Suns’ Monty Williams to play Cam Payne ‘in spurts’ in return from injury

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne is in the starting lineup for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Payne has been out since Jan. 20 due to a right wrist sprain that caused him to miss 15 games. He was seen warming up with tape on his wrist.

Cam Payne getting loose pic.twitter.com/zOavU7eGbg

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) March 3, 2022

Head coach Monty Williams told reporters pregame that he was going to try to do the best he can to play both Payne and guard Aaron Holiday “in spurts.”

“I think it’ll help Aaron’s ankle, but also help Cam get reacclimated,” Williams said. “When you’ve been out as long as Cam, playing in longer stretches, you tend to reach a point of diminishing returns with guys — the shelf life, it comes up quick.

“So I’m hopeful to play both of those guys in five-six minute stretches and just keep an eye on them, but hopefully get them in and out.”

Payne’s return is a timely one for the Suns, as Phoenix will be without All-Star guard Devin Booker after being placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols early on Wednesday.

The Suns will also be missing point guard Chris Paul, who continues to recover from a thumb injury.

“I think it just gives us more balance to the rotation for sure, having another ball-handler who knows who what we’re about and what we’re trying to do,” Williams added. “It’ll help Aaron settle into his role.

“Obviously guys will have to take on more of a responsibility. But not one person has to do it. I think more than anything our defense in the third quarter has to be better than it has been post All-Star.”

Payne was shooting very well before the injury. In 12 games before Jan. 20, he shot 44.8% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc.

The guard also played well in Paul’s absence during the Western Conference Finals last summer. He scored 40 points in two games against the Los Angeles Clippers while Paul was in health and safety protocols.

Payne’s return comes as the Suns have a 6.5-game lead over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference standings with 21 games remaining.

Phoenix hosts Portland at 8 p.m. You can catch the action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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