The Denver Nuggets took a 3-2 lead over the Phoenix Suns after a comfortable 118-102 win in Game 5 of the series.
Chris Paul missed the third straight game of the series due to a left groin injury. In a way, it has been a blessing in disguise for the Suns. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone even pointed out in the pregame conference that the Suns are playing much faster without CP3 on the floor.
“This is not a shot at Chris Paul, because Chris Paul is one of the greatest to ever do it, but they’re playing so much faster right now.”
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Malone may have made it sound like it was not a shot at Paul, but it certainly seemed like one. The Nuggets were outplayed by the Suns in Games 3 and 4 when CP3 was injured. They managed to make a few adjustments in Game 5 and won the game.
But even during the loss, the Suns’ offense was much faster in the absence of Chris Paul. Michael Malone wants his team to be better in terms of defending their transition offense, as it has given them a problem throughout the series.
Chris Paul Could Return In Game 6
Whether the Suns’ offense runs slow due to Chris Paul or not, he’s still one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA.
Evidently, the Suns would prefer to have him on the court for the decisive Game 6 of the series. Well, Chris Paul gave some hope of a potential return.
The veteran point guard didn’t give a conclusive answer but revealed that he’s trying to make a comeback.
Prior to getting injured, Paul was averaging 12.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 7.4 APG. Sure, these are underwhelming numbers by his usual standards, but the Suns might also be missing his veteran leadership in the locker room.
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