Will Chris Paul Overcome Unfortunate History Of NBA Playoff Injuries?

Chris Paul is regarded as his generation’s best point guard.

A surefire Hall of Famer, Paul has written an incredible basketball resume that includes 11 All-Star selections, nine All-NBA team selections, and nine All-Defensive Team honors.

However, playoff success has eluded the Phoenix Suns backcourt general, no thanks to a slew of untimely injuries the 36-year-old playmaker has sustained at quite the most unfortunate of circumstances.

The most recent was during the 2018 Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors when he was still with the Houston Rockets.

Alongside superstar teammate James Harden, Paul and the Rockets raced to a 3-2 lead, 48 minutes away from dethroning the then-defending champions.

However, Paul had a hamstring tear, causing him to miss Games 6 and 7 where his impact was obviously felt absent. The Warriors went on to clinch the finals seat in the West and swept the Cleveland Cavaliers, 4-0, to win the NBA title.

Back in the 2014-15 season, Paul was on his way for a remarkable run, playing all 82 games but also injuring his hamstring during Game 7 of the first round against the San Antonio Spurs.

His then-team, the Los Angeles Clippers, would advance and managed to take a 3-1 lead despite him sitting out the next two games.

However, the Rockets would claw back from a 3-1 deficit to eliminate Paul and the Clippers.

Now, the Phoenix Suns clearly need Paul’s production and leadership. The veteran barely played in Game 2, still affected by his right shoulder injury sustained in Game 1.

Fortunately, the Suns won the pivotal Game 4, 100-92, to force a 2-2 deadlock against the Los Angeles Lakers with Paul scoring 18 points and dishing out nine assists.

If the Suns are to overcome the Lakers, it will take a superhuman effort from the entire group to keep their season alive—as well as Paul’s quest to finally make it to the NBA Finals.

If not, then the door is slowly closing for Paul, and his career plagued by injuries shall be one of the eternal “what-if” talking points that will be discussed when everything is said and done.