‘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 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.”
CP3. TOUGH. pic.twitter.com/osvZKOzn4O
— ESPN (@espn) May 30, 2021
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.
Yeah. Chris Paul's shoulder is feeling better. pic.twitter.com/zixPXRnnZB
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) May 30, 2021
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.
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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.
