PHOENIX SUNS

‘I’m back’: Suns’ Chris Paul announces his return in Game 4 against Lakers

May 30, 2021, 2:43 PM | Updated: 6:36 pm
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns lays up past the defense of Ale...
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns lays up past the defense of Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Chris Paul is back and he let all of Los Angeles know.

After hitting a fadeaway jump shot to put the Phoenix Suns up 68-54 over the Lakers in the third quarter, the point guard turned to the Staples Center crowd and yelled “I’m back.”

It was the second consecutive shot Paul made, and he later closed the third quarter with a driving layup and a pair of free throws.

It was a welcome sight for Suns fans to see the veteran playing more like his normal self. In the Suns’ 100-92 win, Paul recorded 18 points, nine assists and three rebounds on 7-of-15 shooting.

Paul was unable to make any of the three 3-point shots he attempted though — the first 3s he has attempted since his injury.

Paul was listed as questionable ahead of Game 4 and was a game-time decision after playing through Games 2 and 3 with the right shoulder issue that affected his ability to pass, dribble and shoot.

In the first three games of the series, Paul only attempted 21 total shots over 86 minutes and just one 3-pointer, a shot he made before the injury.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past the defense of Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against the dribble of Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Mikal Bridges #25 and Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns battle Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers for a rebound during the first half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond, top, and Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul go after a rebound during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns defends against the dribble of Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol defends during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton dunks during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso defends during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers is fouled by Jae Crowder #99 as he lands on Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns lays up past the defense of Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns defends against a pass to LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, reacts after dunking as Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson takes the ball during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

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