Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul fractured his left hand halfway by way of the third quarter of Friday night time’s 113-109 win over the Detroit Pistons and can endure surgical procedure subsequent week, the crew introduced after the sport.
He’s anticipated to return this season. With 6:06 remaining within the third, Paul tried to seize an extended rebound off a missed 3-pointer when his hand awkwardly made contact with Detroit’s Jaden Ivey.
Paul instantly began grabbing at his hand after which headed to the locker room. There is no such thing as a timetable for his return. Relying on which bones are injured, a fractured hand can take 1-2 months to heal.
Per a number of NBA betting websites, the Golden State Warriors maintain Eleventh-best odds to win this season’s championship. Sportsbooks are exhibiting higher odds for the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Phoenix Suns.
Chris Paul went to the locker room after showing to injure his hand on this play pic.twitter.com/phKrunsV9s
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 6, 2024
“That’s robust,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated. “I really feel so unhealthy for Chris. And I do know he’s had a few hand surgical procedures earlier than, I imagine, perhaps however. I noticed him holding it and immediately was fearful.
“Simply received the phrase after strolling off the ground. So I really feel horrible for Chris, and clearly, guys will step up and be able to play. We’ve received to carry down the fort with out him.”
Paul has an intensive historical past of accidents in his 19-year enjoying profession, 11 of which had been hand accidents — 5 to his left and 6 to his proper.
The 12-time All-Star has had 4 surgical procedures on his hand or wrist, most just lately on his left wrist whereas with the Suns, following his 2021 NBA Finals look.
Chris Paul has three video games with 10 assists and nil turnovers this season, the second-most within the NBA
“I simply really feel unhealthy for him. I do know he’s been by way of some hand stuff in his profession,” Stephen Curry stated. “We’re looking for a groove as a crew … and he’s been such an enormous a part of that.”
Chris Paul, 38, has made 10 begins in 31 video games with Golden State this season. The 11-time All-NBA member is averaging 9.0 factors, 3.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 27.7 minutes per sport.
In response to ESPN Stats & Data, the 6-foot guard has recorded three video games with 10 assists and nil turnovers this season, the second-most within the NBA behind Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.
Breaking: Chris Paul suffered a fractured left hand vs. the Pistons and can have surgical procedure subsequent week, the Warriors introduced. pic.twitter.com/AQc61mOc5U
— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2024
Moreover, Paul’s 6.1 assist-to-turnover ratio this season is the second-best within the league, trailing Tyus Jones.
In Golden State’s 132-122 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 30, Paul notched a season-high 24 factors, two rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 33 minutes as a starter.
Kerr added Paul to the beginning lineup 4 video games in the past to assist get Curry off the ball extra. The transfer was additionally made as a result of Draymond Inexperienced remains to be serving his indefinite suspension.
Golden State Warriors’ turnover proportion will increase to a league-worst 16.2% when Paul is off the court docket
“I’m in a position to alter to no matter is on the market. I do know that’s one other problem now going again to a different totally different lineup with CP out,” Curry stated. “I’ve received to have the ability to make the changes, Klay’s received to do the identical, for us to proceed to be aggressive.”
Paul is averaging just one.2 turnovers per sport. When the reserve guard is on the court docket, the Warriors have a 13.2% turnover proportion, Tenth-best within the NBA. Golden State’s proportion will increase to 16.2% when he’s off the ground, the worst within the league.
“I really feel for him, however on the similar time, it’s subsequent man up,” rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis stated. “Chris by no means loses his voice and so being on the bench, with the ability to discuss to us, that’s one in every of his largest attributes and that’s one thing that he gained’t lose. He’ll nonetheless be invested within the sport.”
Moreover Inexperienced and Paul, the one different Warriors participant on the damage report is veteran guard Gary Payton II, who stays out indefinitely with a left hamstring pressure.
After Paul’s damage, the Warriors are anticipated to rely extra on Cory Joseph and Brandin Podziemski. Earlier than Kerr moved Paul into the beginning lineup Dec. 30, Podziemski was a part of the primary unit.