guided to the bench in pain.

The play was reviewed, a common foul was affirmed and Phoenix called a timeout to buy Paul more time just as he was getting up, ready to shoot his free throws.

Paul knocked down both free throws out of the delay in action before Suns head coach Monty Williams pulled him for Cam Payne.

CP3 made both his free throws and is pulled for Cam Payne. pic.twitter.com/wPSroXNowi

— Kevin Zimmerman (@KZimmermanAZ) June 2, 2021

Chris Paul to the locker room pic.twitter.com/5xUntxjIac

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) June 2, 2021

Phoenix at that point held a 78-45 lead with 6:47 left in the third quarter.

Paul left the game with nine points and six assists in 23 minutes.

The Suns held on to beat the Lakers 115-85 to take a 3-2 lead in the opening-round series.

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